VKNews

Verde/ is ramping up the intensity with a new single and an ambitious spring tour. The band has unveiled fresh visuals for **"Pulse/"**, set to drop April 1st, 2026—a track that pushes the heavy, loud guitar-driven sound they introduced on last year's *OBSIDIAN/* EP even further into cyberpunk and digital dystopia territory. This is Verde/ at their most aggressive. **What to expect from "Pulse/":** The single comes in three formats—luxury edition (¥4,950), live venue edition (¥2,200), and standard CD (¥1,980)—each packed with different bonuses. The standard edition ships with random photo cards and exclusive goodies depending on where you buy it. Tower Records Shinjuku gets a clear file; HMV adds stickers; ULTRA SHIBUYA offers posters. **The Tour Machine:** To support the release, Verde/ is launching the **SPRING CIRCUIT: PULSE / STATIC EDEN** tour with a star-studded supporting lineup: guitarist Yusuke and bassist Hikari from *Matenrou Opera*, plus dr...

DEZERT have reached a major milestone. The Tokyo-based visual rock band has completed their historic first tour of all 47 prefectures in Japan—and they're already looking ahead to their next chapter. The band celebrated this achievement with a grand finale concert at Makuhari Messe Event Hall, where they delivered 21 songs spanning their catalog. Most notably, they premiered a brand-new track called "音楽" (Music), produced by Ken of L'Arc-en-Ciel, during their first-ever double encore. The song is both a statement piece about the band's relationship with music itself and a love letter to everyone who's walked alongside them—and judging by the crowd sing-along, it landed perfectly. This was DEZERT's second arena-scale show, following their Japan Budokan performance two years ago, signaling their growing momentum in the Japanese rock scene. But here's where it gets exciting: immediately after the finale, the band announced two major touring campa...

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...

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the velvet curtain of visual kei's biggest productions, MASKED just gave you an all-access pass. The collective has released a two-part documentary capturing the making of their ambitious MASKED 2026 photoshoot—a massive undertaking that brought together 47 vocalists from across the contemporary visual kei scene. These aren't just any artists; they represent the current wave of talent pushing the movement forward, from established names to rising acts defining the sound and aesthetics of modern VK. The documentary is split across two episodes (DAY1 and DAY2), offering raw footage from the photoshoots themselves, candid interviews with participating artists, and their reflections on the state of visual kei as a whole. It's the kind of high-production-value content that's genuinely rare in the VK community—most behind-the-scenes material tends to be rough bootlegs or brief clips. This is slick, well-edited, and genui...

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...

A fresh chapter in the Visual Kei underground is unfolding with the emergence of ラルン -LA LUNE- (La Lune), a new project that brings together members from beloved disbanded acts. The band has announced their debut digital single, "今宵、リリスで逢いましょう" (Tonight, Let's Meet at Lilith), set for release on March 20, 2026. La Lune features LUNA on vocals, formerly of the theatrical Visual Kei act Bedtime Story, whose haunting vocal delivery defined much of that project's mystique. Anchoring the rhythm section is 雪兎 (Yukito) on bass, previously active in MAD Night—a name familiar to those who followed the deeper corners of Japan's underground rock scene. This pairing of seasoned musicians signals serious intent; both members bring years of experience navigating the demands of VK's elaborate live performances and intricate compositions. The single's title, "Tonight, Let's Meet at Lilith," carries an intriguing mystique befitting the project's a...

Dir en grey have dropped the full album artwork and tracklist for MORTAL DOWNER , their 12th studio album due April 8, 2026. The cover — unveiled via the band's official Instagram — is exactly what you'd expect from Dir en grey at their most cinematic: a robed, cone-hatted figure silhouetted in a portal of harsh light, set against a desolate landscape and framed by dense, ink-etched illustrations of insects and writhing organic forms. Dark, apocalyptic, and unmistakably theirs.

There's a particular kind of beauty that emerges from controlled destruction, and DALLE's 2021 offering *Destroyed To Discord. And The Reason* is a masterclass in harnessing sonic chaos without losing melodic coherence. This is an album that announces itself as a statement—a band unafraid to splinter their sound into jagged fragments, then reassemble them into something unexpectedly hypnotic. From the opening moments, it's clear DALLE has embraced a more abrasive aesthetic than typical Visual Kei orthodoxy demands. The production is deliberately raw, guitars clash with almost confrontational intensity, and the vocal delivery oscillates between melodic croon and visceral snarl. Rather than smooth this friction away, the band leans into it, creating an album that feels genuinely destabilized—appropriate given the title's promise of discord. What prevents *Destroyed To Discord* from descending into mere noise is its underlying compositional intelligence. Beneath th...

