VKNews

My Lonely Vacation is ready to unveil their first full-length album, and it's shaping up to be a compelling addition to the Japanese rock landscape. The 10-track record *BEAUTIFY* drops physically on April 29, 2026, with a digital release arriving three weeks earlier on April 7. The band brings together an impressive lineup with deep roots in the Japanese rock underground. Vocalist Takahiro and drummer Rino both come from the disbanded group JILL-PRINCE, while guitarist Lise also spent time in JILL-PRINCE before collaborating with the unit Chicktak. Rounding out the quartet is guitarist Naki, completing a four-piece configuration built on chemistry and shared musical vision. The album's tracklist reveals an ambitious sonic palette: opening with "Specialess" and flowing through standout cuts like "Toxic" (the lead single with an accompanying music video), "Labyrinth," "Middle Mermaid," "Valentine Kill," and the closing tr...

The Visual Kei underground just welcomed a seasoned musician to one of its most intriguing new projects. Ba.Tatsuya, bassist formerly of Kneuklid Romance, DATURA, and Distoma, has officially joined 天井裏のザムザ (Tenjōura no Zamza, literally "Zamza in the Attic") as their bassist. If you haven't encountered this project yet, Tenjōura no Zamza is a captivating unit built around vocalist taiga's haunting delivery and theatrical aesthetic. The band's sonic palette blends atmospheric darkness with explosive dynamics—their recent video for "あめふり" (Rain) showcases exactly why this group deserves your attention. With Yu on guitar (previously of KANASHIBARI and Y.A.D), wataru on drums (from Sidro Modoro and Richly Colored (O) Poppy), and now Ba.Tatsuya anchoring the low end, the lineup represents a collision of experienced underground musicians. Ba.Tatsuya's addition is particularly significant for anyone tracking the evolving Visual Kei underground. His previo...

Strawberry Song Orchestra (ストロベリーソングオーケストラ) have made their mark with the release of their latest single "屋根裏ノメロディ" (Attic Melody) on April 4th, and the band is stepping into a bold new era with a refreshed visual direction. The Tokyo-based outfit has built a reputation for their theatrical approach to Visual Kei, blending orchestral arrangements with gothic sensibilities and meticulously crafted aesthetics. With Attic Melody, they've delivered another compelling addition to their catalogue, paired with an official music video that showcases the band's evolving image. The accompanying MV—available now on their official YouTube channel—demonstrates the cinematic ambition SSO consistently brings to their visual output. The track itself reflects the band's signature sound: lush instrumental layers, dramatic vocal delivery, and the kind of atmospheric depth that rewards repeated listens. The title's imagery of "attic melodies" evokes nostalgia and hid...

Japanese Visual Kei band LAFFLESIA is marking a new chapter with their upcoming digital single "étoile ~La fin d'un amour~" (Star ~The End of a Love~), set to drop on April 18th. The release signals creative evolution for the act, complete with a refreshed visual identity. For those newer to LAFFLESIA, the band has carved out a distinctive presence in the Visual Kei underground with their theatrical approach to composition and visual presentation. They've been steadily building momentum through digital releases and live performances, connecting with Western fans through the global Visual Kei community. The new single's French-influenced title hints at thematic sophistication—"étoile" (star) paired with "La fin d'un amour" (The End of a Love) suggests this track explores emotional finality and celestial imagery, common motifs in VK storytelling. The artwork accompanying the announcement carries warm, muted tones that feel intentional...

Japanese Visual Kei act IRIS MONDO is gearing up to deliver fresh material this spring with the announcement of their new single "Beyond," set to drop on April 8, 2026. IRIS MONDO has carved out a distinctive presence within the Visual Kei scene, blending heavy instrumentals with theatrical presentation and moody atmospherics. The band's visual identity—sharp aesthetics paired with dynamic stage presence—has earned them a dedicated following among Western VK fans seeking acts that balance sonic heaviness with the genre's signature artistic ambition. While details about "Beyond" remain limited at this stage, the announcement comes with promotional imagery that hints at the band's continued commitment to striking visuals. Those unfamiliar with IRIS MONDO can get a taste of their style through their existing catalog; their track "勝ちにいこう" (Kachi ni Ikou, meaning "Let's Go for Victory") showcases their ability to merge aggressi...

A supergroup of seasoned Visual Kei veterans is dropping their third EP this summer, and it's shaping up to be essential listening for fans of Japan's underground rock scene. **the superlative degree** will release their new digital EP "コモンセンス" (Common Sense) on **June 15, 2026**. The project brings together an impressive lineup of musicians with deep roots in the VK underground: vocalist Akito Hashizume (formerly of ALL I NEED and HUSH), guitarists YUJI (ex-SECRET, Galla) and KENJI (an extensively experienced player from LAID, CLOSE, as.milk, ARBEIT, and THE TERROR'S 666), bassist Hiroyuki Takase (ex-[dart], HUSH), and drummer SHINGO (ex-JURASSIC, THE TERROR'S 666). If those credits look familiar, there's good reason—this lineup represents a cross-section of Japan's mid-tier Visual Kei and alternative rock world, bringing together musicians who've spent years honing their craft in the Tokyo underground. The combination of these individual traje...