Moi dix Mois is a Japanese visual kei gothic metal band, founded in 2002 by Mana after Malice Mizer paused activities. The guitarist and sole songwriter has been the only constant member in a series of lineup changes, and the band's material is released on his own record label Midi:Nette.
Shazna is a Japanese visual kei rock band originally active from 1993 to 2000. Originally having a strong gothic/post-punk influence, the band's sound greatly shifted to a more new wave direction by 1996. At their peak, they were considered one of "the big four of visual kei" alongside La'cryma Christi, Fanatic Crisis and Malice Mizer. Their 1998 major label debut album Gold Sun and Silver Moon reached the number two position on the Oricon chart, sold over a million copies and was named "Rock Album of the Year" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. In 2006, Shazna reunited, though after releasing an album and a single they disbanded once again in 2009. In 2017, Shazna officially reunited again for their 20th anniversary.
D'espairsRay was a Japanese visual kei rock band active from 1999 to 2011. The lineup of Hizumi on vocals, Karyu on guitar, Zero on bass and Tsukasa on drums remained the same, with the group having released four full-length records, three EPs and thirteen singles. Outside Japan, D'espairsRay have toured Europe and North America and had domestic releases in those territories.
Schwein is a music group comprising members of Buck-Tick, KMFDM, and Pig. Members Raymond Watts and Hisashi Imai, both having worked together in Schaft, were joined by Atsushi Sakurai, Sascha Konietzko and Lucia Cifarelli. In 2001 Schwein released an album, Schweinstein, which peaked at number 18 on Oricon's album chart, followed by the remix album Son of Schweinstein. Schwein toured Japan in the summer of 2001. However, Konietzko did not tour with them, citing illness and a desire to focus on KMFDM. In a 2023 interview with Visual Music Japan, Raymond Watts talked about the project and cited Schwein as his favorite collaboration to date and called Sakurai a "grand vocalist".
Galneryus is a Japanese power metal band, formed in Osaka in 2001 by guitarist Syu and vocalist Yama-B. Originally the only official members, the two utilized several support musicians until bassist Tsui, keyboardist Yuhki, and drummer Jun-ichi officially joined for the release of their debut album in 2003. Yama-B left the group in 2008 citing musical differences, and Yu-To, who replaced Tsui in 2006, left the following year. Galneryus recruited Sho on vocals and Taka on bass, and released the album Resurrection in 2010. Jun-ichi left in 2016, and the following year the band released their highest-charting studio album, Ultimate Sacrifice, which reached number 13. In 2017, Loudwire named Galneryus one of the 10 Best Japanese Metal Bands.
The Gazette, formerly known as Gazette, is a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in Kanagawa in early 2002. The band is currently signed to Sony Music Records.
Antic Café was a Japanese pop rock band formed in 2003 and signed to Sony Music Japan. Their visual image is oshare kei, and they describe their music as "Harajuku Dance Rock". The group has released six full-length albums, two compilation albums, and four EPs. On September 1, 2009, the band announced that after their live show on January 4, 2010 at the Nippon Budokan, they would suspend activities and put the group on hiatus, however they stated they will not disband. In 2012, after a two-year break, the team announced the resumption of activities. In June 2018, the band announced the departure of all members but Miku and a hiatus beginning in January 2019.
Sexual XXXXX! is the second studio album by the Japanese rock band Buck-Tick. It was the group's major label debut and was released on vinyl, cassette and CD on November 21, 1987 through on Victor Entertainment. The album was digitally remastered and re-released on September 19, 2002, with a different cover. Sexual XXXXX! was remastered and re-released again on September 5, 2007. The songs "Do the I Love You" and "Hyper Love" were later re-recorded for the band's compilation album Koroshi no Shirabe: This Is Not Greatest Hits (1992). "My Eyes & Your Eyes" was also re-recorded for the b-side to their "Rendezvous" single in 2007. At the time of its release, the album peaked at number 33 on the Oricon charts and as of 2011, has sold 40,000 copies.
Fanatic Crisis was a Japanese rock band active from 1992–2005.
"Tell Me" is the fourth single by Japanese musician hide, released on March 24, 1994. It reached number 4 on the Oricon Singles Chart. The B-side "Scanner " is a different version of "Scanner" from Hide Your Face, as it features vocals by Ryuichi from Luna Sea. The single was certified Gold by the RIAJ in April 1994, and Double Platinum in February 2020 for sales over 500,000.
Tokyo Yankees is a Japanese heavy metal band that formed in Tokyo in 1988. Vocalist Soichiro "Ume" Umemura died in 2007 after nearly twenty years fronting the band. Tokyo Yankees however continue to perform with the other members sharing vocals. Japanese pop culture website Real Sound noted that they are sometimes referred to as the "Japanese Motörhead," whose sound bridged heavy metal and punk rock.
Ra:IN is a Japanese instrumental rock band. Formed in 2002 by guitarist Pata, bassist Michiaki and drummer Tetsu, the group is signed to the Danger Crue label. Former hide with Spread Beaver keyboardist DIE joined the band in May 2007, and Tetsu left in April 2014, being replaced on the drums by Ryu. They have released three albums, three singles, and have toured extensively, including international shows in China, Taiwan, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Russia.
Tenshi no Revolver is the fifteenth studio album by Japanese rock band Buck-Tick, released by BMG Japan on September 19, 2007. The group deliberately focused on melody and adopted a straight rock "band sound" for the album. Preceded by the singles "Rendezvous" and "Alice in Wonder Underground", Tenshi no Revolver reached number five on the Oricon Albums Chart. Buck-Tick continued the musical approach they adopted on this album for their next two as well, Memento Mori (2009) and Razzle Dazzle (2010).
Screw was a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in March 2006 by vocalist Byou and Yuuto, who were previously in the band Joker before its disbandment.
"Believe" is the first single by Japanese rock band Luna Sea, released by MCA Victor as their major label debut on February 24, 1993. It reached number 11 on the Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 200,000 copies.
Nogod is a Japanese visual kei heavy metal band formed in 2005 by vocalist Dancho. Originally named Shinko Shukyo Gakudan Nogod, the band has been using simply Nogod since signing to the major label King Records in 2010.
DaizyStripper is a five-member Japanese visual kei rock band that formed in March 2007, and is signed onto the indie label Beyond-Max. DaizyStripper also has an alter-ego band called Frantic Emiry.
Fate Gear is a Japanese female heavy metal band from Tokyo, formed in 2015 by guitarist Mina.
Mardelas is a Japanese heavy metal band, active since 2014. They have released 4 studio albums, 4 live albums, 2 video albums, 1 EP and 7 singles.
Light Bringer was a Japanese power metal band active from 2005 to 2014. They have released 5 studio albums, 2 video albums, 2 EPs, 6 singles, 3 demos and 1 compilation.
