ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) started to form in Japan in the 1980’s, creating a genre where the visual performance of the artist is just as important as the music they make. The name itself is derived from the slogan “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock”, which was seen on the cover of X Japan’s second studio album “Blue Blood”, released in 1989.
By combining the often flamboyant and androgynous looks with their music, these artists tell the story of their works in a more theatrical way than other genres worldwide often do. The visual presentation also allows these artists to express themselves individually in their own creative style.
While ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) is the “top” of the genre, there are a lot of artists who can’t be categorized in any of it’s many subgenres but still have the ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) style in their works. That’s why we’ve collected them here, as well as bands from other countries that have been inspired by this unique genre.
umbrella are about to release their second mini-album, titled “モノクローム(黒)” (Monokuromu (Kuro)), on July 3, 2013!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the release date is set for early July, it’s possible to secure your copy early by purchasing it
Calmando Qual is quite well known in the European ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) scene, but let me introduce them anyway, just to make sure. They’re a gothic ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) band, which has formed in August of 2001 by vocalist Hibiki and guitarist Tak, but only signed with Starwave Records in 2010.
Their music
Plunklock is a relatively “new” ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) band on the scene, only officially starting in November of 2010. The four members decided they wanted to create a band that could inspire the world through it’s music.
Their music is characterized by aggressive instrumentals and a steady line of
“JUBILEE” is Versailles’ first major album under Warner Music Japan. With this new release comes a variety of new features and sounds, as well as a truly though-provoking performance.
The tracks on this album deviate from the heavier, symphonic metal sound to a gentler, airy, neo-classical
Versailles’ latest release, “Holy Grail”, is their second major release with Warner Music Japan, one heavily anticipated by fans. The album takes a slightly different turn from past works though the tracks still strongly incorporate neoclassicism and complex melodies. It is heavily
China’s first visual rock band, Silver Ash, have officially reunited in January of this year through the release of their single “Pretty but Evil” on January 4th.
The group has also set their sights on being a fully international band by offering songs in English, Chinese and Japanese.
燭台(怪) (Syokudai (Kakkokai) are about to release their very first mini album, titled “前田清隆” (Maeda Kiyotaka) on April 24, 2013!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of April, you can secure your copy early by purchasing
Capella are about to release their new single, titled “reminder”, on March 20, 2013!
The single will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for late March, you can secure a copy early at live shows starting March 14.
Starwave Records has published
Synk;yet are about to release their second mini-album, titled “Sarcred Symphony”, on April 17, 2013!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid-April, you can secure a copy early at the release party in 池袋CYBER (IkebukuroCYBER)
Capella are about to release their new single, titled “わすればな” (Wasurebana), on February 20, 2012!
The single will be released through Starwave Records, and even thought the official release date is planned for late February, you can secure a copy early starting at the release party in