As I was once a new fan of visual kei, I understand the overwhelming experience of stepping into the scene for the first time. The growing popularity of visual kei these days makes it even more difficult to wade through the sea of artists to discover the treasures. If you’re just starting out, be sure to look into these artists before taking this musical journey any further.
1. X Japan
Often credited with inspiring the visual kei movement, X Japan is perhaps the most popular band of the genre. They formed in the 80s and have a similar sound to other classic rock bands of the time. Superb drummer Yoshiki helped organize Jrock Revolution, a festival that brought Japanese artists to America to perform, as well as a special Memorial Summit for X Japan’s deceased guitarist, Hideto Matsumoto, which brought together several Japanese musicians on one stage. X Japan helped birth a new era in Japan’s music scene, and many of the current visual kei artists would never have been formed without them.
2. Luna Sea
X Japan and Luna Sea are often mentioned in the same context, and the two bands have collaborated on a number of projects and performances. Luna Sea’s music comes across as generally softer than X Japan’s, with solid basslines and catchy compositions. Like X’s members, some of Luna Sea’s members have their own solo projects, but none are as impressive as the band’s work. Their visuals have become subtle over the years, lacking the wild hairstyles and makeup, but they still have dedicated fans and current artists that claim them as their inspirations.
3. Dir en Grey
Within visual kei, Dir en Grey is noticeably the darkest, most grotesque band. In their origin, the members sported outlandish and Gothic-style makeup and costumes, but today they take the stage looking like normal human beings. However, their music is just as dark and contemplative as ever. And this is a band that has made headlines all over the world, touring and topping charts overseas. As far as performances go, Dir en Grey can give the audience an unforgettable live experience beyond all expectations, easily overshadowing those of other visual bands. Vocalist Kyo’s outstanding range and variety turns heads in the world of metal music. Even legends like Slipknot have recognized them as doing something entirely unique.
4. the GazettE
Fans can rely on the GazettE to hold onto their visual appearances and stimulate their audience with intriguing music and styles. Like Dir en Grey, they often touch on darker subjects, but there’s a quality of mystery and experimentation to their work that makes them stand out. They can perform sorrowful ballads, heavy screamo songs, or morbid dance tunes, all of which maintain their signature sound style. Never predictable and always growing in popularity, this is definitely a band you won’t want to overlook.
5. Miyavi
It’s difficult to find a visual artist that has experimented more and worked harder than Miyavi. Currently, this man is perfecting his English-speaking skills and performing with his odd band, which includes a beat-boxer, painter, and tap-dancer. Over the years, he’s shown tremendous change in both his music and appearance, continuously looking for areas where he can improve. His spontaneous and amusing personality makes him a favorite in visual kei. His ever-changing music makes him one to watch and enjoy, and chances are that he’ll be coming to your country in one of his world tours.
6. Nightmare
While Nightmare has yet to venture out of Japan to play in other territories, that’s the only direction left for this band to go. They’re quickly achieving all their goals in the music world and continuously improving, even when it seems as though they’ve honed their skills to perfection. This band continues to surprise its listeners with the ability to incorporate several genres into their rock music, including pop, jazz, dance, and classical. As for Nightmare’s appearance, guitarist Hitsugi is most recognizable among visual kei fans for his intricate makeup, several facial piercings, and unique costumes.
7. MUCC
It’s not always easy to be successful by taking risks, but MUCC has accomplished it. Getting their name from a character on a children’s show, MUCC, like Nightmare, has been carefully wringing out all their flaws since their beginning. It’s hard to pin this band’s music down to a specific genre, but fans can always identify them by Tatsurou’s unparalleled vocals. This is another visual band that has performed around the world, even touring with Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet for My Valentine during Taste of Chaos 2008.
8. D’espairsRay
Also part of Taste of Chaos 2008, D’espairsRay has proven to be another band willing to experiment and take some risks. While perhaps not as experimental as some of the above bands, D’espairsRay continues to hold a position toward the top of the visual kei list. They’ve set the bar for similar bands arising, and it will be a hard task to surpass them.
9. Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-
Though relatively new to the visual kei scene, Versailles’ members are all seasoned musicians who create a stage of aristocratic immortals ready to rock. They play symphonic metal with precise accuracy and elegance. Vocalist Kamijo has controlled, captivating tones to match the impressive guitar solos and rapid drum beats. Though the band recently lost their bassist due to an unannounced illness, they are still pressing on with their beautiful costumes and awe-inspiring music.
10. Girugamesh
Girugamesh is another overseas favorite, particularly in Europe. From one CD to the next, there’s a shift in their sound, often a favorable one. With four members, Girugamesh relies heavily on supportive bass tones, rhythms, and beats rather than guitar solos. Their appearance is not quite as dark as it once was, but this young band still manages to catch attention around the world.
