Visual kei, also known as v-kei, is a unique subculture in Japan that combines music, fashion, and performance art. It is well-known around the world for its dramatic and androgynous aesthetics with a fusion of multiple music genres. Maddie Ma (10) shares, “The thing that I love about v-kei is that it practically has everything. From the style of clothing with gothic frills, corsets, and outfits loosely inspired by the Victorian era to the variety of different sounds with electric guitars, organs, and violins, everything is such an experience! A few songs that I recommend are ‘Mayonaka Ni Kawashita Yasusoku,’ ‘Ma Cherie,’ and ‘Kuchuu Buranko.’” For anyone curious about this dynamic movement, here’s a great starting point with a few introductions and song recommendations featuring different artists.

Malice Mizer

Within the Visual Kei community, Malice Mizer is one of the few artists to have made waves in the Western industry. Active from 1992-2001, the band blends in elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and diverse music styles.

Genre: Their music is a mix of gothic rock, classical, baroque, and electronic elements, which often switch between ballads and more energetic compositions.

Visual Aesthetics: Malice Mizer is well known for their change in dramatic costume with every album release. They tend to stray towards a more gothic style with a touch of fantasy.

Song Recommendations: “Premier Amour,” “Au Revoir,” “Ma Cherie,” “月下の夜想曲 (Gekka no Yasoukyoku),” and  “バロック (Baroque).”

Mejibray

Mejibray is a band that gained prominence in the early 2010s, where they are known for their dark imagery with an intense genre of music. They became one of the more popular acts within the modern visual kei scene. Unfortunately, Mejibray has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2017.

Genre: Their music is described as a mix of heavy metal, alternative rock, and industrial with bits of electronic influences. They are known for their more aggressive instrumentals, which have distorted vocals and melodic singing all at the same time.

Visual Aesthetics: Similar to many other v-kei artists, Mejibray focuses on a dramatic, androgynous, and gothic style with rebellious, punk influences.

Song Recommendations: “EMILY,” “THE END,” “DIE KUSSE,” “DECADANCE – Counting Goats … if I can’t be yours,” and “DE:SHOW.”

Kaya

Kaya is a solo visual kei artist known for his elegant blend of dark cabaret, electronic, and clothing music. He was a former vocalist in the band, Schwarz Stein and Rosenfeld, then he later launched a successful solo career. 

Genre: Kaya’s music consists of electronic and gothic influences, but also with baroque pop and classical touches. With a mix of elegant darkness and heavy orchestral elements, Kaya’s music is truly one of a kind.

Visual Aesthetics: He is known for his gender-fluid image and is widely recognized for his theatrical performances with Victorian and baroque-inspired aesthetics.

Song Recommendations: “Pourriture Noble,” “Vampire Requiem,” “Marionette,” “Memento Mori,” and “Curse of Rose.”

Exist†trace

In a predominantly male-dominated scene, Exist†trace is one of the few all-female visual kei bands from Japan. Formed in 2003, these females break the gender norms and stand out internationally as a group with exceptional talents and visual aesthetics.

Genre: With elements of alternative rock and heavy metal, Exist†trace mixes their songs with fast-paced drumming and aggressive riffs, all with melodic elements to reflect their gothic and emotional themes.

Visual Aesthetics: This group aligns with typical v-kei fashion, consisting of dramatic makeup, striking hair, and gothic elements. Despite this, Exist†trace offers a more refreshing perspective on an all-female group, while still maintaining the core elements of v-kei’s artistic style.

Song Recommendations: “Umi no shizuku,” “TRUE,” “WONDERLAND,” “Dream Rider,” and “Kiss in the Dark.”

To discover more information about visual kei and its artists you can visit vkgy, which is a whole website solely dedicated to different genres of v-kei.