Visual kei

“If we distance ourselves from the the 80s then you know we're in deep s***!”

~ Smart older guy on music from the 90s up to now

“DEAD END's end was the dead end of the 80s music era.”

~ Captain Obvious on DEAD END's end in January of 1990

“The Japanese music scene has a lot of visual kei bands, but their music is not very interesting to me. They cannot make good sounds and music is more like a hobby for them. I cannot feel their soul in the music.”

~ Sugizo on currently visual kei scene

Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系, vijuaru kei , literally "visual style") refers to the something without exact meaning among musicians in Japan. Some consider it a movement (even a cult), although it was not official, but just a kind of visual expression (or to look good), example aggression. Some smarties consider this particular musical genre because the bands play different styles of music, initiated by the hard rock and metal bands (yet another stupid debate), funk-rock, punk, pop, and the other so called "brainwashing" music. While those who do not have better things to do, (or without life hardcore fanatics), consider this ("Neo-Visual kei") a fashion style, what is equally important, or even more than music/voice itself. Actually, this last opinion is the reason what eventually led to the disintegration of everything good the pioneers did, and became a disgrace for Japanese nation.

Some elitists, probably from the West because are missing information on reality, refer to the whole Japanese rock as "Visual Kei", but actually meaning-referring to "Neo-Visual kei", as a reference to the more visual idea of the whole thing, which no longer focuses on music but more of the style of dress associated with it. Though some bands have attempted to overcome the conformist situation, their music was not socially accpeted, and resulted in a slight increase of the already fallen Japanese children IQ.

Also people believe that Vrock is just a clever scheme put into action by the tobacco industry to recruit teenagers for their add campaigns. If you have not understood, most musicians are not-to-be-avid-of smokers, and among the "Neo-Visual kei" (anti)musicians "personal information" is more important to have included the cigarettes name than anything else.

History of the Early Visual Kei

To understood the whole story, people much reach distantly up to the potter clipped The Beatles. They once were and remained very popular in Japan, although McCartney was caught with marijuana, and so showed no respect for the nation. However, Japanese are big fans of national folk (enka) music, and sizable s****** of one-dimensional pop music, and these together make 99.97% of music industry economic importance. Others, who also significantly influenced the Jp. rock music scene are Led Zeppelin, and other bands that have become popular not further than approximately 84s. Among them may be included Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, KISS, Motley Crue, The Cure, Venom, Rolling Stones, British band Japan, and glam-rock soloist David Bowie.

Then, in 1978 was formed most famous, most influental, most important band in Japan, electropop trio known for pioneering the music genre, Yellow Magic Orchestra. They were active until the 83s because of their first "spreading out", but are active again from 2007. Although two members are in the late fifty and one in the early sixty, they are rocking the house and arenas that in their vicinity even The Beatles and Led Zeppelin would be ashamed, and not speaking about you! At the same time, in 1979 was formed the first Japanese rock band, Boøwy (The band's name is a reference to DB, guitarist Hotei is a fan of, and Hotei is the guy who wrote the famous song for Kill Bill.) Also, the vocalist "Kyosuke Himuro" is proclaimed as the "King of Rock", and somehow, actually even could be. They were a rock band that reached legendary status in Japan during the 1980s. Their style of play varied from punk to pop rock and they had fans of all ages. The 1990s band movement was credited to Boøwy as they popularized the formation of musical groups, which caused musical instrument sales to hit an all-time high during the 90s and the record companies signed and debuted 80 bands during the 90s in hopes of finding a new "Boøwy".

Meanwhile, in the so-called "underground" scene, in 1975 was formed the first Japan's hard rock band, but they didn't get much attention until they changed their name in 1984 to the quiet well known "Vow Wow". Yes, from this band was the great guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto, and great vocalist, Genki Hitomi, who after their broke up in the 1990s became a highschool teacher. And is impossible to forget to mention the Japan's heavy metal trio: Formed in 1978, a really boring "Earthshaker". In 1981 was formed power/heavy metal "Loudness", with a guitar virtuous, Akira Takasaki, and bunch of diff. vocalists, and their music was "cosi-cosi". Actually was the first Japanese metal act signed to a major label in the United States, and reaching the Billboard Top 100 in their moment of maximum international popularity. But as they signed to a American label, because of various limits done by american producers, their music became really bad. And in 1981 was formed a boring pop power metal "Anthem". This bands are considered at the time to be the most successful and influential heavy metal bands in Japan.

Q: Ok now, dammit, where it is already some Visual kei band?! 
A: Look, the problem is that the Japanese samurai code of ethnics doesn't allow a man to have any makeup or some sort of 
strange clothing if isn't in the Kabuki theater (tho even there is the limit of normal and ridiculous). 
The only makeup that could have on the skin, was a tattoo (Irezumi), that would be received after suffering such a pain, 
and eventually in the worst case a Yakuza would see your small tattoo and with a smile on face began to play with your flesh..
Q: When you see all these people in polished suits, it makes sense why they were mocked.
But again, give me a genuine reason to believe you!
A: Since you insist, there is a great example..

