VKNews

A fresh face has emerged in the Visual Kei underground: **KYMM (カイム)**, a newly formed band that brings together an intriguing mix of seasoned musicians and creative talent. The lineup features **Yumekawa Minmi** on vocals, who previously fronted MELVEL and YUMELEEP—both bands rooted in the VK underground scene. Minmi brings an established vocal presence and performance experience to the group. On guitar, **Shiina Mio** joins from CANZEL and UNiTE., adding another layer of underground credibility; alongside her is **Yuh** from the long-running Visual Kei act **vistlip**, whose extensive background in the scene should add maturity and musicianship to KYMM's sound. Perhaps most intriguingly, drums are handled by **Fujiwara Kamui**, a character designer and manga artist—a detail that hints at KYMM potentially exploring the theatrical, artistic identity that defines Visual Kei's visual aesthetic as much as its music. This crossover between visual art and music production is quin...

CODOMO DRAGON have released a new live DVD capturing their landmark final show from the "New Standard" one-man tour—a performance that doubled as a celebration of the band's impressive 15-year career. Recorded on November 14, 2025, at Spotify O-EAST in Tokyo, this release documents a pivotal moment for the theatrical Japanese rock outfit. The band's energetic setlist spans 19 tracks, blending fan favorites like "BONEHEAD," "Twilight Discord," and the crushing "HEMLOCK" with deeper cuts and encore performances that showcase their dynamic range as live performers. For those unfamiliar with CODOMO DRAGON, the band has been a fixture in Japan's underground rock scene since their formation, building a loyal following through their visceral live performances and sonically adventurous approach to Visual Kei. Their music combines heavy guitar work, atmospheric synths, and emotive vocal delivery—hallmarks of the genre's contemporar...

Japanese Visual Kei act 私は浮かびながら沈む (Watashi wa Ukabi Nagara Shizumu) is gearing up to unleash their sophomore full-length album, and the tracklist alone promises an introspective, emotionally layered journey through their signature theatrical sound. **日記帳** (Diary) arrives May 2, 2026, with a digital pre-release hitting April 1. The album boasts an impressive 20 tracks—including a booklet-exclusive final cut—that showcase the band's ability to balance haunting atmospherics with raw, visceral energy. Opening with "now loading…" (a fitting metaphor for the sonic experience ahead), the record spirals through an eclectic mix of introspection and melodic chaos. The tracklist reveals Watashi wa Ukabi Nagara Shizumu's thematic complexity. Songs like "manic depression," "病んでる" (I'm Sick), and "脳内lovesong" (Brain Lovesong) hint at the psychological and emotional turbulence the band explores, while tracks such as "route heaven," ...

Visual Kei fans have a reason to mark their calendars: 丑03-USHIMITSU- is gearing up to unleash their debut full-length album this spring. **丑03-USHIMITSU- I** drops on **April 1, 2026**, and this 10-track, 30-minute release marks a significant milestone for the band. While 丑03-USHIMITSU- may still be relatively under the Western radar compared to established VK acts, their theatrical aesthetic and raw energy have been building momentum within the Japanese Visual Kei underground. The band has already been teasing new material through singles like "洗礼yeAH!!×2" (Baptism yeAH!!×2), which showcases their signature blend of melodic hooks and dramatic visual presentation. That track's music video is well worth your time—it captures the band's uncompromising approach to both sound and image. For those unfamiliar with 丑03-USHIMITSU-, they embody the core values of modern Visual Kei: intricate instrumentation, emotionally charged vocals, and a commitment to theatrical prese...

Just when you thought Kizu's new album was finally on the horizon, the Japanese Visual Kei band has pushed back their highly anticipated release once again—but not without giving fans something to sink their teeth into. On March 26, Kizu announced that their upcoming album *Gokuraku Yori Gokujo no Ame* (極楽より極上の雨, literally "Rain More Sublime Than Paradise") will now arrive on August 5, 2026. This marks the second delay for the project; the band previously postponed it from an unannounced date to April 8 back in October 2025. Album delays are never fun, but Kizu is softening the blow with the digital release of two new singles: "JP:PARASITE" and "Houou." For those unfamiliar with Kizu, the Tokyo-based outfit has carved out a distinctive niche within the Visual Kei scene with their blend of aggressive guitar work, theatrical aesthetics, and introspective lyricism. The band has built a loyal international following, particularly among Western VK f...

