VKNews

Dir En Grey's collaboration with Tower Records Cafe is making a triumphant return—and Western fans should take note of how Japanese record stores celebrate their biggest acts. Due to popular demand, the DIR EN GREY × TOWER RECORDS CAFE takeout bottle collaboration is being revived at two locations this May. Originally launched to commemorate the band's 12th studio album *Mortal Downer*, these limited-edition bottles sold out so quickly that Tower Records decided to bring them back for an encore run. For those unfamiliar with Dir En Grey, they're one of Japan's most influential heavy rock exports—a band that's built a global fanbase through relentless touring, inventive songwriting, and an unmistakable visual identity that blends brutalism with theatrical flair. Their new album *Mortal Downer* showcases the band's evolution while maintaining the sonic intensity their devoted international audience expects. **Here's what you need to know:** The colla...

Visual Kei continues to welcome fresh voices, and RE:lNa is building momentum with their highly anticipated second single. The band will release "届かなかったすべての夜に" (All the Nights That Never Reached) on **July 15, 2026**. RE:lNa represents an intriguing collision of established VK talent, bringing together seasoned musicians from respected acts within the scene. The lineup features vocalist Kei leading the charge, with guitarist 華雪-Kayuki- (formerly of 2nd Dyz) providing melodic firepower alongside Tokkiy from Ru:natic on second guitar. The rhythm section is anchored by bassist Hiromaru。(ex-Gimmick.) and drummer 玲眞-Shima- (formerly of Xirclett), creating a well-rounded ensemble that blends experience with creative vision. The band's first single generated considerable interest within the Western VK fanbase, and anticipation is building around what direction "届かなかったすべての夜に" will take. The title—which translates to something deeply introspective about unreached...

One of Visual Kei's most respected session projects is making a rare comeback. KISAKI PROJECT feat.ryo will reunite for a special one-day event, bringing together some of the scene's most skilled musicians for what promises to be an unmissable performance. The project centers on ryo, a vocalist with an impressive resume spanning D'ELSQUEL, 9GOATS BLACK OUT, HOLLOWGRAM, DÄLLE, and H.U.G. He'll be joined by KISAKI on bass—a musician best known for his work with Phantasmagoria and MIRAGE—alongside support guitar from HIZAKI, the virtuoso formerly of Versailles, SULFURIC ACID, Schwardix Marvally, and Jupiter. Completing the lineup are guitarist Iyoda Kohei from THE GENIUS ORCHESTRATION and drummer Ryota Moritani (ex.GLARD). This is the kind of all-star collaboration that Visual Kei fans live for: seasoned musicians from beloved bands uniting for something special. KISAKI's session projects have consistently attracted top-tier talent, and this lineup is no exception. ...

The Novembers are gearing up for a fresh release this spring: the atmospheric quartet has announced their new EP *合奏する、エンジン* (Ensemble Engine), arriving **May 20, 2026**. If you haven't encountered The Novembers yet, they're a Japanese rock band known for their moody, introspective soundscapes and layered instrumental arrangements. Their music sits at the intersection of post-rock sensibilities and emotional depth—think cinematic guitar work paired with introspective vocals. They've built a dedicated international following among fans who appreciate nuance and atmosphere in their rock music. The new EP features four tracks: 1. HERO 2. The Singing Engines 3. 遥か彼方 (Far Away) 4. 合奏 -Hold me Hold me Hold me- (Ensemble) That tracklist hints at the EP's thematic direction: "The Singing Engines" and the finale's title track suggest themes of collaboration, movement, and interconnection. The poetic Japanese track titles add to the atmospheric quality ...

Rising Visual Kei act 泥眼 (Deigan) has unveiled a striking new single that showcases the band's signature blend of theatrical aesthetics and dynamic musicianship. The track "恋文" (Love Letter) marks another compelling release from the Tokyo-based outfit, and it's well worth your attention. For those unfamiliar with Deigan, the band has been building steady momentum within the Japanese Visual Kei underground scene. Known for their polished production, intricate guitar work, and front-man 累 (Rui)'s commanding vocal presence, they represent the contemporary wave of VK acts pushing the genre forward with both reverence for tradition and fresh creative vision. The new song features the full band lineup: vocalist 累 (Rui), guitarist 不律 (Furitsu), support guitarist ALu, bassist 沙夜 (Sayo), and drummer Ayuto. This configuration has proven potent on previous releases, and "恋文" demonstrates why their fanbase continues to grow. The track balances melodic sensibility...

