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THE BACK HORN Announce "Explosive Heat Pure Land" Tour 2026

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Following the triumphant conclusion of their *Maniac Heaven Tour Vol. 17*, THE BACK HORN is ready to ignite summer 2026 with a brand-new one-man tour that promises raw intensity and cathartic release. **Who are THE BACK HORN?** For those unfamiliar, THE BACK HORN are a legendary Visual Kei institution—a band that has spent decades crafting a signature sound that balances theatrical darkness with genuine emotional depth. They're known for their evocative imagery, intricate compositions, and uncompromising live performances that leave audiences spiritually transformed. **What's coming in summer 2026** The band just announced the *"KYO-MEI One-Man Tour" ~ Explosive Sound, Scorching Heat, Pure Land ~*, a six-show tour across five cities running from July through September. This marks their first self-promoted tour to include Gifu and Kobe in years—a significant moment for longtime fans in these regions. The tour's concept—"Explosive Sound, Scorching He...

SUI Solo Acoustic Latin America Tour Announced

SUI is taking his solo acoustic project across Latin America this year—and Western fans who've been jealously watching Japanese visual kei artists tour everywhere *except* their region might want to pay attention. The former David and current Fatüm vocalist will headline a series of dates under the tour banner *Visual Kei Lights: Aesthetic Gothic Light Tour*, hitting Brazil (two shows), Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. RIT Agency, the promoter behind this run, is also in negotiations to add Spain to the itinerary, so keep an eye out for further announcements. For those unfamiliar with SUI's solo work: after David disbanded, SUI carved out a distinctive niche performing stripped-back acoustic arrangements of visual kei material. These aren't watered-down versions—they're reimaginings that strip away the band's wall of sound to expose the raw emotion underneath. If you've heard the hype around Miku's recent candlelight acoustic tour (also promoted by RIT), thi...

Cloudy Announce 2nd Album & Nationwide 15-Date Tour

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Cloudy are ramping up their momentum with the announcement of their second full-length album and an ambitious nationwide tour spanning August through November 2026. **できるだけ感動の方へ** (Dekiru Dake Kandō no Hō e) drops August 5, 2026 on the Cloudy label at ¥2,500. This marks the first CD release with the band's current lineup and arrives nearly two years after their debut album. The project compiles previously released digital singles, including "無責任な肯定を" (Musekinin na Kōtei wo), which won the RO JACK audition tournament last year, plus three consecutive monthly releases from early 2026: "サミダレ," "孤軍奮闘歌," and "捧ぐ." The **2nd Album 'Dekiru Dake Kandō no Hō e' Release Tour** kicks off August 15 with a battle-of-the-bands show at Chiba LOOK, sweeping across eight additional regional venues through September. The tour then pivots to a one-man show circuit beginning October 1 at Tokyo's Shibuya WWW X—an added date after the November ...

Fall of Tears Release "Hakuchuumu" Single

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Fall of Tears have blessed us with their ninth single, "白昼夢" (Hakuchuumu / Daydream), which dropped on April 1st, 2026. For those still discovering this outfit, Fall of Tears are a Visual Kei band known for their atmospheric sound and theatrical presentation — they sit comfortably in the darker, more introspective corner of the VK spectrum. The single's title translates to "Daydream," and based on the TuneCore Japan listing, it's a substantial 6-minute track. That runtime suggests we're getting something cinematic and layered here — not a throwaway pop-oriented cut, but a proper deep-dive into Fall of Tears' signature aesthetic. This is their ninth release, so we're looking at a band with real staying power and an established sonic identity. The artwork for "Hakuchuumu" maintains the moody, muted color palette we'd expect from the band — all grays and blacks with minimal visual fuss. It's the kind of cover that photograp...

EPHEME Formed: New VK Band with Ex-Members Lineup

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A promising new Visual Kei band has officially launched. EPHEME (エフェメ), which translates to "ephemeral," formed back in March and is already building momentum with scheduled live appearances across Tokyo's underground scene. The band's debut live took place on March 24th, marking an exciting entry point for a supergroup lineup drawing from several respected VK acts. EPHEME's next performance will be part of the **cultivate common values** live series on **April 6th at Ikebukuro EDGE** — a perfect opportunity for Western fans in Japan or those traveling to catch them early. **Meet the members:** **Emiru** (Vocals) previously fronted CRICK×CLACK (クリッククラック), bringing vocal experience to EPHEME's sound. On **guitar**, **Nazora** (なぞら) has played in both **re:gletA** and **KIMIGAWARUI**, two bands known for intricate instrumentation and darker aesthetics. **Shiu** (志憂) handles **bass duties** and comes from HUMAN ERROR, rounding out a lineup of musicians w...

Kagerou Reunion: VK Big Three Unite for 2026 Concert

One of Visual Kei's most anticipated reunions is finally happening. Kagerou, MERRY, and MUCC—the legendary "Big Three" of 2000s Visual Kei—will share the stage together for the first time on **July 30th, 2026**, in a special three-way collaboration billed as "Daisuke Festival!!" (大佑祭り!!). The concert marks part of MERRY's 25th-anniversary celebration series and celebrates the birthday of MERRY's Daisuke. For those unfamiliar, these three bands defined the sound and aesthetic of early-2000s Visual Kei. MERRY emerged as pioneers of the theatrical, experimental side of the movement; MUCC crafted darker, more atmospheric soundscapes; and Kagerou brought ethereal, melodic heaviness to the table. All three bands shaped an entire generation of VK fans. **Kagerou's return is particularly significant.** The band has been largely inactive since their disbandment, so news of their reunion has sent shockwaves through the Western VK community. Confirmed partic...

Merry Announce "Daisuke Matsuri" Reunion with MUCC & Hizame Icons

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A legendary three-band convergence is happening this July. Merry have announced **"Daisuke Matsuri!!"** (Daisuke Festival), a special one-night-only event at Tokyo's Zepp Haneda on **July 30th, 2026** — timed to coincide with vocalist Gala's birthday and part of Merry's 25th Anniversary celebration, *Many Merry Days*. What makes this event historic? For the first time ever, the early 2000s Visual Kei "Big Three" — **Merry, MUCC, and Hizame** — will perform together in a dedicated three-man live. While these bands have shared festival bills countless times, this marks their first headline-only collaboration since the golden age of Japanese visual rock. The lineup includes Merry, MUCC, and three former Hizame members: vocalist Youana, guitarist Kazu, and bassist Shizumi. Gala personally spearheaded the event's conception, determined to make this dream collaboration a reality after more than two decades. **The Festival's Touches:** Ticket ...