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.
Hideto Takarai, known by his stage name Hyde, is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. Best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel since 1991, he is also the lead vocalist of Vamps and has a solo career.
Dune is the debut album by Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. It was released by the independent label Danger Crue Records, first in a limited edition on April 10, 1993, and followed by a regular edition on April 27, which contained an additional tenth track. The regular edition reached number 1 on the Oricon indies chart on May 10.
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.
Ray is the seventh album by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 1, 1999, simultaneously with Ark. It reached number two on the Oricon chart, behind only Ark, and sold over two million copies, being certified by the RIAJ.
Ectomorphed Works is a remix album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on June 28, 2000. All mixes were created by the band's drummer, Yukihiro.
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.
Clicked Singles Best 13 is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 14, 2001. As the title suggests, it collects previously released singles, with the addition of a new track, "Anemone". There are several alternative editions to the one released in Japan, which have either differently ordered or additional tracks. Reached the top of Oricon Albums Chart.
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.
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.
The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998 is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 19, 2003, simultaneously with The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W. It reached number six on the Oricon Albums Chart and charted for 13 weeks.
The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000 is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 19, 2003, simultaneously with The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W. It reached number four on the Oricon Albums Chart and charted for 16 weeks.
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.
The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 19, 2003, simultaneously with The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000. It collects previously released B-sides. The album reached number eight on the Oricon Albums Chart and charted for nine weeks.
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.
"Spirit Dreams Inside -Another Dream-" is the twenty-second single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on September 5, 2001. It was their first single of the 21st century and their last single until "Ready Steady Go" in 2004. The song debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart and sold over 201,000 copies in its first week.
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.
