FATE GEAR Release New EP "Hades & Merciful Angel"

Japanese Visual Kei outfit FATE GEAR is gearing up for a striking new release this summer. The band's upcoming EP *冥王と慈愛の天使* (Hades & Merciful Angel) drops on **July 8, 2026**, and early previews suggest a cinematic, theatrically ambitious project that leans into the darker corners of the genre.

For those unfamiliar with FATE GEAR, the band brings bombastic orchestral arrangements, gothic aesthetics, and dramatic vocal performances to the VK landscape. Their sound sits somewhere between symphonic metal and traditional Visual Kei bombast—expect sweeping strings, thunderous percussion, and the kind of elaborate production values that make Visual Kei so visually and sonically compelling.

The six-track EP showcases a diverse lineup of collaborations and vocal arrangements. The tracklist includes:

1. **夜明けに祈る** (Prayer at Daybreak) — featuring vocalist 田中理恵

2. **The Aggressor** — ft. okogeeechann

3. **湖水の深淵** (Lake's Abyss) — ft. KOKOMI

4. **紅蓮華-パドマ-の氷獄** (Crimson Lotus - Padma - Ice Hell) — a team-up between Mina (captain) and 橋村姫

5. **When the Angel Fell for the Devil** — ft. 橋村姫

6. **Lunatic-faced (Live in Australia)** — bonus live track

The release was previewed at **M3-2026 Spring**, Japan's largest indie music event, with a full XFD (cross-fade demo) available on YouTube. The preview hints at a release that balances orchestral grandeur with harder rock elements—classic FATE GEAR territory.

If you're into symphonic Visual Kei with theatrical flair and aren't afraid of some demonic imagery in your album artwork, mark your calendar for July 8. This one's definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

[Watch the preview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Chr_86fc2U) and keep an eye on the band's channels for pre-order details.