VKNews

After two decades away from live performances, legendary Visual Kei act Lucy is making a triumphant return—and they're doing it in style. The trio, featuring vocalist/guitarist Hisatoshi Imai, bassist Kiyoshi, and drummer Tatsunari Okazaki, has announced an extensive rollout for their third studio album *ROCKAROLLICA III*, arriving April 23, 2026. **Countdown to the Full Tracklist** Lucy will reveal all 13 album tracks one by one via their official social media, building anticipation ahead of release day. Two singles have already dropped: "PUNK THE LUCY" (April 1) and "からっぽの宇宙." ("Empty Universe," April 8). The remaining 11 tracks will debut exclusively through this countdown campaign—a creative way to engage fans and drum up excitement for what's shaping up to be one of 2026's most anticipated Visual Kei releases. The album arrives in three formats: Limited Edition A (CD + Blu-ray, ¥5,500), Limited Edition B (CD + DVD, ¥5,500), and St...

DIR EN GREY has never been a band to rest on laurels, and *MORTAL DOWNER* proves they're still willing to push boundaries in their third decade of existence. This double album arrives as a statement of artistic defiance—a sprawling, densely layered exploration of existential weight that feels simultaneously their most accessible and most uncompromising work to date. From the opening moments, it's clear Kyo and co. are operating at peak creative confidence. The production is immaculate without sacrificing the raw, industrial edge that defined their watershed works like *Uroboros*. Rather than chasing trends, the band has synthesized their entire catalog—the melodic sensibilities of their 2000s output, the avant-garde textures of their recent work, and the sheer visceral intensity they've always commanded. What emerges is something that feels both familiar and freshly destabilizing. The instrumental architecture deserves special praise. Die's guitar work remains t...

KAMIJO, the theatrical mastermind behind the iconic symphonic metal act Versailles and a true pillar of the international Visual Kei scene, is inviting fans into his inner world through an exclusive new article series titled "LA VIE EN ROSE" (Life in Pink). For those unfamiliar with KAMIJO's legacy: he's the visionary frontman who helped define modern Visual Kei's operatic, classical-influenced sound. Versailles, his project that debuted in 2007, became one of the most celebrated symphonic rock acts to emerge from Japan, blending elaborate Gothic aesthetics with orchestral arrangements and virtuosic musicianship. Beyond Versailles, KAMIJO has remained a creative force, collaborating across multiple projects and consistently pushing the boundaries of what Visual Kei can express artistically. In this new series, KAMIJO steps into the role of personal storyteller, sharing candid reflections on the formative moments and influences that shaped his artistic iden...

A fresh start is coming for the Visual Kei scene: **Ruiza BAND will officially rebrand as "Redo"** effective July 3rd, 2026. The name change marks an exciting new chapter for this talented collective, which features an impressive lineup of musicians with deep roots in the Japanese underground rock scene. The newly christened **Redo** brings together four seasoned performers, each bringing their own pedigree to the project. Fronting the band is vocalist **Seth**, whose resume reads like a who's who of notable VK and experimental acts—he's previously worked with AFTER IMAGE, AMADEUS, Art Cube, SHAPE SHIFTER, and Moi dix Mois, lending him considerable experience in theatrical and avant-garde performance. On guitar is **Ruiza** (ex-Distray, D), the namesake of the original band, whose instrumental prowess has been key to the group's sound. Anchoring the low end is bassist **Tsunehito** (ex-Rélude, SCISSOR, D), and powerhouse drummer **美景 (Mikage)** (ex-VII-Sense, ch...

Japanese Visual Kei act OMEGA DRIPP is gearing up to unleash fresh material this spring with the digital single "SUDARIUM," set to drop on April 10, 2026. For those unfamiliar with the band, OMEGA DRIPP brings the theatrical darkness that defines modern Visual Kei—expect dramatic instrumentation, haunting vocals, and the kind of conceptual intensity that keeps the genre alive in Japan's underground rock scene. They've carved out a solid following among Western VK fans who appreciate bands that don't shy away from exploring heavy, atmospheric territory. The title "SUDARIUM" carries intriguing historical and religious connotations, suggesting this release may continue the band's thematic approach to songwriting. Whether the single marks a shift in their sonic direction or builds on their established sound remains to be seen, but the cryptic nature of the announcement has already sparked speculation among fans. This digital release is a great e...

Arlequin is bringing a special nostalgic moment to one of Tokyo's most storied Visual Kei venues. The band will headline the Ikebukuro BlackHole 17th Anniversary celebration with a unique two-day gender-separated live event. For those unfamiliar with Arlequin, the band carries deep roots with BlackHole itself—they previously performed at the legendary venue under the name "blind" before their official formation. This anniversary show feels like a full-circle moment, with the event itself titled *blind* as a direct callback to that history. The celebration takes place **June 19–20, 2026** at Ikebukuro BlackHole. Day One (June 19) marks the first women-only show at the venue in two years, while Day Two (June 20) continues BlackHole's traditional men-only live format—a long-standing tradition that many Japanese VK venues maintain to create distinct audience experiences. **Event Details:** **June 19 (Friday) – Ladies Only** - Doors: 6:30 PM | Start: 7:00 PM **...