Former Janne Da Arc vocalist ka-yu is stepping into a bold new chapter with the announcement of his debut full-length album *OUTSET*, arriving June 20, 2026. This marks a major milestone for the singer, who relaunched his solo career in January 2024. *OUTSET* arrives as a comprehensive statement of intent—a 12-track collection that distills over two years of creative work since ka-yu's musical rebirth. The album blends four previously-released 2025 singles (re-recorded with new drum arrangements and mixing) alongside eight fresh compositions. Notably, some tracklist entries were chosen directly by fan vote, making this a true listener-participation project. Guitar work and arrangements on the new material come courtesy of Kyrie (ex-NoGoD), while drummer CHARGEEEEEE… anchors the full release. Five editions are available: a members-only variant with signed outer sleeve (¥4,400), limited TYPE A with custom CD player (¥12,100, available in clear or red), TYPE B with acrylic dog...

Swiss Visual Kei outfit Fatüm is officially stepping into the spotlight with their long-awaited debut CD, arriving June 24th under their freshly minted independent imprint, Vox Division, with distribution handled by CREAM Entertainment. The band—comprising members SUI and HIDE-ZOU—are wasting no time making an impression. Alongside the CD announcement comes their debut music video for "Canary," which dropped online and offers Western fans their first official glimpse at Fatüm's sonic identity and visual direction. Check it out above. **What You're Getting:** The *Canary* release comes in two distinct editions, each packing five tracks and priced at 2,500 yen: - **Lumina ver.** (VDCD-001) — the "light" edition - **Tenebra ver.** (VDCD-002) — the "shadow" edition This dual-version approach is classic Visual Kei strategy, giving collectors reason to grab both and creating aesthetic symmetry that mirrors the band's theatrical sensibilities. ...

April 2026 Month in Review: Reunions, Supergroups & the Sound of Tomorrow April was the month Visual Kei stopped playing it safe—legends returned, new blood arrived, and the underground roared louder than ever.

Fresh energy is coming to the Visual Kei scene with unRealless's first EP, and it's arriving sooner than you might think. **unRealless** will drop their debut EP **"NETWORK SYNDROME"** on **May 1st, 2026**. This four-track, 15-minute release marks an exciting entry point into a band that's already generating buzz among Western VK fans. The band features: - **MINOLi** (Vocals) - **綾人 / Ayato** (Guitar) - **青 / Sei** (Bass) - **JuuN** (Drums) While unRealless hasn't been in the Western spotlight for long, they're part of a wave of newer Visual Kei acts bringing theatrical intensity and avant-garde sensibilities to Japan's rock underground. Their sound bridges the gap between melodic composition and experimental edge—exactly what keeps the Visual Kei movement alive and evolving. The **"NETWORK SYNDROME"** teaser already dropped on YouTube, giving fans a first taste of what to expect. Based on the preview, the band isn't afraid of at...

A fresh collaborative project is on the horizon for Visual Kei fans: ANI-V, a new dual-vocal unit, will drop their debut digital single "Magical Lovely Caramel Pop" (マジカル・ラブリー・キャラメルポップ) on **May 11, 2026**. The project brings together two seasoned vocalists from the Japanese underground rock scene. **Natsuhiko**, who previously fronted the Visual Kei acts Zakuro, UNDER, and 地球侵略 鬼ON (Chikyuu Shinryaku Oni ON), pairs with **Cahier**, also a former member of 地球侵略 鬼ON. This shared history suggests a natural chemistry and understanding of each other's vocal dynamics—a strong foundation for any new musical venture. While details remain sparse at this stage, the project's playful, pop-inflected title hints at a lighter, more experimental direction than some of their previous work, though ANI-V's exact sonic identity will become clearer once the single drops. The pairing of two male vocalists in the VK sphere is always intriguing, and fans of theatrical, characte...

