VKNews

The third monthly installment of the New Releases Playlist for 2026 has landed, and it's packed with fresh material from some of the most exciting names in Visual Kei right now. Curated by the team at vk.gy, this Spotify-embedded collection features Luvielle as the cover artist and showcases the incredible diversity of the Visual Kei underground and beyond. This month's playlist is a masterclass in why Visual Kei remains one of Japan's most vital rock subgenres. The 40+ artists featured span the entire spectrum—from established acts like SID, Acid Black Cherry, and Nightmare, who've been shaping the scene for nearly two decades, to hungry newer names like Kumori Nochi, Akai Yurei, and Mizukami CLINIC that represent the genre's future. You'll find everything here: the theatrical intensity of XAA-XAA and Rorschach.inc, the gothic darkness of Dokubari and VALHALLA, the melodic hooks of Royz and The Benjamin, and the experimental edge of KAKUMAY and machine....

If you're the type to let great music slip through the cracks during a busy year, JaME has your back. The legendary Japanese music publication just dropped their annual Staff Picks 2025 Playlist on Spotify—a curated collection assembled by team members across JaME's international editions, and it's packed with everything from infectious idol pop to crushing metal and laid-back hip-hop. For Western VK fans, this playlist is essential listening. JaME's mission has always centered on bridging the gap between Japan's thriving underground music scene and overseas listeners hungry for something beyond the mainstream. That ethos shines through here: you'll find both established names and rising acts that deserve your attention, all handpicked by critics who genuinely know their stuff. The range is genuinely impressive. Whether you're after the energetic rock sound that defined the VK scene's golden era, the melodic metal that bands like **NEMOPHILA** and...