VKNews

What a week to be a Visual Kei fan. We're officially in that sweet spot where spring releases are dropping, tours are being announced left and right, and the scene feels genuinely alive with possibility. From legacy acts celebrating milestones to fresh blood making their debut, this has been *the* kind of week that reminds us why we're obsessed with this genre. **New Releases Everywhere** The release calendar is absolutely packed. UNiTE. are gearing up for a major best album moment with "HOPES #3" arriving in July, while KIRITO (Angelo) is dropping the "SHIFT" mini-album in April. If you want something to spin *right now*, GOTCHAROCKA just unleashed the double A-side "0 MINUS 0 / Wicked Div.1," and PaleNeØ are making waves with their second maxi-single "UNISØN." DIR EN GREY continue their "MORTAL DOWNER" campaign with fresh visuals that hit different, and—because we can't talk about new music without mentioning them—the F...

ユナイト (UNiTE.) is pulling together their finest moments for fans this summer with the upcoming release of their new best album, **HOPES #3**. For those unfamiliar with the band, UNiTE. has been a fixture in Japan's Visual Kei underground since the early 2010s, known for their theatrical sound design, emotionally charged vocals, and the kind of intricate arrangements that reward repeated listens. They've cultivated a dedicated fanbase both domestically and internationally by refusing to compromise their artistic vision—a hallmark of the true VK spirit. **HOPES #3** arrives on **July 8, 2026**, priced at ¥5,000 (roughly $35 USD). The 13-track compilation features a mix of fan favourites and standout deep cuts, showcasing the band's range across nearly a decade of material: The tracklist opens with "world wide wish" and includes several fan-beloved anthems like "universe," "silence dreamer," and "BadRequest." Notably, the album a...

After two decades, KALEN is coming back—at least for one night. The Visual Kei band has announced a special one-day revival event to mark 20 years since their disbanding. The reunion will take place on **January 10th, 2027, at Osaka Muse**, and the news came directly from vocalist Nao, who has been reminiscing about his time in the band on Twitter. For those unfamiliar with KALEN, the band was a notable fixture in the Japanese Visual Kei scene, known for their theatrical approach to the genre. While details about their original run are limited in the Western fanbase, Nao's recent social media activity has sparked renewed interest and nostalgia among longtime followers. The reunion will feature **four of the original members**, though guitarist Erize unfortunately won't be able to participate in the event. Even with one member absent, this marks a significant moment for fans who've been waiting to see the band perform again. **What's particularly interesting** ...

KIRITO is gearing up to deliver fresh sonic territory with a bold new mini-album that showcases the band's evolving sound. The visual kei outfit will release *SHIFT* on April 22, 2026, across two physical editions. For those unfamiliar, KIRITO (stylized as キリト) is the solo/primary project of Angelo's creative force, blending theatrical visual kei aesthetics with progressive rock sensibilities. The band has cultivated a dedicated following for their meticulous production values and cinematic approach to songwriting—and *SHIFT* promises to continue that trajectory. The mini-album contains six tracks that hint at a conceptual journey: "Paradigm Shift," "Signal," "Source Code," "Aoki Ukabumu Tsuki" (Blue Floating Moon), "Shutter World," and "Gears of Fate." Already, the tracklist suggests themes of transformation, communication, and fate—fitting for an album literally titled *SHIFT*. The **Limited Edition** (¥4,20...

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...