VKNews

MUCC's talented vocalist Tatsuro is taking his solo project on the road this fall with the announcement of a brand-new live house tour. The "Live House Tour [Shinjingan]" (真人間) will kick off in September 2026, marking an exciting next chapter for the musician following his successful "Villains Chapter 2" tour. The announcement came on April 26th during the final show of his previous tour at Asakusa Fleur Theatre in Tokyo, where a packed audience received the exciting news firsthand. This new venture promises to explore fresh creative directions, with the tour title "Shinjingan" (literally "true human") hinting at a distinct artistic vision. For those unfamiliar, Tatsuro is the creative force behind MUCC, one of Japan's most influential alternative rock acts known for their experimental sound and theatrical live performances. His solo work showcases a different dimension of his artistry, allowing him to explore musical territories ...

Nothing's Carved In Stone has officially announced a two-band tour across Japan this fall, bringing the energy of their 12th album *Fire Inside Us* to three major cities. The announcement came during the final show of their *Fire Inside Us Tour* at Tokyo's Zepp DiverCity on April 22nd. The **Hand In Hand Tour 2026** will kick off on September 30th in Yokohama at KT Zepp Yokohama, followed by dates in Nagoya (October 2nd at Diamond Hall) and Osaka (October 30th at Gorilla Hall Osaka). Each show runs from 18:00 opening / 19:00 start, with standing room tickets priced at ¥6,300 (or ¥4,000 with student discount, plus one drink). Guest bands for each date will be revealed later. For those unfamiliar with the band, Nothing's Carved In Stone has been a fixture in Japan's visual rock scene since their formation, blending heavy instrumentals with theatrical aesthetics and conceptual depth. Their latest album *Fire Inside Us* showcases the band's continued evolution w...

Kyoto's theatrical Visual Kei outfit Hakubi is expanding their signature summer festival into a two-day extravaganza this August, with the first wave of performers now officially confirmed. **Kyoto Geigeki 2026** marks the first time the event will span multiple days. On August 10th, Hakubi will headline a solo show at their home venue KYOTO MUSE, followed by a circuit event across two locations on August 11th that includes both KYOTO MUSE and the intimate live house 磔磔 (Tarutaru). The first batch of confirmed artists showcases a mix of established allies and emerging talent. Long-time collaborators **TETORA** return for another year, while **Krenazm** (who toured with Hakubi on the *SPLIT ASIA TOUR 2026* earlier this spring) brings fresh energy to the lineup. **Yutori** makes their second appearance in two years, rounding out the touring circuit with local Kyoto acts **hananashi** and **猫は液体** (Neko wa Ekitai). More artists will be announced in future waves. For those unf...

Ex-members of Japanese Visual Kei act JACK CAPER have banded together to form **Kaishin no Ichigeki** (かいしんの一撃), and their reveal was nothing short of gaming nostalgia. The newly formed quartet unveiled themselves on April 19th through a charmingly retro announcement video styled after classic Dragon Quest RPGs—a fitting aesthetic for a band whose name translates to "Critical Hit" or "Fatal Strike." Following the video, each member received individual introductions accompanied by teaser clips of their upcoming sound. **Who's in the lineup?** - **Hiro (飛炉)** – Vocals - **Choco (ちょこ)** – Guitar (also ex-STRESS COMPANY) - **U** – Bass (also ex-STRESS COMPANY) - **Suguru (英)** – Drums While all four members hail from JACK CAPER, they're notably not from the band's final lineup, suggesting this project draws from an earlier era of the group's history. The presence of Choco and U—both of whom also played in STRESS COMPANY—hints at a deeper his...

