VKNews

Dir En Grey fans rejoice—the legendary visual kei pioneers are heading to Nico Nico Live for an unmissable special broadcast celebrating their latest album, *MORTAL DOWNER*. For those unfamiliar, Dir En Grey stands as one of visual kei's most influential and artistically ambitious acts. Since their formation in 1997, the Tokyo quintet—fronted by the commanding Kyo alongside guitarists Kaoru and Die, bassist Toshiya, and drummer Shinya—have pushed boundaries with visceral live performances, evolving soundscapes, and conceptually rich releases that blend extreme metal textures with avant-garde sensibilities. The three-part broadcast campaign kicks off with archive footage. Parts One and Two have already aired, showcasing exclusive performances from their "25th Anniversary Tour 22" and the "PHALARIS Vol. I" setlist (recorded at Osaka's Namba Hatch in July 2023). If you missed them, both videos remain available via timeshift until mid-May—though you'...

Nothing's Carved In Stone has officially announced a two-band tour across Japan this fall, bringing the energy of their 12th album *Fire Inside Us* to three major cities. The announcement came during the final show of their *Fire Inside Us Tour* at Tokyo's Zepp DiverCity on April 22nd. The **Hand In Hand Tour 2026** will kick off on September 30th in Yokohama at KT Zepp Yokohama, followed by dates in Nagoya (October 2nd at Diamond Hall) and Osaka (October 30th at Gorilla Hall Osaka). Each show runs from 18:00 opening / 19:00 start, with standing room tickets priced at ¥6,300 (or ¥4,000 with student discount, plus one drink). Guest bands for each date will be revealed later. For those unfamiliar with the band, Nothing's Carved In Stone has been a fixture in Japan's visual rock scene since their formation, blending heavy instrumentals with theatrical aesthetics and conceptual depth. Their latest album *Fire Inside Us* showcases the band's continued evolution w...

A fresh supergroup is making waves in the Japanese rock underground. OLD CIRCUS—a newly formed collective of seasoned musicians from the Visual Kei and experimental rock scenes—will unleash their debut digital EP *Life is* this August. The lineup reads like a who's-who of cult favorites. Vocalist Izumi Takahiro brings experience from Sibilebashir and Roman Kyuko, while guitarist TøRU previously played with the electronic-tinged SEX-ANDROID, also a Roman Kyuko alumnus. Bassist Ogawa Manjirō rounds out the core from his work with Minus Jin-Say Orchestra, and drummer Aile—currently active in MAMONO—completes the rhythm section. This is a band built on chemistry and experience. The six-track EP showcases an intriguing range: "Tokyo" opens the journey, followed by "Monochrome Movie" and the provocatively titled "Idiots Everywhere." Mid-EP, "On a Starry Night" promises atmospheric storytelling, before the slightly defensive "I Don'...

Kyoto's theatrical Visual Kei outfit Hakubi is expanding their signature summer festival into a two-day extravaganza this August, with the first wave of performers now officially confirmed. **Kyoto Geigeki 2026** marks the first time the event will span multiple days. On August 10th, Hakubi will headline a solo show at their home venue KYOTO MUSE, followed by a circuit event across two locations on August 11th that includes both KYOTO MUSE and the intimate live house 磔磔 (Tarutaru). The first batch of confirmed artists showcases a mix of established allies and emerging talent. Long-time collaborators **TETORA** return for another year, while **Krenazm** (who toured with Hakubi on the *SPLIT ASIA TOUR 2026* earlier this spring) brings fresh energy to the lineup. **Yutori** makes their second appearance in two years, rounding out the touring circuit with local Kyoto acts **hananashi** and **猫は液体** (Neko wa Ekitai). More artists will be announced in future waves. For those unf...

Japanese Visual Kei act Miwele&Trouveres are gearing up to drop their latest single this spring, and it's shaping up to be a dark, atmospheric offering. **THE ABYSS** arrives on **April 26, 2026**, with a demo version already circulating online. The track showcases the band's signature blend of theatrical rock instrumentation and moody production—exactly the kind of release that VK fans have come to expect from the project. For those less familiar with Miwele&Trouveres, the act represents the contemporary Visual Kei underground scene, blending ornate aesthetics with dense, emotive soundscapes. Their name itself carries poetic weight, and their discography reflects a commitment to crafting immersive sonic experiences rather than chasing mainstream appeal. If you dig bands that prioritize atmospheric depth and visual storytelling alongside their music, this is absolutely worth your attention. The demo version of "THE ABYSS" is already available on YouTube (l...

DIR EN GREY's MORTAL DOWNER arrives as a meditation on spiritual exhaustion—a sonic journey through despair that refuses easy catharsis. Over two decades into their career, the Tokyo legends have crafted an album that feels simultaneously like a culmination and a reinvention, proving that visual kei's most experimental outfit still has provocative territory to explore. The album's production is immediately striking. Rather than chase contemporary metalcore trends, DIR EN GREY embraces murky atmospherics and industrial textures that recall their THE INSULATED WORLD era while pushing toward something heavier and more dissonant. Kyo's vocals—still impossibly dynamic—traverse from guttural roars to ethereal whispers, often within the same track. The production choices prioritize texture over clarity, creating an intentionally claustrophobic listening experience that mirrors the album's thematic content. What distinguishes MORTAL DOWNER is its refusal to deliver ...