One happy day, in 1980 was formed The Stalin, what blew away all previous attempts at Japanese punk rock with their radical, evolving style. The band was founded by Michiro Endo, a 32 year-old socialist activist, Vietnam veteran, and street singer who had spent time in the West. He chose the name because "the name Stalin is very hated by most people in Japan, so it is very good for our image." Because he was a socialist, he also explained the name as meaning "the downside of every good idea". But when wasn't impressed with crowd reactions at Stalin shows, Michiro behaved like a madman, leaving a wake of destruction everywhere he went. He would spit, pull hair, or just beat up members of the audience. If that didn't work, he would leave the stage after one song. A MRR scene report from the time, describes fish heads and human shit on stage. So The Stalin were quickly banned from most venues.

A: So, this is the not known infamous beginning of the famous "Visual Kei".
Not all bands were mocked, but those who crossed the border of ridiculous certainly were.
It must be emphasized that even if you wear makeup around eyes, like the Michiro, 
and if you were optically offensive and besides playing aggressive music, you were associated with their chaos 
as a bad example to young people, and therefore didn't have salvation.
Q: Jeez, you convinced me!
A: Nevertheless, let me continue with the history.

In 1982 was formed posibbly a first visual band, a heavy metal "Seikima-II", which became quiet popular. Had flamboyant outfits and Kabuki-inspired makeup which was not very kawai, but much more aggressive, and quiet a reminiscent of KISS. Their first full length album, Akuma ga kitarite heavy metal, released in September of 1985, became very popular among Japanese heavy metal fans. The album exceeded 100,000 in sales, a first for any Japanese heavy metal album in history..

In 1984 was formed a heavy metal band, "Ezo", originally formed and known as "Flatbacker" before coming to the United States in 1987. And so were produced by Gene Simmons, producer of KISS. In fact, their clothing and makeup weren't kawai at all, how much more aggressive, as their music, but visually between Japanese-KISS. Not always wore make up tho, like in their video of "Flashback Heart Attack". Very soon became legends and enjoyed considerable success in Loudness fanbase. Other hit (read legendary) songs are "Kiss Of Fire", both english and japanese version of "Here It Comes", House of 1,000 Pleasures, among others.

Q: THAT'S ENOGUH, WHERE'S SOME VISUAL KEI BAND?!
A: The fact is not in that.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??!
A: The fact is, Visual Kei means Visual Way/Style. While the West did not have a specific name 
for the bands/artists with makeup besides "glam metal", Japan has had, but was used only after the completition of the 80s. 

It actually leads to the question, can any band that had some sort of makeup and aggressive cloths, be in fact, Visual kei?
Certainly, because it is not official movement, music genre, or some kind of (bad) fashion. Only the additional epithet to describe 
a band/soloist. And this led to the division of rock, metal in Japan on: Normal/Pop/Major and Indie/Visual.
Since the human race is in mental decline as opposed to past civilizations, began to be regarded as a kind of sub-genre of rock. 
That is literally unnecessary and wrong.

But, remember. These boring and tiring discussions have not started the musicians. They just dressed and used makeup, more or less smarter, to look good, cool, stupid or because entered into a cult of visual kei underground for making money.

Bands

• DEAD END was formed around the late 1984s or in the beginning of 85s, living only 4-5 years, on their MySpace page is written a true fact:

"in simple words, DEAD END was a band that changed how a real Japanese rock band "should be". You may argue that it's an overstatement, but if they didn't make themselves an example, all the bands after the 90's would have been completely different in terms of their music, visuals and philosophy. After all, the fact that DEAD END had tremendous influence in the scene has been proven by the success of the generation inspired by them."

DEAD END actually appeared and disappeared in 1990, before the phenomenon "Visual kei" came into existence. In fact, because of their musical skills and popularity in the 80s, were more connected to the metal scene, and bridging the gap between KISS worshipers (Seikima-II, Ezo, X Japan) and the Japanese bands of the 90’s. Their songs were included in the "Legends of the 80s heavy metal" compilations along Loudness, Anthem, 44Magnum, Ezo, and others. But, DEAD END was and stayed a "small" band. Still they were musically and psychologically - most influental and most important rock band. Their impact was even bigger than of Rolling Stones and The Beatles combined, they almost alone "created" the DNA of rock in Japan. But members weren't looking for fame how recognition for their music..

First line-up consisted of vocalist Morrie, guitarist Takahiro, bassist Crazy Cool Joe and drummer Tano. Their cloth style wasn't something, but finally had their breakthrough when You Adachi replaced Takahiro on guitar in the late 86. The final line up happaned in 87s, before the second album, when Minato replaced Tano on drums.

