VKNews

Dir En Grey are celebrating the release of their 12th studio album *Mortal Downer* in style—and Western fans should take note of what's happening in Japan right now, because limited-edition collaboration merch is flying off shelves. The legendary Japanese heavy rock band has partnered with Tower Records Cafe for an exclusive takeout collaboration running through late April 2026 at three locations: Umeda (Osaka), Nagoya, and Fukuoka. If you've ever wondered why Dir En Grey command such devoted global support, this kind of fan-centric rollout is part of the answer—they treat each album release like an event. **What's on offer?** The centerpiece is a **Dir En Grey original label beer** (¥1,100 / ~$7.50 USD) featuring the *Mortal Downer* album artwork. Each purchase comes with a random bonus trading card. It's limited to six per person and only available at the Umeda and Fukuoka locations—the Nagoya store is bottle drinks only. There's also a **Black Popcorn t...

The legendary VOCAL SUMMIT returns for its ninth edition this September, and the 2026 lineup is stacked with some of Visual Kei's most respected and technically gifted vocalists. Taking place on **September 20th at EX THEATER ROPPONGI in Tokyo**, the annual vocalist-focused event will showcase seven powerhouse singers performing both solo sets and collaborative sessions that you won't see anywhere else. The bill reads like a who's-who of VK talent: **Keiji Shiina (SURFACE)**, **HAZUKI (lynch.)**, **En (Skyscraper Opera)**, **Tatsuro (MUCC)**, **Kosuke Tazawa (Rayflower / fuzzy knot)**, **Takui Nakajima**, and **Raimu (Kizu)**. This marks a significant return for Shiina, who last appeared at the event several years ago. His inclusion alongside MUCC's Tatsuro—one of the most technically impressive vocalists in the scene—and HAZUKI's atmospheric delivery promises unforgettable performances. The supporting lineup is equally impressive. Guest guitarists **you (e...

お風呂と街灯 (Ofuro to Gaito) are making waves with their debut EP, and the "BLUE" music video is a visceral statement of intent. For those unfamiliar with the band, お風呂と街灯 represent a new generation of Japanese artists blending theatrical sensibilities with raw emotional intensity—hallmarks of Visual Kei's evolving landscape. The group has been building momentum as they transition into full band mode, and this first EP marks a significant milestone in their career. The "BLUE" music video, directed by Hakua Oe, is impossible to ignore. It opens with a haunting premise: the band's members spot an abandoned upright piano in the bed of a pickup truck. What follows is a desperate chase—the piano symbolizes identity itself, and watching them cling to it as the truck lurches forward creates an unforgettable image of raw longing and refusal to let go. Musically, "BLUE" walks a tightrope between delicate and destructive. The production features Romantic...

Visual Kei band **Jigsaw** is making a statement with both sonic and visual reinvention. The group has unveiled a striking new aesthetic to accompany their latest single, **-反吐-** (Hantō / Retching), set for release on April 16th. The two-track single includes the title track alongside "気狂います。" (Kichikuimasu / Going Insane), giving fans a fresh taste of Jigsaw's theatrical, darkly atmospheric sound. The band has already shared a music video for -反吐-, which you can watch on their official YouTube channel—a visceral visual complement to their uncompromising aesthetic. **About Jigsaw** For those unfamiliar with the band, Jigsaw operates firmly within the darker corners of Visual Kei, crafting intricate arrangements that balance melodic sensibilities with raw emotional intensity. Their imagery and presentation emphasize psychological depth and visual storytelling, placing them among the genre's more conceptually driven acts. **The Visual Evolution** The promoti...

Over two decades after disbanding, SCISSOR are making a surprise return to the spotlight with the digital release of *remember cut*, a 26-track best-of compilation now streaming across all major platforms. For those unfamiliar with the band, SCISSOR were an experimental Visual Kei outfit from the L∞p・Ash RECORDS roster, known for their theatrical approach and unconventional song structures. Though they've been inactive for years, the label's recent push to digitize its catalog has finally brought SCISSOR's music to streaming services—a victory for Western fans who've struggled to access their work. *Remember cut* spans the band's entire discography in chronological order, offering newcomers a comprehensive entry point into their sound. The compilation includes fan favorites like "GHOST SHIP ~Nanatsu no Umi no Monogatari~" (Ghost Ship: A Tale of Seven Seas), "Mienai Uwasa" (Invisible Rumors), and "Beautiful Sky," among 26 total t...

A forgotten gem from 2012 has finally made its way to streaming platforms. Litchi☆Hikari CLUB and machine's collaborative split mini-album *Rendez-vous* is now available on all major streaming services, bringing this rare release to Western fans who may have missed its original limited run. For those unfamiliar, Litchi☆Hikari CLUB is a theatrical Visual Kei unit known for their avant-garde aesthetics and experimental sound design, while machine has recently made waves with their 2024 revival featuring new members. This split represents an interesting snapshot of the Japanese underground scene from over a decade ago—a time when physical releases with exclusive DVD bonuses were the standard for limited-edition drops. The original 2012 release came in three editions: limited type A and type B, each packaged with exclusive music video DVDs ("innocent fever" and "Phantom of the end" respectively), while a standard edition contained identical audio across all ...