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Re:name have marked a major milestone by releasing their new album *1626* on their 10th anniversary, March 25th—and they're already announcing an expanded nationwide tour to match the momentum. The album's title encapsulates the band's journey: formed when the members were just 16 years old, they've now spent a full decade together with the same lineup—a remarkable feat in today's music landscape. *1626* arrives as both a retrospective and a statement of intent, featuring eight tracks that showcase the band's evolution while maintaining the melodic rock foundation that's defined their decade-long run. Leading the charge is "one room," which arrives with a music video that brings drummer Yamaken's songwriting vision to life in unexpected ways. Yamaken penned both the song's lyrics *and* a short story of the same name that inspired the video. He also wrote the script, while director Miwakana took the helm behind the camera. First pres...

DIR EN GREY are ramping up the hype machine for their forthcoming 12th studio album with a major visual refresh. The legendary Visual Kei pioneers dropped brand-new artist photographs on March 25—their first official imagery in nearly two years, since the 2024 single *The Devil In Me*. With just two weeks until *MORTAL DOWNER* lands on April 8, these fresh visuals mark a significant moment for the band as they prepare to unveil their latest sonic chapter to the world. For those new to DIR EN GREY: the Tokyo outfit has been a cornerstone of Visual Kei since their formation in 1997. Fronted by the distinctive vocals of Kyo, the band has built a reputation for uncompromising artistry—blending theatrical presentation with experimental rock that refuses easy categorization. From their early days of symphonic darkness to their more recent explorations of industrial and avant-garde textures, they've consistently pushed boundaries within the Visual Kei scene and beyond. The new vi...

PaleNeØ is gearing up for their next chapter with the announcement of their second maxi-single *UNISØN*, arriving May 13, 2026. The release marks an exciting progression for the Visual Kei outfit, building on momentum from their debut offerings. **What's Inside** The maxi-single will arrive in two editions—Limited and Regular—with both formats featuring the same three new tracks on CD: "Prologue," "Chocolat Maudit," and "Starlight Voyage," each accompanied by karaoke versions. It's a classic approach that gives fans flexibility in how they engage with the new material. The Limited Edition steps things up significantly with a DVD component that's genuinely substantial. Beyond the "Starlight Voyage" music video, you're getting live footage from Tokyo SpaceOdd (recorded May 11, 2025) capturing "盲導歌" and "in Gloria Dei"—both tracks that should give you deeper insight into PaleNeØ's live energy. There...

the FUZZ is gearing up to deliver fresh sonic chaos with their upcoming album *生命の唄* (Song of Life), hitting shelves on **June 5, 2026**. For those unfamiliar with the Tokyo-based outfit, the FUZZ have carved out a reputation as fearless sonic experimentalists within the Japanese underground rock scene. Their approach blends visceral guitar work with unpredictable song structures and an aesthetic that refuses easy categorization—hallmarks that have earned them a devoted cult following among Western fans seeking something genuinely uncompromising. The new record spans 10 tracks that showcase the band's trademark eclecticism. The tracklist reads like a curated descent into controlled mayhem: opener "Trigger" sets the tone before shifting into the quirky "アルマジロ" (Armadillo), followed by the atmospheric "宵待月" (Twilight Moon). Mid-album cuts like "Masochistycznych Pobudzenia" and "那由他の奇蹟" (Miracle of Nayuta) hint at the experimental t...

A fresh face is joining the Visual Kei underground: **EPHEM** (エフェメ) has officially formed and already locked in their debut live performance for **April 6, 2026**. What makes EPHEM particularly interesting is the lineup's pedigree. Vocalist **Emiru** brings extensive experience from multiple projects including T@Planet, Clown×Crown, Altair, and Rabyrinth—a track record that signals serious ambition for the new venture. The guitar support slot features **Utaha**, another T@Planet and Clown×Crown veteran, suggesting these musicians have a long-standing creative chemistry worth watching. The full roster includes: - **Vocal:** Emiru - **Guitar:** Nazora - **Guitar Support:** Utaha - **Bass:** Shiu (ex-Sarcastic, KANASHIVARI, HUMAN ERROR) - **Drums Support:** Niy (Luvielle, THE MAYDAY MAYDAY) Shiu's background in bands like Sarcastic and KANASHIVARI indicates EPHEM may lean toward heavier, more aggressive Visual Kei territory—though we'll need to hear their actual...

After seven years of silence, the Visual Kei band **Sick.** (stylized as "Sick. (Screaming inside can kill.)") has officially announced their return to the scene with a refreshed lineup ready to make some noise. For those unfamiliar with the group, Sick. made waves in the Japanese underground rock circuit with their intense aesthetic and visceral sound—the kind of band that lives up to their provocative name. Their hiatus left a gap for fans who'd been following their journey, but now there's reason to celebrate. The reunited band features an interesting mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. Vocalist **Shiki** (詩季) brings experience from his time in RazeL, SoniqRush., and THE UNDERTAKER., lending vocal intensity that defines the project. Guitarist **Fuki** (風輝) joins from MEKAKUSI, while guitarist **Tsukasa** (吏) comes from the active Visual Kei outfit Veinrot. The rhythm section is bolstered by bassist **Avel** (ex-CLACK inc., also of Veinrot) and drummer *...