After years away, the theatrical rock outfit **CUCKOO** is making a triumphant return to mark their 16th anniversary. The band has announced a live performance scheduled for **June 28th**, bringing back one of Japan's most intriguing experimental rock projects. CUCKOO unites three powerhouse musicians from the underground and Visual Kei scenes. Vocalist **Sharaku Kobayashi** (小林写楽) brings his signature dramatic delivery, drawing from his work with METRONOME, FLOPPY, HECTOR, and AINORI TECHNOS. Guitarist **Ao Sakurai** (桜井青) contributes his distinctive sound from cali≠gari and LAB. THE BASEMENT, where he's honed a sharp, angular approach to rock composition. Behind the kit sits **Sasabuchi Hiroshi** (ササブチヒロシ), whose extensive resume includes stints with Plastic Tree, UROBOROS, Velvet Blue, and Tokyo Shoegazer—a pedigree that guarantees technical precision and creative depth. The combination of these three artists creates something special: CUCKOO sits at the intersection...

Gothic metalcore legends MUCC are bringing their dark, atmospheric sound to European stages this summer as part of an expanded festival circuit. The Japanese Visual Kei pioneers have confirmed two headline dates surrounding their appearance at B7Fest, the newly launched Visual Kei festival taking place in Paris. For those unfamiliar, MUCC has been a cornerstone of the Visual Kei scene since the late 1990s, blending heavy guitars with haunting melodies and deeply theatrical presentations. Known for their conceptual albums and intense live performances, the band continues to push boundaries within the genre while maintaining a dedicated international fanbase. **Tour Details:** The confirmed European dates are: - **9 July 2026** – Berlin, Germany @ Kesselhaus - **13 July 2026** – Helsinki, Finland @ Ääniwalli Ticket sales open **23 April 2026 at 12:00 CET**. This gives fans just over three months' notice to plan travel and accommodation—essential if you're hoping to ca...

A fresh Visual Kei project has officially launched: **Erzsébet**, a gothic-tinged duo pairing vocalist Monet with keyboardist KD. The band has already locked in their debut live performance for **May 23, 2026**—giving fans a concrete date to mark their calendars. The project's name, Erzsébet (Elizabeth in Hungarian), carries gothic and historical weight, hinting at the aesthetic direction the duo plans to explore. The teaser imagery released so far suggests a dark, theatrical approach aligned with the gothic Visual Kei tradition—expect elaborate visuals and moody atmospherics when they take the stage. **Monet** brings an established presence in the Visual Kei scene, while **KD** on keyboards adds textural depth to what appears to be a synth-forward sound palette. The keyboard-led approach suggests influences from the symphonic and gothic branches of Visual Kei, potentially drawing from acts like Malice Mizer or more modern gothic projects. For those unfamiliar with Erzsébet...

Arlequin is bringing a special nostalgic moment to one of Tokyo's most storied Visual Kei venues. The band will headline the Ikebukuro BlackHole 17th Anniversary celebration with a unique two-day gender-separated live event. For those unfamiliar with Arlequin, the band carries deep roots with BlackHole itself—they previously performed at the legendary venue under the name "blind" before their official formation. This anniversary show feels like a full-circle moment, with the event itself titled *blind* as a direct callback to that history. The celebration takes place **June 19–20, 2026** at Ikebukuro BlackHole. Day One (June 19) marks the first women-only show at the venue in two years, while Day Two (June 20) continues BlackHole's traditional men-only live format—a long-standing tradition that many Japanese VK venues maintain to create distinct audience experiences. **Event Details:** **June 19 (Friday) – Ladies Only** - Doors: 6:30 PM | Start: 7:00 PM **...

ねぐせ。 has solved the mystery that's been puzzling their fanbase all week: the band will hold their very first free live performance on April 16th at an undisclosed location in Shibuya, starting at 5 PM. For the past several days, the band's official social media accounts have been posting cryptic messages and coded imagery, sparking wild speculation among listeners about what was coming. Today's announcement answers those burning questions—sort of. While the date and general area are confirmed, the exact venue details remain under wraps, and fans will need to keep monitoring official channels for the location reveal. ねぐせ。 has been building momentum steadily throughout early 2026. Just ahead of this free live, they're dropping new single "青春バイブレーション" (Seishun Vibration) on April 8th—an upbeat, spring-ready anthem that frontman りょたち (vocals, guitar) debuted at the band's recent festival appearance. The track perfectly captures the energy of new beginn...