Another short-lived chapter closes in the Visual Kei underground: **Souka** (葬花, literally "Flower Burial") has announced their disbandment, set for May 2025. The band, which only formed in December 2024, shared the news via Twitter today alongside a heartfelt message thanking fans for the memories they've created together during their brief existence. While specifics about the reasons for their split remain undisclosed, the group has promised to reveal their final live plans in the coming weeks—so fans wanting to catch them one last time should stay tuned to their official channels. It's a bittersweet reminder of how transient the VK scene can be. New bands emerge with ambitious visions and fresh energy, only to dissolve before they've had time to build a substantial discography or touring momentum. Souka's lifespan of roughly five months is certainly on the shorter end, but it's far from unprecedented in Japan's underground rock sphere, where...

Visual Kei act THE BEETHOVEN are gearing up for a major milestone with a fresh aesthetic rebrand and the announcement of their highly anticipated 9th single, *Angel*. For those unfamiliar with the band, THE BEETHOVEN are known for their theatrical approach to rock music, blending classical influences with the dramatic visual presentation that defines Visual Kei. The new look marks an exciting evolution for the group as they prepare to celebrate 13 years in the scene. The single *Angel* is set to drop on **May 14, 2026**, so mark your calendars now. Alongside the release, THE BEETHOVEN will embark on their 13th anniversary oneman tour, titled *Classical × Thirteen*—a fitting title that plays on the band's classical-rock fusion sound and the significance of reaching this milestone year. The band has shared striking new promotional images showcasing their reimagined visual direction. While details about the specific changes to their aesthetic remain to be fully revealed, the ...

A legendary chapter of Visual Kei history is reopening. KEY PARTY, the iconic 1990s Visual Kei talent agency that shaped the movement's early years, is hosting a reunion special — and it's happening live via TwitCasting Premium on May 30th, 2026. For those unfamiliar with KEY PARTY's legacy, the agency was instrumental in developing and promoting some of Visual Kei's most influential acts during the genre's formative decade. The agency dissolved over 20 years ago, making this reunion particularly significant for longtime fans who lived through that era. The inaugural broadcast will be a special 3-hour livestream starting at 6:00 PM JST, featuring an impressive lineup of reunited members from KEY PARTY's roster bands: **Featured Cast:** - THOGO (DEFLOWER vocalist) - Kei (Eliphas Levi vocalist) - Shuri (Eliphas Levi guitarist) - TERUHIKO (NéiL bassist) - Ray (Aliene Ma'riage bassist) - TOMO (DEFLOWER guitarist) The broadcast hints at surprise appear...

fulusu is gearing up to deliver fresh sonic territory with their upcoming EP *Birth in Vitro*, arriving **April 29, 2026**. The four-piece continues to carve out their identity within Japan's underground rock scene with a release that promises introspection and experimental edge. The Tokyo-based outfit—fronted by the distinctive vocals and guitar work of Joseph Gen, alongside guitarist Yuto Yoneya, bassist Shunsuke Sato, and drummer Sho Sato—has been building momentum with their theatrical approach to rock music. While fulusu operates within the broader Japanese rock ecosystem, their aesthetic sensibilities and sonic ambition position them as artists worth tracking for fans who appreciate the boundary-pushing energy of contemporary J-rock. **What to Expect** The EP spans four tracks, each title hinting at the conceptual weight behind this release: 1. Vessel 2. In vitro 3. Pseudo-Life (擬生) 4. Glass Dahlia (硝子のダリア) The thematic through-line appears to explore artificial...

The Ravens are wasting no time capitalizing on momentum—their fourth album *BAND-AID* dropped today across streaming platforms, and the band has already announced a limited-edition physical package exclusive to their upcoming spring/summer tour. For those unfamiliar, The Ravens are a Japanese rock outfit known for their dynamic sound and theatrical live presence. Coming roughly a year after their 2025 album *Ghost Notes*, *BAND-AID* packs 11 tracks including the previously released single "One More Song" and the streaming track "天国レイヴンズ" (Tengoku Ravens). The full tracklist spans everything from the title track to quirky standouts like "iPhoneとFRISK" and "The Catcher in the Mosh Pit"—a blend of introspection, humor, and raw energy. Here's where it gets interesting: the physical edition won't be available through traditional retail. Instead, The Ravens are offering a special venue-exclusive package at all stops of their *＜THE RAVEN...

