コテ系 (Kote Kei) is probably the most recognizable subgenre of ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) because of it’s pleather, roses, spider webs, corsets, mesh and black teardrop makeup – all drawing influence from the mid-90s and early 00s gothic fashion. The term “コテ” (Kote) comes from the onomatopoeia “コテコテ” (Kotekote), and means “over the top” or “extremely” in English – something this genre can definitely be described as.
While often seen as the “original” subgenre of ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) there are still artists, “old” and “new”, who incorporate this style in their work to this very day.
THE SOUND BEE HD are about to release their new best of album, titled “GHOST WORST FOREST”, on September 18, 2013!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid-September you can get your hands on a 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
During the European tour in April of last year, we already got to sit down with Kiwamu for an interview regarding the tour and the activities of BLOOD at that time. But as mentioned in that interview, Kiwamu is probably just as known for his activities as the owner of not one, but two record labels in Japan:
Calmando Qual are about to release their new single, titled “闇を貫く激情の輝き” (Yami wo Tsuranuku Geikijou no Kagayaki), on January 30, 2013!
The single will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of January, you can get a copy early
THE SOUND BEE HD are about to release their new mini-album, titled “cross”, on January 23, 2013!
The album shall be released through Starwave Records and… this time there is no way to secure your copy early at live shows.
Starwave Records has published the following comment about
SUICIDE ALI are about to release their second album, titled “Tainted Gallery”, on September 12, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid-September you can secure your copy early starting at August 19 at the oneman
Starwave Records is about to release a new label compilation CD, titled “Starwave Records vol.2”, on August 1, 2012!
Starwave Records has published the following comment about the release:
“An omnibus commemorating 2 years since the formation of Starwave Records!
The label
THE SOUND BEE HD are about to release the second press edition of their mini-album, titled “葬” (Sou), on July 11, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid July you can secure your copy early starting at May 17 during
Tokami are about to release their new best of album, titled “Schwarz Kain”, on June 6, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the early June you can secure your copy early starting at May 9 during the release party at
Calmando Qual are about to release their third full album, titled “BLACK SHEEP”, on June 27, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of June, you can secure your copy early starting at May 18 during the release
During their “European tour 2012” BLOOD stopped at P60 in Amstelveen on April 12 to play their show for the fans who had been waiting outside for most of the afternoon already.
We also went to check out their performance, and took some photos while we were there. You can find these photos on our portfolio,
Today we managed to sit down with the founder and leader of BLOOD, Kiwamu.
This interview was quite a hassle to do, since let me tell you, getting dental work done mere hours before an interview isn’t the greatest idea someone can ever have, but there was no way around it. Luckily Kiwamu was very understanding