VKNews

Xaa-Xaa's *Akairo* arrives like a bleeding wound—visceral, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. This 2018 CD Maxi, particularly the Type A limited edition with DVD, captures the band at a pivotal moment: fully committed to their darkly experimental sound while refusing the polish that might make them palatable to mainstream VK audiences. That commitment is exactly why it demands your attention. From the opening moments, *Akairo* (literally "crimson color") establishes an atmosphere of controlled chaos. The production is dense and layered, with distorted guitars clashing against atmospheric synths and Xaa-Xaa's distinctive vocal delivery cutting through like a blade. There's a theatrical quality that recalls classic Visual Kei's dramatic sensibilities, but the execution here feels more fractured, more genuinely unsettling than nostalgic pastiche. The standout tracks showcase the band's range across their tight tracklist. Songs balance between agg...

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...