VKNews

After 14 years away from European stages, Kaya is making a triumphant return—and he's bringing Schwarz Stein along for the ride. The gothic lolita pioneer and his unit have officially announced a European tour slated for August and September 2026. For Kaya, this marks a significant milestone: his first continent-wide tour since 2012. For Schwarz Stein, the journey across Europe represents another exciting chapter in their ongoing collaboration. **Who is Kaya?** If you're new to the Visual Kei underground, Kaya is a legendary figure in the gothic lolita and EBM-influenced VK scene. Known for his striking feminine aesthetic, ethereal vocals, and darkly romantic compositions, he's been a cornerstone of Japan's alternative music landscape since the 1990s. His solo work and various projects—including Schwarz Stein—blend gothic atmospherics, electronic elements, and theatrical presentation into something wholly unique within Visual Kei. Schwarz Stein, his unit with colla...

Iconic gothic metal act Kaya is ready to expand their discography with a brand-new single, *WORLD*, arriving in both streaming and physical formats this spring. For those discovering Kaya for the first time, the band has been a cornerstone of the Visual Kei and gothic metal scene since their formation. Known for their atmospheric, melancholic sound and theatrically dark aesthetic, Kaya has built a devoted international fanbase through emotionally resonant compositions and cinematic production values. The *WORLD* single will hit streaming platforms on **April 20, 2026**, followed by a physical CD+DVD edition on **May 20, 2026** (priced at ¥2,500). The release features three tracks: the title song "WORLD" (written by Aoi Haru), "Queendom" (composed by Euskyss), and "BLESS" (lyrics by Kaya, music by Hora). This collaborative approach—bringing in external songwriters—suggests an exciting creative direction for the band. All three songs will receive fu...