On this account, I’ll be talking about Visual Kei, its history, and popular bands! 🎤🎸
(I’m new to this app, soo a lot of things are still a bit confusing for me 🙏🏻) There's not much info about Visual Kei online, and it’s often hard to find, so if I can help anyone interested in this topic, I'd be super happy !! ᕦ༼✩ل͜✩༽ᕤ
Before We Begin: I apologize for any spelling mistakes, as English isn’t my first language. 🙇♀️
This post will include: What Visual Kei is, Visual Kei genres, and information about Visual Kei bands.
Okay class, first lesson!! (≧▽≦)
Visual Kei (Vkei) is a music and fashion subculture that originated in Japan. The term "visual style" refers to a concept that involves not just music but also dramatic stage costumes, makeup, and overall aesthetics. It was popularized in the late 1980s and early 1990s by bands like X Japan.
1. Visuals: Vkei artists often dress in androgynous styles that challenge gender norms. Expect colorful hair, exaggerated costumes, dramatic makeup, and theatrical accessories!
2. Music Genre: Vkei bands generally blend rock and metal influences with other genres like punk, pop, gothic, etc.
3. Performance: Stage performances are theatrical, often focusing on storytelling and creating a dramatic atmosphere.
1. Eroguro Kei (Erotic-Grotesque Kei):
Features: As the name suggests, Eroguro Kei combines erotic and grotesque elements. It is known for its dark and disturbing aesthetic. Costumes are often scary, vampiric, or horror-themed. Stage performances frequently include images of fear, death, and taboo subjects.
Examples: Some periods of Malice Mizer and the early years of Dir En Grey(visual kei era) MAYBE close to this style.
Genre: Gothic Rock, Baroque Pop
Active Years: 1992 - 2001
Known for their gothic and theatrical style, the band pushed visual elements to the extreme. The era with Gackt as the vocalist is particularly famous. Iconic songs include "Beast of Blood" and "Bel Air."
Malice Mizer debuted in 1992, creating a legacy with their gothic, baroque, and theatrical approach. Over their career, they went through three different vocalists, each bringing unique styles. Their most famous era was with Gackt as the vocalist (1995–1999). After the death of drummer Kami in 1999, the band eventually disbanded in 2001. Despite their short lifespan, they are considered one of the most iconic Visual Kei bands.
Genre: Alternative Metal, Progressive Rock
Active Years: 1997 - present
With a darker and more experimental sound, the band has transcended the boundaries of Visual Kei, gaining an international fan base. Songs like "Obscure" and "The Final" have had a massive impact on the Visual Kei scene.
Starting in 1997 as a more traditional Visual Kei band, Dir en Grey quickly evolved into a group with a darker, more experimental sound. They have toured extensively in Europe and the US, building a global fan base. Albums like "Withering to Death" and "Uroboros" showcase their transition into alternative and progressive metal, solidifying their status as an innovative force in rock music.
Features: Kote Kei represents the traditional and classic style of Visual Kei. In this subgenre, stage performances and costumes are usually darker and more serious. Black, red, and metallic colors are typically prominent. The fashion consists of costumes that combine both masculine and feminine elements, often with gothic touches.
Examples: X Japan and early Luna Sea can be considered examples of this style.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock
Active Years: 1982 - present (with breaks)
Pioneers of Visual Kei and one of the most influential bands in introducing this subculture to the world.
Formed in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi, X Japan is considered the pioneer of the Visual Kei movement. They gained immense popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums like "Blue Blood" and "Jealousy." After disbanding in 1997, the band reunited in 2007, continuing to perform globally. Their iconic song "Endless Rain" remains a Visual Kei anthem.
Genre: Rock, Progressive Rock
Active Years: 1989 - present
One of the most influential bands in the Japanese rock scene, known for their softer and more melodic sound. Popular tracks include "Rosier" and "I for You."
Formed in 1989, Luna Sea became a key figure in the Visual Kei scene. Their music blends melodic rock with progressive elements. They disbanded in 2000 but reunited in 2010 and have since continued to release new music and tour. Albums like "Mother" and "Shine" are iconic in their discography, and they remain a favorite in Japan's rock history.
Features: Oshare Kei is the more cheerful, colorful, and energetic side of Visual Kei. In this subgenre, the clothing is generally in pastel tones, stylish, fun, and sometimes "kawaii" (cute). The music is lighter, energetic, and sometimes contains pop-rock elements. The stage performances focus more on fun than visual aesthetics.
Examples: Bands like An Cafe and SCREW can be considered examples of this subgenre.
Genre: Oshare Kei, Pop Rock
Active Years: 2003 - 2019 (with breaks)
An Cafe (Antic Cafe) is one of the most well-known Oshare Kei bands, famous for their colorful and cheerful style. Their songs are often fun, energetic, and positive. Fans of the group are called "Cafekko."
An Cafe debuted in 2003 and became a leader of the Oshare Kei movement in the mid-2000s. After a hiatus in 2010, they returned in 2012 but announced their disbandment in 2019, concluding with a farewell tour.
Genre: Oshare Kei, Alternative Metal, Visual Kei
Active Years: 2006 - 2019
SCREW is one of the heavier and darker Oshare Kei bands. Their music features emotionally intense lyrics combined with powerful riffs and melodic elements.
Founded in 2006 by Byou and Jin, SCREW became a prominent name in the Visual Kei scene during the early 2010s. They disbanded in 2019 after 13 years.
Features: Angura Kei is a subgenre deeply connected to Japanese culture. This style blends traditional Japanese clothing (such as kimonos, samurai attire, etc.) with modern Vkei aesthetics. It is often inspired by Japanese history and culture.
Examples: Kagrra, and some older songs by PSYCHIC LOVER can be examples of this style.
Genre: Angura Kei, Neo-Japanese Rock
Active Years: 2000 - 2011
Kagrra, is a standout band in the Angura Kei subgenre. Their music blends traditional Japanese instruments and melodies with modern rock and Visual Kei aesthetics. Their lyrics often draw inspiration from Japanese mythology, folklore, and history. Stage costumes frequently incorporate traditional Japanese styles like kimono and samurai themes.
Debuting in 2000 as "CROW," they soon changed their name to "Kagrra,." The band disbanded in 2011, releasing their final album, "Hyakki Kenran." Tragically, vocalist Isshi passed away the same year. The group is considered a pioneer in fusing Japanese culture with modern music.
Genre: Rock, Anisong (Anime Songs), Angura Kei
Active Years: 1998 - present
PSYCHIC LOVER is a well-known name in Japan’s anisong scene, particularly for their work on anime and tokusatsu (Japanese sci-fi series) themes. They combine traditional Angura Kei aesthetics with the energy of anisong. Their music is often high-tempo, with powerful vocals and energetic guitar riffs.
The band rose quickly in the anisong scene in the early 2000s, gaining a dedicated fan base through their work on anime, Super Sentai, and tokusatsu projects. Their stage performances are dynamic and occasionally incorporate Japanese cultural elements in costumes and music videos, nodding to the Angura Kei style.
Each Vkei subgenre offers a different world in terms of both music and visuals. Simply labeling it as a "gothic stage" is an oversimplification. ☝🏻🤓
We’ve reached the end (╥﹏╥)
I’m finishing here. Honestlyy, if it were up to me, I’d write until morning, but I’m not sure if this will really reach people, so I don’t want to write for no reason. I’ll continue based on the interaction I get. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.
I wish you all healthy days. ♡
Written by: manaberrysoup
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