Nobushige Takahashi is gearing up to deliver his third solo single, and it's shaping up to be a star-studded affair. "Deus benedicat" drops on May 27, 2026, featuring an impressive lineup of guest musicians that speaks volumes about Takahashi's standing in the Japanese underground rock scene. For those unfamiliar with Takahashi, he's a respected figure in Japan's experimental and theatrical rock circles, known for his distinctive vocal presence and willingness to collaborate across genre boundaries. This new single reinforces that reputation by assembling musicians from some genuinely interesting projects. The title track, "Deus benedicat" (Latin for "God bless"), features an all-star ensemble: guitarists 心 (Kokoro) from 天燐 (Tenrin) and こーじ隊長 (Koji-taichou), bassist トゥーサ (Toussa), keyboardist JUNCO, drummer 拓郎 (formerly of Valhalla), and backing vocals from 山口 "AZU" 安澄 (Azumi Yamaguchi). That's a serious amount of musicians...

Rising Visual Kei trio HUMAN ERROR 2 is gearing up for an exciting spring with the simultaneous release of two new digital singles this April. The band—featuring vocalist 大宰 (Dazai), guitarist ナツメ (Natsume), and bassist acta—will drop "幸福人間" (Kōfuku Ningen / Happy Human) and "hate" on all major streaming platforms on April 12, 2026. Alongside the digital release, the band will unveil a brand-new music video and visual imagery for "幸福人間" on the same day, giving fans a full multimedia experience to sink their teeth into. This dual-single approach showcases HUMAN ERROR 2's willingness to explore contrasting sonic and thematic territory—pairing what appears to be an ironically titled uplifting track with a stark, aggressive anthem. For those unfamiliar with the band, HUMAN ERROR 2 represents a fresh voice in the contemporary Visual Kei underground, blending theatrical presentation with visceral rock instrumentation. The group has been steadily building ...

A fresh wave is rising in the Visual Kei underground: SCVMS are officially stepping into the spotlight with their first digital single, "NEW ERA," arriving March 30, 2026. Little-known outside dedicated VK circles until now, SCVMS represent the kind of raw, hungry energy that keeps the scene alive. The four-piece lineup features vocalist Ruka on lead vocals, guitarist Sho, bassist Haruki, and drummer tsubasa—a tight ensemble built for immediate impact. While details about their formation and creative direction remain mysterious, the band's move into the digital release space signals serious ambitions. The "NEW ERA" single packs two tracks: the title song "NEW ERA" and "噛跡ノ在処" (literally "the whereabouts of bite marks")—an intriguingly dark title that hints at the thematic darkness many Visual Kei fans crave. With a combined runtime of just over 8 minutes, this is a lean, focused introduction designed to make every second count. ...

VALHALLA is ramping up their presence in the digital music space with an ambitious 12-month consecutive digital singles release campaign. The band has kicked off this project with their first single, "synchro," arriving on **March 25, 2026**. For those unfamiliar with VALHALLA, the band represents the contemporary Visual Kei scene with their theatrical approach to rock music. While detailed information about the band's lineup and sound remains limited in English-language coverage, their commitment to a sustained release strategy speaks to their ambitions for 2026 and beyond. The first single, "synchro," has already dropped with an accompanying music video available on YouTube. The track clocks in as part of a 2-track, 8-minute release via TuneCore Japan, giving fans an immediate taste of what the band has in store. This digital-first approach aligns with how modern VK bands are reaching global audiences—bypassing traditional physical-only limitations and maki...

A fresh face has emerged in the Visual Kei underground: **MeltyCΛlt**, a newly formed band featuring members from established acts, is gearing up for their debut live performance this spring. The lineup brings together experienced musicians from the scene. Vocalist **Hiviki (響)** and guitarist **Syu (柊)** both come from *髪の毛を染めたはずなのに* (which translates to "I Was Supposed to Dye My Hair"), a project that explored theatrical aesthetics and experimental songwriting. Bassist **Aoi (葵)** rounds out the core trio, while drummer **Rui** joins as support—he brings previous experience from **RAINY NOISE** and **DIFFERENT:ACCOUNT**, adding a seasoned rhythm section to the ensemble. The band's name and visual branding suggest an emphasis on atmosphere and melancholic aesthetics. The stylized "Λ" (lambda) in their name hints at mathematical or otherworldly themes, while "Melty" evokes a sense of dissolution and emotional fluidity—fitting for a project born from...

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...

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...