VKNews

The legendary VOCAL SUMMIT returns for its ninth edition this September, and the 2026 lineup is stacked with some of Visual Kei's most respected and technically gifted vocalists. Taking place on **September 20th at EX THEATER ROPPONGI in Tokyo**, the annual vocalist-focused event will showcase seven powerhouse singers performing both solo sets and collaborative sessions that you won't see anywhere else. The bill reads like a who's-who of VK talent: **Keiji Shiina (SURFACE)**, **HAZUKI (lynch.)**, **En (Skyscraper Opera)**, **Tatsuro (MUCC)**, **Kosuke Tazawa (Rayflower / fuzzy knot)**, **Takui Nakajima**, and **Raimu (Kizu)**. This marks a significant return for Shiina, who last appeared at the event several years ago. His inclusion alongside MUCC's Tatsuro—one of the most technically impressive vocalists in the scene—and HAZUKI's atmospheric delivery promises unforgettable performances. The supporting lineup is equally impressive. Guest guitarists **you (e...

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...