After a hiatus, Japanese rock act Sadie is officially back in the studio—and they're bringing new material with them. The band has announced their first newly recorded single since their activity resumption, titled "悪の花" (Flower of Evil), set to drop in September 2026. For those unfamiliar with Sadie, the Tokyo-based rock band emerged in the early 2000s and built a dedicated following with their blend of theatrical rock sensibilities and dark, introspective songwriting. Their aesthetic walks the line between alternative rock and visual rock traditions, marked by moody arrangements and atmospheric production. The announcement of fresh material is a significant moment for longtime supporters who've been waiting to hear what direction the band takes post-reunion. The single's title alone—"Flower of Evil"—signals a return to the darker thematic territory that defined much of Sadie's earlier work. While the band has kept production details close to the...

The Benjamin are gearing up for a major release this spring with their new album *Beyond*, arriving in two formats for eager fans. The record will hit digital platforms on **March 21, 2026**, with a physical CD release following on **March 29, 2026** at ¥3,500. For those unfamiliar with the band, The Benjamin are known for their dynamic blend of rock aesthetics and theatrical presentation, bringing energy and intricate songwriting to the Japanese rock underground. The *Beyond* tracklist showcases a creative vision dominated by the songwriting of Miney, who helms 11 of the 14 compositions, with Mashoe contributing the remaining three. Notably, the tracks lean heavily into a thematic alphabet motif with Japanese titles—from "ボーダーライン" (Borderline) and "ブラッドオレンジ" (Blood Orange) to "ボストンバッグ" (Boston Bag) and "バンダナ" (Bandana). The English-language tracks "Bootleg Apples" and "Blunt Breath" provide stylistic variety, while the clo...

If you've been sleeping on Psycho le Cému's festival circuit, it's time to wake up—the legendary visual kei institution is hosting a two-day extravaganza in Himeji this March, and Day 2 is getting a full live broadcast on Nico Nico Douga. **Psycho le Cému Presents: Himeji Shirasagi Rock Fest 2026** takes place March 28–29 at Acreひめじ Grand Hall in Hyogo Prefecture. Day 1 features Psycho le Cému, 氣志團, PENICILLIN, lynch., and キズ, while Day 2 (March 29) will showcase Psycho le Cému, **Plastic Tree**, **NIGHTMARE**, 0.1gの誤算, and ENVii GABRIELLA—essentially a who's-who of Japanese visual kei and experimental rock. For Western fans who can't make the trek to Japan, this is huge: Nico Nico Douga will exclusively broadcast all Day 2 performances starting at 1 PM on March 29. You'll need a Nico Nico Premium membership (¥790/month) to watch live, but the broadcast will remain available for timeshift viewing until April 19, 2026. **About the festival:** Psycho le C...

Onmyoza has officially released their first live album as a standalone release in two decades. *Gin'yo Sashimai* dropped today, marking a major milestone for the veteran Visual Kei outfit and capturing the energy of their massive 2025 tour in stunning detail. The 24-track double album was recorded during the final show of the *2025 Gin'yo Tour* at Hokkaido's Sapporo venue on September 11th, following the September 11th kickoff in Yokohama. The tour supported the band's latest studio album *Gin'yo Gozen*, their first original full-length in two and a half years. For those unfamiliar with Onmyoza: they're one of Japan's most theatrical and conceptual Visual Kei bands, known for their elaborate stage productions, Japanese folklore themes, and genre-blending approach that fuses rock with traditional instrumentation. The last time Onmyoza released a standalone live album was *Onmyo Raibu* back in 2006—a 20-year gap that makes this release feel genuinely s...

Versailles is heading to Latin America this December, and it's a huge deal for the sophisticated visual kei outfit. The band—known for their ornate costumes, classical-inspired arrangements, and theatrical presence—will hit both Mexico and Chile as part of an expanded touring schedule. First up is a solo live in Santiago, Chile on **December 3rd at Teatro Coliseo**. This marks the band's first performance in the country in a decade and their first headlining show in three years. Tickets go on sale **March 27 at 11:00** via Punto Ticket. For fans in the region who've been waiting for Versailles to return, this is unmissable. Two days later, the band will perform at **KNOTFEST 2026** on **December 5th at Estadio Fray Nano in Mexico City**—Slipknot's flagship metal festival. Tickets drop **March 23 at 11:00** on FunTicket MX. Versailles joining a festival lineup alongside one of metal's biggest names underscores how far visual kei has penetrated the internation...

March and April are absolutely STACKED with visual kei goodness, and we're thrilled to break down every killer release hitting the scene! From anticipated new albums by XAA-XAA, DAMILA, and MATHILDA to remastered classics, live recordings, and the return of beloved acts like Royz and THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S, these two months are shaping up to be absolutely essential for any VK collector. 81 releases confirmed for March 2026 & April 2026. Data sourced from vk.gy . Dates subject to change.