Following the triumphant conclusion of their *Maniac Heaven Tour Vol. 17*, THE BACK HORN is ready to ignite summer 2026 with a brand-new one-man tour that promises raw intensity and cathartic release. **Who are THE BACK HORN?** For those unfamiliar, THE BACK HORN are a legendary Visual Kei institution—a band that has spent decades crafting a signature sound that balances theatrical darkness with genuine emotional depth. They're known for their evocative imagery, intricate compositions, and uncompromising live performances that leave audiences spiritually transformed. **What's coming in summer 2026** The band just announced the *"KYO-MEI One-Man Tour" ~ Explosive Sound, Scorching Heat, Pure Land ~*, a six-show tour across five cities running from July through September. This marks their first self-promoted tour to include Gifu and Kobe in years—a significant moment for longtime fans in these regions. The tour's concept—"Explosive Sound, Scorching He...

A legendary three-band convergence is happening this July. Merry have announced **"Daisuke Matsuri!!"** (Daisuke Festival), a special one-night-only event at Tokyo's Zepp Haneda on **July 30th, 2026** — timed to coincide with vocalist Gala's birthday and part of Merry's 25th Anniversary celebration, *Many Merry Days*. What makes this event historic? For the first time ever, the early 2000s Visual Kei "Big Three" — **Merry, MUCC, and Hizame** — will perform together in a dedicated three-man live. While these bands have shared festival bills countless times, this marks their first headline-only collaboration since the golden age of Japanese visual rock. The lineup includes Merry, MUCC, and three former Hizame members: vocalist Youana, guitarist Kazu, and bassist Shizumi. Gala personally spearheaded the event's conception, determined to make this dream collaboration a reality after more than two decades. **The Festival's Touches:** Ticket ...

Over two decades after disbanding, SCISSOR are making a surprise return to the spotlight with the digital release of *remember cut*, a 26-track best-of compilation now streaming across all major platforms. For those unfamiliar with the band, SCISSOR were an experimental Visual Kei outfit from the L∞p・Ash RECORDS roster, known for their theatrical approach and unconventional song structures. Though they've been inactive for years, the label's recent push to digitize its catalog has finally brought SCISSOR's music to streaming services—a victory for Western fans who've struggled to access their work. *Remember cut* spans the band's entire discography in chronological order, offering newcomers a comprehensive entry point into their sound. The compilation includes fan favorites like "GHOST SHIP ~Nanatsu no Umi no Monogatari~" (Ghost Ship: A Tale of Seven Seas), "Mienai Uwasa" (Invisible Rumors), and "Beautiful Sky," among 26 total t...

A new special unit called Fatüm has officially formed, and it's already making waves in the Visual Kei underground. The project brings together two seasoned veterans of the Japanese rock scene: vocalist Sui and guitarist/vocalist Hide-zou, both of whom boast impressive résumés across multiple notable bands. Sui's vocal prowess is well-known to fans of Metis Gretel, Megaromania, and DAVID, among others. Hide-zou, meanwhile, earned recognition during his time with the legendary band D before pursuing solo work. Together, they're creating something fresh under the Fatüm banner — a name with a distinctly artistic pedigree. What makes this project particularly intriguing is that the unit's name was personally chosen by **Mana**, the visionary founder of MALICE MIZER and Moi dix Mois. Fatüm is the Latin word for "destiny," and Mana's involvement signals that this is no ordinary side project. His blessing alone suggests that Fatüm carries weight within th...

A fresh supergroup has emerged from Japan's Visual Kei underground: **AIKOKU BARRACUDA** (哀哭バラクーダ), and they're already locked in for their first live performance on June 27, 2026. The lineup reads like a who's-who of the VK circuit. Vocalist **Kanwa** brings experience from the melodic acts **allure idea** and **KAUXS**, anchoring the band's vocal identity. On guitar, **Junpei** (formerly **SEEEK**) joins forces with **Akira**, who previously played in both **ETERNAL BEAMS** and **Mi:m**—a dual-guitar setup that promises layered, atmospheric arrangements. Bassist **YUSUKE** is a touring veteran with credits spanning **KIRISAME**, **Inv.e.ga**, **LABORAT**, and **SIK**, bringing serious groove credentials. Completing the rhythm section is drummer **Ryunoske** from **RESERVA**, rounding out what could be a powerfully tight unit. The combination of these musicians suggests AIKOKU BARRACUDA will occupy an interesting space within Visual Kei. With members drawn from both...

