VKNews

A forgotten gem from 2012 has finally made its way to streaming platforms. Litchi☆Hikari CLUB and machine's collaborative split mini-album *Rendez-vous* is now available on all major streaming services, bringing this rare release to Western fans who may have missed its original limited run. For those unfamiliar, Litchi☆Hikari CLUB is a theatrical Visual Kei unit known for their avant-garde aesthetics and experimental sound design, while machine has recently made waves with their 2024 revival featuring new members. This split represents an interesting snapshot of the Japanese underground scene from over a decade ago—a time when physical releases with exclusive DVD bonuses were the standard for limited-edition drops. The original 2012 release came in three editions: limited type A and type B, each packaged with exclusive music video DVDs ("innocent fever" and "Phantom of the end" respectively), while a standard edition contained identical audio across all ...

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....

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...

Ex-Janne Da Arc members are ready to shift into a bold new era. Nicori Light Tours, the project featuring guitarist you and keyboardist kiyo from the legendary visual kei outfit Janne Da Arc, will release their second album "RED:SHIFT" on June 3, 2026. The band, completed by vocalist ayumu, has carved out an intriguing space in the modern visual kei landscape by merging the technical sophistication and orchestral sensibilities both you and kiyo brought to Janne Da Arc with a fresher, more experimental approach. While Janne Da Arc dominated the 2000s with their brand of symphonic visual kei, Nicori Light Tours operates with a leaner aesthetic and more adventurous songwriting—a natural evolution for veterans unafraid to push boundaries. "RED:SHIFT" marks a significant milestone for the project, following their debut. The album spans 12 tracks on the physical CD release, opening with the ominous "spectre" and progressing through a diverse palette that incl...

Japanese Visual Kei band Lament is building anticipation with a mysterious countdown that promises significant news on April 11, 2026. The band has updated their official logo as part of the teaser campaign, signaling that whatever they're about to announce is substantial enough to warrant a visual rebrand. While details remain under wraps, the strategic rollout suggests this could involve anything from a new album or EP, major lineup changes, a tour announcement, or a creative direction shift — all common milestones in the VK world that bands choose to mark with refreshed branding. Lament has carved out a dedicated following within the Visual Kei underground scene with their atmospheric sound and visually striking aesthetic. For those unfamiliar with the band, they're known for blending melodic guitar work with theatrical presentation, staying true to Visual Kei's roots in androgynous fashion and elaborate stage imagery. This countdown feels like a deliberate momen...

Two notable Visual Kei figures have joined forces to launch an intriguing new project: **Fatüm**, a band pairing vocalist SUI (formerly of DAVID) with guitarist and vocalist HIDE-ZOU (D), under the creative supervision of Mana from Moi dix Mois. SUI has long been a recognizable presence in the VK underground, known for theatrical performances and experimental sonic direction. HIDE-ZOU brings his own distinct approach to guitar-driven composition. The involvement of Mana—a legendary figure in Visual Kei history and mastermind behind Moi dix Mois—signals that Fatüm is positioned as a serious artistic endeavor rather than a casual side project. Mana's supervisory role suggests fans can expect conceptually ambitious, visually striking presentations in line with his distinctive aesthetic philosophy. **What We Know:** Fatüm's debut showcase, titled **"Vox Dei"** (Voice of God), takes place on **May 30th at Shibuya REX** in Tokyo. The event will feature support from nota...

Fresh blood is flowing into the Visual Kei scene with Vertigo's upcoming 5th demo single release—and the lineup reads like a who's who of exciting project collaborations. **Vertigo** will drop their latest demo, *誘月* (Yūgetsu, "Alluring Moon"), on **April 12, 2026**. The three-track single showcases a band built on reunited talent and creative synergy. Vocalist いずみ (Izumi) and bassist やますん (Yamasun) both bring experience from the respected act **Schwarz-weiβ**, while Yamasun also contributed to **Temaneki** (テマネキ). Guitarists やっさん (Yassan) and Gucchang complete the lineup, creating a well-rounded ensemble ready to push darkly theatrical boundaries. The tracklist is lean but intriguing: the title track *誘月*, plus *Thanatos* (evoking the Greek personification of death) and *Lunatic*. Based on the preview footage already circulating, expect the brooding atmosphere and dramatic dynamics Schwarz-weiβ fans will recognize, filtered through a fresh creative lens. For...