L'Arc-en-Ciel, stylized as L'Arc〜en〜Ciel and abbreviated as Laruku, is a Japanese rock band formed in Osaka in 1991 by bassist Tetsuya and vocalist Hyde. Following the departure of original members Hiro and Pero, guitarist Ken and drummer Sakura were recruited to replace them in 1992 and 1993, respectively. While they first got their start as a visual kei band, L'Arc-en-Ciel have not had any association with the movement since their major label debut in 1994. Sakura left the band in 1997 and was replaced by Yukihiro in January 1998, completing the current line-up.
Tierra is the second studio album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 14, 1994.
Heavenly is the third album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on September 1, 1995.
True is the fourth album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on December 12, 1996. It was the band's last record with sakura on drums. It reached number one on the Oricon chart and sold over a million copies, being certified by the RIAJ. It was also named one of the top albums from 1989 to 1998 in a 2004 issue of the music magazine Band Yarouze.
Heart is the fifth album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on February 25, 1998. It is the band's first album with yukihiro on drums and marked the band's return to mainstream attention following the arrest of the former drummer sakura. It reached number one on the Oricon chart and sold over a million copies, being certified by the RIAJ.
Ark is the sixth album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 1, 1999, simultaneously with Ray. It reached number one on the Oricon chart and sold over two million copies, being certified by the RIAJ.
Real is the eighth album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on August 30, 2000. It was the band's last original studio album before a prolonged hiatus. It reached number one on the Oricon chart and sold over a million copies, being certified by the RIAJ.
Smile is the ninth album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on March 31, 2004. It was the band's first original studio album after a prolonged hiatus. Smile was later given a United States release by Tofu Records, for which all Japanese song titles received English translations in the linear notes. The song "Ready Steady Go" was used as the second opening for the Fullmetal Alchemist anime.
Crescent is the fourth full-length studio album released by Japanese solo artist Gackt on December 3, 2003. It is a concept album linked to its predecessor Moon and comes with booklets for both records. Crescent also features a duet with L'Arc-en-Ciel vocalist Hyde for "Orenji no Taiyou" with whom Gackt co-starred in the 2003 movie Moon Child.
Tetsuya, formerly known as Tetsu, is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer, best known as bassist and bandleader of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. Formed in 1991, they have sold over 40 million records, making them one of the best-selling music artists in Japan.
Ken is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter, best known as guitarist of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. After he joined them in 1992, they went on to sell over 40 million records, making them one of the best-selling music artists in Japan. He has written a breadth of L'Arc-en-Ciel's material, including "Vivid Colors", "The Fourth Avenue Cafe", "Niji", "Kasou", "My Heart Draws a Dream", "Daybreak's Bell" and "Chase". Ken was also the vocalist and guitarist of the rock trio Sons of All Pussys, and has released a solo album entitled In Physical.
Sid is a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in 2003 and signed to Ki/oon Records. Formed by Mao, Shinji, Aki and Yūya, they are known for producing anime songs, such as for Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach, Black Butler or Magi.
Mother is the fourth studio album by Japanese rock band Luna Sea, released on October 26, 1994. It reached number two on the Oricon Albums Chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAJ for sales over 400,000. Luna Sea re-recorded the entire album and released it on November 29, 2023, through Avex Trax.
"Shinshoku (Lose Control)" (浸食 〜lose control〜, Erosion) is the thirteenth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel. It was released simultaneously with "Honey" and "Kasou" on July 8, 1998. The single reached number 2 on the Oricon chart. It was re-released on August 30, 2006.
Kiss is the eleventh album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on November 21, 2007. Its first-press edition had a 23-page photobook and sold out in less than a week. The album reached No. 1 on the Oricon album chart. The song Daybreak's Bell was used as the first opening song for the Gundam 00 series.
"Killing Me" is the twenty-sixth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on January 13, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart, and was certified Gold by RIAJ for shipment of 100,000 copies. The single aroused public notice because they collaborated with Sayaka Aoki on the B-side song, "Round and Round 2005".
"Neo Universe/Finale" is the twentieth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel. this Double A-side single was released on January 19, 2000, as the second single from the band's eighth studio album, Real (2000). It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart and sold 1,103,880 copies, as certified by the RIAJ. "Finale" was used as the theme song of Ringu 0: Birthday. The third track is an instrumental song called "hole" which also featured in Ringu 0: Birthday during the opening sequence, and the fourth is a remix version of the song "Trick" from the band's seventh studio album Ray.
"Rosier" is the third single by Japanese rock band Luna Sea, released by MCA Victor on July 21, 1994. It reached number 3 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAJ for sales over 400,000. The song's music video won Best Music Video at the 36th Japan Record Awards.
Butterfly is the twelfth album by the Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. It was released on February 8, 2012, in two versions: regular and deluxe edition, with the latter including the tracks of the first album by their alter ego band P'unk-en-Ciel, titled P'unk Is Not Dead, and a DVD. The album was released in several European countries, starting on March 5, 2012, with the United Kingdom and finishing on March 17 with Spain and Poland.
Shangri-La is the eleventh studio album by Japanese rock band Mucc, released on November 28, 2012. It continues the sound used in their previous album Karma, this time with elements of metalcore.
