VKNews

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...