A fresh supergroup has emerged from the Visual Kei underground, and the roster is stacked with familiar faces. ANCIENT MYTH has officially announced its complete lineup, bringing together experienced musicians from across the scene for what promises to be an intriguing new chapter. Fronting the project is **Michal** on vocals, formerly of Mandylion and known by the codename Wingless. On guitar, **kaya** from kNeon brings technical prowess, while **Hal** of Ethereal Sin commands the keyboard. The rhythm section pairs **Raimu**—fresh from his time in DiAMiLiON and also a kNeon member—on bass with **Shibuki** from Omelas on drums. What makes ANCIENT MYTH particularly intriguing is how it bridges different corners of the Visual Kei community. Raimu's addition to the lineup marks an exciting next move after his work with DiAMiLiON, and his presence alongside such a cohesive ensemble suggests this is more than just a casual side project. The combination of Michal's vocal expe...

Visual Kei outfit HAKANAKI is moving forward with fresh material this spring. The band has announced their fourth digital single, "Sakura Graphy" (サクラグラフィー), arriving on March 23, 2026. The single will be distributed via TuneCore Japan and clocks in at approximately five minutes. While details about the track's sound and production remain sparse, the artwork teases a moody aesthetic consistent with HAKANAKI's theatrical Visual Kei sensibilities. For those unfamiliar with HAKANAKI, the band has carved out a distinctive niche within the Visual Kei scene with their dramatic arrangements and emotionally charged performances. Their previous digital releases have showcased their commitment to exploring darker, more introspective territory—blending heavy instrumentation with haunting melodies that resonate with Western VK fans drawn to bands like Nightmare and DIAURA. The release of "Sakura Graphy" marks another milestone in their ongoing creative journey....

After years away from the stage, legendary Visual Kei act CHELSEA is making a triumphant return—but only for one night. The band has announced a special one-day revival live performance scheduled for **July 7, 2026**. This marks a significant moment for fans of the group, who have been waiting for any sign of activity from the iconic outfit. CHELSEA emerged during the height of the Japanese Visual Kei movement, establishing themselves as a key player in the scene with their theatrical presentation and hard-hitting rock sound. Like many VK bands from their era, CHELSEA built a devoted fanbase through their energetic live performances and distinctive aesthetic that perfectly captured the genre's androgynous, elaborate visual identity. The announcement of even a single-day return is cause for celebration among longtime supporters. Details about the venue, ticket information, and setlist have not yet been confirmed, but interested fans should keep an eye on official channels for fu...

The Visual Kei world is mourning the loss of a legend. LUNA SEA's drummer Shunya (真矢), who passed away in February at age 56 after a battle with cancer, is being honored through a special rebroadcast of his television appearances on the variety show "Kamaitachi" (かまいガチ). Starting today, March 17, two episodes featuring Shunya will air on both TVer and ABEMA for a limited two-week window. The rebroadcast includes segments titled "Mastering 'ROSIER'" and "Budokan Live Behind-the-Scenes" (前後編), celebrating his infectious personality and legendary drumming skills that made him a beloved figure both on and off stage. **Who Was Shunya?** Born in 1970 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Shunya's musical foundation was rooted in traditional Japanese arts. Raised by a Noh theatre performer, he developed an early appreciation for rhythm through Noh and festival taiko drumming before formally studying drums in high school. When LUNA SEA formed in 1989, S...

What a week for Visual Kei. Between legacy acts honoring their fallen and fresh blood dropping debut videos, this was the kind of news cycle that reminds you why we're all obsessed with this scene. **The Heavy Hitters Are Moving** LUNA SEA absolutely dominated the headlines by launching their massive 33-show national tour in honour of late drummer Shnya—a deeply moving tribute that's already resonating across the fanbase. Meanwhile, the GazettE made waves (and raised eyebrows) with guitarist Aoi's departure, marking a significant shift for one of VK's most iconic acts. These aren't just roster changes; they're watershed moments for bands that shaped the genre. On the brighter side, NIGHTMARE unveiled a fresh visual style alongside their 33rd single "Reach for," proving that even decades-deep veterans know how to keep things visually sharp. And Sadie is celebrating 21 years with "BLACK FUNERAL" at Zepp Shinjuku this March—a testament to un...

the god and death stars just made a major move for Western fans: they've uploaded their entire back catalogue—66 songs spanning three EPs, three full-length albums, and singles collections—to all major streaming platforms for the first time ever. This is a landmark moment for the Tokyo-based band, whose music has previously only been available through live performances and physical releases. The timing is strategic. The band is kicking off their spring national tour, *JAPAN TOUR 2026 SPRING "林檎に剃刀 (Ringo ni剃刀) - もうすぐ地獄ですね (Mōsugu Jigoku Desu Ne)"* starting March 21st, and this streaming rollout gives international listeners a chance to get acquainted with their catalogue before the tour hits Tokyo in April. **About the Band** the god and death stars formed in 2011 around frontman aie (vocals, guitar), known in Japanese rock circles as "Tokyo's busiest guitarist" due to his relentless activity across multiple bands and solo projects. The rhythm secti...