A fresh face has emerged in the Visual Kei underground: **あの子の部屋のカレンデュラは** (stylized as "anocale") has officially formed and is already making waves with an ambitious digital release strategy. The newly assembled four-piece consists of vocalist 瑠依 (Rui), guitarist 9, bassist 惟緒 (Io), and drummer support 水崎達彦 (Misaki Tatsuhiko)—a familiar name to VK devotees, as Tatsuhiko previously drummed for **1年4組 (Ichiyon)** and **Featuring School**. This pedigree suggests the band is tapping into established underground networks, which bodes well for their artistic direction. **What to Expect** Rather than the traditional single-at-a-time rollout, anocale is taking a bold approach: five digital singles will drop across streaming platforms, each with evocative titles that hint at the theatrical darkness VK fans crave: - "春鬻ぐ、歌舞伎町" (Spring Selling, Kabukicho) - "メンヘラコレクション" (Mental Health Collection) - "黒百合の途" (Path of Black Lilies) - "偏愛エチュード...

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 ...

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...

A fresh face is joining the Visual Kei underground: **EPHEM** (エフェメ) has officially formed and already locked in their debut live performance for **April 6, 2026**. What makes EPHEM particularly interesting is the lineup's pedigree. Vocalist **Emiru** brings extensive experience from multiple projects including T@Planet, Clown×Crown, Altair, and Rabyrinth—a track record that signals serious ambition for the new venture. The guitar support slot features **Utaha**, another T@Planet and Clown×Crown veteran, suggesting these musicians have a long-standing creative chemistry worth watching. The full roster includes: - **Vocal:** Emiru - **Guitar:** Nazora - **Guitar Support:** Utaha - **Bass:** Shiu (ex-Sarcastic, KANASHIVARI, HUMAN ERROR) - **Drums Support:** Niy (Luvielle, THE MAYDAY MAYDAY) Shiu's background in bands like Sarcastic and KANASHIVARI indicates EPHEM may lean toward heavier, more aggressive Visual Kei territory—though we'll need to hear their actual...

Rising Visual Kei act Zilqy is charging forward with their meteoric 2026 momentum, announcing a solo headline show this summer. The band will perform **"From Zero To One"** on **July 11, 2026** at **Veats Shibuya** in Tokyo (doors 5 PM, showtime 6 PM). The title itself carries symbolic weight—a Japanese phrase meaning "becoming" or "manifesting from nothing," perfectly capturing where Zilqy stands right now. For those unfamiliar: Zilqy emerged in late 2025 with their debut EP *Vacant Throne*, and have already achieved what most new bands dream of. Every show on their ongoing "Rise to Liberation" tour sold out instantly, forcing promoters to add extra dates. Today's Shin-Yokohama performance saw multiple unreleased tracks premiered—a sign the band is already evolving beyond their debut material. Part of that sonic evolution comes courtesy of guitarist Toki, who's now incorporated a 7-string ESP ARROW 7 into the rig alongside his t...

Two of Japan's most exciting young Visual Kei acts are joining forces. CHAQLA. and sugar have announced a co-headlining two-man tour titled **"SWEET SIX SENSE"** hitting three venues across the greater Tokyo region this summer. **Who Are These Bands?** CHAQLA. has built a reputation as one of VK's most visually distinctive acts, crafting a signature sound through meticulously detailed music, costumes, and artwork that set them apart even within the genre. Their appeal extends well beyond Japan's shores, with a growing international fanbase. Meanwhile, sugar proved their momentum earlier this year when they sold out their January 3rd one-man free live at Ebisu LIQUID ROOM—a major statement for an emerging band. Despite their different aesthetics, both bands share comparable activity histories and band structures, yet each has carved out completely distinct stylistic territory. The clash between these two rising stars promises to be essential viewing for an...