VKNews

Melodic darkwave trio おいしくるメロンパン have announced a new digital single, and they dropped the news in the best way possible—live on stage during their tour finale. "Tsutsuji no Kareru Koro ni" (When the Azaleas Wither) arrives April 15, 2026, and it's quintessential おいしくるメロンパン: lush melancholy framed by delicate, intricate band arrangements. The announcement came during the LINE CUBE SHIBUYA final show of their tour supporting *bouquet*, their 10th mini-album and major-label debut, which marks the band's 10th anniversary. For those unfamiliar, おいしくるメロンパン has carved out a distinct niche in the Visual Kei underground with their atmospheric, introspective sound—think moody post-punk textures wrapped in theatrical aesthetics. They're masters of capturing fleeting emotional landscapes, and this new single continues that tradition. The single's artwork is handled by illustrator Kaiyu, who's also designed visuals for past releases like "Sennentori...

After a seven-year hiatus from the live house circuit, visual kei act **Eve** is making a triumphant return with the *Eve Zepp Tour 2026 "Kaikigen"* (廻帰 — meaning "return" or "circulation"). The band will hit five major Japanese cities across July and August 2026, bringing their theatrical presence back to mid-sized venues that feel more intimate than arena shows. Eve has built a dedicated following in the Western VK community thanks to their striking visual aesthetic and emotionally charged rock sound. Known for blending gothic sensibilities with melodic intensity, the band delivers the kind of elaborate stage presence and introspective songwriting that defines modern visual kei. This tour marks a significant moment for longtime supporters who've watched the band evolve since their debut. The tour follows Eve's arena show *Eve Live 2026 "Re:Smile"* scheduled for May 2026 at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, making this a major touring cy...

Japanese Visual Kei outfit Alternation of Generations is gearing up to expand their discography with a fresh six-track EP that promises to showcase the band's evolving sonic palette. **REVOLVE** arrives on April 22, 2026, priced at ¥2,900. The release lands as a solid mid-length project that gives fans a solid glimpse into where the band is headed creatively. For those unfamiliar with Alternation of Generations, the group has carved out a dedicated following within the VK underground thanks to their theatrical presentation, melodic sensibilities, and willingness to experiment across their releases. The tracklist reads as follows: 1. REVOLVE 2. THE M＠D SHOW 3. Day After Day 4. ルミナス (Luminous) 5. Lost Child 6. Grateful for Everything What immediately stands out is the mix of English and Japanese track titles—a common thread in contemporary Visual Kei that reflects the genre's appeal to both domestic and international audiences. The opening title track sets the them...

If you caught wind of a ZORO comeback live last year, congratulations—you're not losing your mind. The band just pulled off *another* one, and this time at Club Malcolm on March 22nd, the energy was somehow even more unhinged. Here's the confusing part: there are technically *two* ZOROs in the Visual Kei underground. ゾロ (the four-piece) and ZORO (the two-piece duo) share members but operate as separate entities with almost no song overlap. So yes, consecutive comeback years are genuinely possible, and yes, it's as wild as it sounds. What made this show absolutely legendary wasn't just the music—it was the *performance*. Vocalist Ryuji is essentially a human tornado wrapped in stage dive energy. He crowd surfed before the band even started playing the first song, spat fake blood and water into the front rows (fair warning: phones down, people), and at one point rode on an audience member's shoulders while singing in the back of the room. This is peak Visual K...

GOTCHAROCKA is gearing up to deliver fresh material with a striking double A-side single dropping this May. The Tokyo-based rock outfit will unleash "0 MINUS 0 / Wicked Div.1 - 極悪一課 -" on **May 2, 2026**, bringing two contrasting sonic directions on one release. For those unfamiliar with GOTCHAROCKA, the band has built a reputation for heavy, theatrical rock that sits at the intersection of industrial and alternative metal—featuring layered guitar work, dynamic vocal delivery, and a visual presentation that commands attention on stage. They've developed a dedicated following among fans who appreciate rock music with genuine edge and complexity. **Release Details:** The single will be packaged as a limited CD (containing both tracks) bundled with a **44-page photobook**, priced at **6,000 yen** (approximately $40 USD). Importantly, this is a **live-limited and web-shop exclusive** release, meaning copies will only be available at their live shows and through their offi...

YONA YONA WEEKENDERS are kicking off their 10th anniversary year in style with the release of "Tokio Dungeon," a groove-laden new single that showcases the band's evolution while honoring their signature sound. The track arrives today across all digital platforms, accompanied by a striking lyric video that captures the band's dynamic visual aesthetic. Built around a jungle-influenced beat, "Tokio Dungeon" channels the chaotic energy of urban life—breathing in the discord and sensory overload of the city itself. It's a departure that still feels distinctly YONA YONA WEEKENDERS: thoughtfully crafted "good music for chewing on," as the band describes their philosophy, but with a fresh edge that marks a new chapter. For those unfamiliar with the Tokyo outfit, YONA YONA WEEKENDERS have carved out a distinctive niche in the Japanese rock underground since their formation, blending theatrical presentation with alternative rock sensibilities. T...