COCK ROACH is returning with their most ambitious project yet. The Tokyo-based Visual Kei outfit has announced their fifth full-length album, *死への先駆的覚悟性* (Shi e no Senkushateki Kakugo-sei / Pioneering Resolve Toward Death), arriving May 1st, 2026. If you're unfamiliar with COCK ROACH, they're one of Japan's most uncompromising dark Visual Kei acts, known for their grotesque imagery, dissonant guitar work, and existential lyrical themes. They've been quietly building a devoted underground following with their previous albums and relentless live performances—this fifth record signals another evolution in their aesthetic vision. The 14-track album showcases their signature blend of gothic sensibilities and avant-garde experimentation. The tracklist reads like a horror anthology: opening with "God Does Not Love Me" and moving through cuts like "Sacrifice Blood," "Fish and Beak," and "Moon Devouring," before closing with "死都Uto...

A fresh wave is breaking in the Visual Kei underground: **THE MAYDAY MAYDAY**, a newly formed supergroup featuring seasoned musicians from respected VK acts, will release a free live-limited CD on **May 24, 2026**. While details on the recording itself remain sparse, this announcement marks an exciting moment for a band assembled from genuine VK pedigree. The lineup brings together members from acts that have shaped the underground scene—including the experimental theatricality of Sunawachi Saga., the atmospheric textures of Wakuraba, and the gothic aesthetics of Luvielle. **Meet the Members:** The band features **Sakai Tsubasa** on vocals, a dynamic frontman with a background spanning multiple projects including #PAROLE and MireDore alongside his work in the now-defunct Sunawachi Saga. and Wakuraba. **Tsumugu** handles guitars, bringing technical precision honed through stints in ACHE, redgram, and Wakuraba. Bassist **SAM.** adds depth from his time in both Sunawachi Saga. and Abu...

A fresh supergroup has just emerged from the Japanese Visual Kei scene, and the lineup is seriously stacked. **Solid Statement Soul** (abbreviated as SSS) has officially formed, uniting members from some of the genre's most respected acts—and they're already gearing up for their debut live performance on July 11, 2026. Leading the charge is **YUKI**, the former vocalist of the legendary Raphael and the short-lived project rice. YUKI's powerful vocal presence and theatrical command are legendary among VK fans, making their return to an active band a cause for celebration. Joining them is **RENO** on guitar, best known for his work in ViViD, where he delivered intricate, dynamic riffing that defined much of the band's signature sound. The rhythm section is equally impressive: **RENA** handles bass duties, bringing experience from Vior gloire, CRAZY PUNK KID, and TYOSiN, while **KAZAMI** takes the drumstool after stints with Clavier and the cult-favorite DaizyStripper. ...

LAST ALLIANCE has unveiled their highly anticipated 8th full-length album, *divine*, now available across all major streaming and retail platforms. Released on April 22, 2026, the 12-track record showcases the band's evolving sonic palette while maintaining the theatrical intensity their fanbase has come to expect. The album opens with "Icarus and the Final Ark" (イカロスと終の方舟), a dramatic statement of intent that sets the tone for what follows. The accompanying official music video captures the band's signature visual grandeur—a perfect entry point for those discovering LAST ALLIANCE for the first time. From there, *divine* takes listeners on a journey through introspective character-driven narratives and soaring instrumental arrangements, with standout tracks like "Hope That Loops" (ループするホープ) and "The Blind Stranger" (盲目のストレンジャー) offering memorable hooks alongside deeper cuts. For the uninitiated: LAST ALLIANCE has been a cornerstone of Japan...

KIRITO kicked off his nationwide "THE SHIFT COMPLETE" tour on April 25th at Yokohama Bay Hall, marking a significant sonic evolution for the Japanese rock musician. The 11-show tour supports his newly released mini-album *SHIFT*, and it's clear that this chapter represents something bigger than just new material—it's a turning point. For those unfamiliar with KIRITO, he's a solo artist known for crafting sophisticated, heavy-leaning rock music with intricate arrangements. Over the past several years, his albums *NEOSPIRAL*, *ALPHA*, and *CROSS* leaned heavily into aggressive, guitar-driven soundscapes. But *SHIFT* changes the equation entirely, prioritizing melody and emotional warmth alongside the heaviness fans expect. The narrative arc connecting this tour is compelling: February's birthday show "PARADIGM RIFT" hinted at transformation; *SHIFT* delivered the actual change; and now "THE SHIFT COMPLETE" solidifies it. Opening night...