VKNews

What a week for Visual Kei announcements. We're hitting that sweet spot where established acts are gearing up for summer tours while fresh faces are staking their claims—and honestly, the energy is *electric*. **New Blood & Band Formations** The big story here is the emergence of genuine new projects. Kaishin no Ichigeki reunited ex-JACK CAPER members and actually *formed a functioning band*, while Erzsébet Project brought together Monet and KD in a gothic collaboration that's already scheduled for a May live. Over in the underground, Sirius locked in their debut album for July—these are the stories that remind us the scene stays vital. **The Album Onslaught** Dir En Grey's *MORTAL DOWNER* continues dominating conversation (shout-out to Kaoru's deep-dive in Rock and Read 124), but there's serious momentum elsewhere too. lynch. dropped *CLIMAX* alongside a national 2026 tour, BLAZE went full darkness with the "ABYSS" digital single and MV, and we...

Ex-members of Japanese Visual Kei act JACK CAPER have banded together to form **Kaishin no Ichigeki** (かいしんの一撃), and their reveal was nothing short of gaming nostalgia. The newly formed quartet unveiled themselves on April 19th through a charmingly retro announcement video styled after classic Dragon Quest RPGs—a fitting aesthetic for a band whose name translates to "Critical Hit" or "Fatal Strike." Following the video, each member received individual introductions accompanied by teaser clips of their upcoming sound. **Who's in the lineup?** - **Hiro (飛炉)** – Vocals - **Choco (ちょこ)** – Guitar (also ex-STRESS COMPANY) - **U** – Bass (also ex-STRESS COMPANY) - **Suguru (英)** – Drums While all four members hail from JACK CAPER, they're notably not from the band's final lineup, suggesting this project draws from an earlier era of the group's history. The presence of Choco and U—both of whom also played in STRESS COMPANY—hints at a deeper his...

Sid guitarist Shinji is back with the second collection from his original fashion brand No Effect, and this drop proves he's just as thoughtful about design as he is about guitar work. **About Sid:** For those unfamiliar, Sid is a Japanese Visual Kei band known for their dark, atmospheric sound and theatrical presentation. Shinji, the band's guitarist, has channeled his creative vision beyond music into a fashion venture that mirrors the VK ethos of authenticity and artistic expression. No Effect operates on a straightforward philosophy: zero unnecessary effects, all natural materials. Rather than chasing trends, the brand celebrates raw craftsmanship and how pieces develop character over time. The second collection stays true to this vision while keeping everyday wearability at the forefront—think refined minimalism meets genuine substance. **What's in the Drop:** The new lineup features four carefully curated pieces. A pick-motif necklace in cow leather and bras...

After marking their 20th anniversary with a final celebratory show at Tokyo Garden Theater in December, lynch. is stepping into year 21 with major announcements: a brand new studio album and an extensive national tour. **CLIMAX arrives this summer** *CLIMAX* drops July 1st, 2026—their first full-length original album in over three years (since 2023's *REBORN*). This marks their 12th studio outing. The album title itself carries weight: "climax" signals a peak moment, a crescendo. What concept and emotional depth the band has poured into the record remains to be revealed, though we can expect their signature evolving sound to push boundaries once again. The band's new artist visual perfectly captures the album's aesthetic: members standing composed amid a decaying Western mansion, bathed in shadows yet pierced by light. It's quintessential lynch.—dark, theatrical, and visually arresting. **Two edition formats available** The Limited Edition (¥6,600 /...

SHAZNA isn't slowing down in 2026. The legendary Visual Kei pioneers have announced an ambitious release schedule alongside an impressive slate of live performances that'll keep fans busy throughout the year. For those unfamiliar with SHAZNA's legacy: the band emerged from Japan's 1990s Visual Kei golden age, fronted by the charismatic IZAM. Known for theatrical presence and melodic rock sensibilities, they've maintained a devoted following despite numerous lineup changes and hiatuses. Their recent appearance at the CROSS ROAD Fest last November—where they pulled double duty across both festival days alongside La'cryma Christi—proved the band remains a draw for nostalgic VK enthusiasts and newer fans alike. **What's Coming:** Starting July 7, 2026, SHAZNA will roll out six consecutive digital singles over a six-month period. Details on the releases are forthcoming, but this marks a serious commitment to new material. The anniversary celebrations ki...

Visual Kei outfit BLAZE have dropped a haunting new digital single that showcases the band's signature atmospheric darkness. "ABYSS" arrives as a stripped-down yet intensely cinematic release, complete with a full music video that captures the group's theatrical sensibilities. For those unfamiliar with BLAZE, the band has carved out a distinctive niche within the Visual Kei landscape with their moody, introspective sound and visually striking presentations. The band features vocalist 澪 (Mio), guitarist nero, bassist クルル (Kururu), and drummer 螢ちゃん (Hotaru-chan)—a lineup that brings compelling chemistry to their darker material. "ABYSS" is characterised by a brooding intensity that pulls listeners into its conceptual depths. The track's minimalist approach actually amplifies its emotional weight, allowing each instrumental layer to breathe while maintaining the band's theatrical edge. The accompanying music video, which you can watch in full on...