• Motoyuki "Morrie" Otsuka, in simple words is a wonderful person, a human being. He's voice is a high baritone, very nice to listen. He's just one of rare Japanese singers who can sing in both fluent Japanese and English. As a person is "universal", cosmic and new age oriented, being loved and respected by everybody. Just the effect he had on the Japanese music scene was huge, and an unforgettable one. Almost every Japanese rock singer and lyricist, was influenced by him. Also after the end of his career in the band, started his solo career in October of 1990, with a release of his single Paradox, which was followed by the album Ingorance a month later. He at the time did lived in New York. Morrie was mostly composed and recorded music by a computer. He would release few more singles and two more albums when 1995 retreated to a normal life. His songs were universal, religious and life themed, but as well around war, or of human ignorance and carelessness of the works that will one day be harmful. What would be a good deal of interesting is a scene from a "Paradox" video which is showing smoke and fire going from World Trade Center Towers like they were hitten by aircrafts, similar with the September 11 attacks event..

In the call of destiny, Morrie, after being away almost a decade from the scene, first reacted, and created a rock group Creature Creature. After the creation of Luna Sea in 1991, is the first Japanese rock band what is worth noting. Morrie's rock music is rarely one dimensional, and if is, sounds "godly". As Morrie's voice went deeper he's sounding even more "godly" than he was before. God, yet a human. Bands first album Light&Lust was experimental and more expressive due to the time reasons. It's features few 2006 best rock songs and the best pop rock ballad "Kaze No Tou". Like the introduction and final entry into hell the second album is titled Inferno. One of the most complete, most concrete rock records released in times, worldwide. With a progressive, hard rock sound (which is not approximate those from the USA market), Sugizo noted in his blog entry "His work goes beyond the depth, aggression, and beauty of musicality." As well "He’s been a good friend to me in recent years, and I think he’s absolutely wonderful. The older he gets the sharper and deeper he becomes, and he leaves an overwhelming impression." We recommend you to buy entire albums or get the songs you like on iTunes since singles or music videos by Japanese rockers does not represent the entire album or are the best songs.

• Yuji "You" Adachi, for his is not accidentally said to be one of the most legendary, and greatest guitarist player coming from the East, but as well a genius music composer. He played many fast, wild, and calm solos, was it in the band, as a solo or supporting guitarist. As well, Yuji did composed a song "Angel's Rain" for a freakin-kawai game We Love Katamari, whatever it means. He is currently running a guitar school.

• Tadashi "Crazy Cool Joe" Masumoto, received his nickname because at the start was dressing a bit feminine - not cross dressing, and because was a simple, always smiling "cool" guy. He’s one of the, or, the first virtuous bassist ever in Japan. All bassists after were influenced by him at some point.

• Masafumi Minato, his playing style in 1988 was said to be epoch in the near future. He's until now considered as one of better drummers Japan ever had, as well influencing next generations playing style.

DEAD END's music, altogether, was very melodious and ritmic, atmospheric or energetic, ahead of its time, compared with the bands at the time. They during the 1985-86s were playing a hard rock music mixing with "horror" atmosphere, and in 1987 switched to the heavy metal. In 1988 played a melodious-ritmic progressive rock, and at the end of the heading to a more radio rock (not pop) sound, so it be with the latest record. With their reunion in 2009, their music is in the between of heavy metal and hard rock, but still playing recognizable music.

In June of 1986 was released their first record, single "Replica". It was followed by their first album on June 30th - dark, fast, hard rock Dead Line, and their second single "Worst Song". The album cover has the creepy figure that a bit resemble Eddie (the mascot of Iron Maiden), but according to the interview with Morrie, it had nothing to do with the English band, how about the freedom art director received. With sales of over 20,000 copies (some say even more than 30,000) set an indie record. In 2009 was released a new remeastered version of the album with two unincluded single songs, history in the booklet, as well a second cd with bands live concert.

On September 8th, 1987 the band released heavy metal Ghost of Romance, which is probably their best (greatest hits) 80s album.

On May 21st, 1988 the album Shambara was released, which is their second greatest hits album of the 80s, followed by the single "Blue vices" in December. Like previous album, or even more, it's a true greatest hits album with progressive, ritmic, semi-hard rock songs, plus new remastered album is with "Blue Vices", which was a single with a video, and single's c/w "Wire Dancer".

In 1989 was released their last album Zero, which was recorded in London. On this album is probably the most precious Japanese 80s radio rock song, "Serafine".

Their last concert performance was on January 20, 1990 at the Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo. In the same month was their disbandement. Since 2009, DEAD END is again active and in the same year was released their newest, and yet heaviest album, Metamorphosis, mostly fusing the sound by songs like "Embryo Burning" and "Danse Macabre" with new ideas. In a recent interview Morrie did said he's thinking about a new album.

They influenced, or could be said, are fathers of "Luna Sea", the last true rock band in Japan. But DEAD END also influenced many other artists and bands. As well, the smoker-bass Taiji from X Japan, who was responible for X cloth's, copied Joe's style, while Toshi had a makeup similar to Morrie's. When it comes to international influence, a good number of producers "used" their ritm, music, idea, yet they weren't dead - see RIAA or Public Domain. Most notable is Metallica's "One" song, released two years after Dead End's Beyond The Reincarnation, which has a similar beginning and riff. Actually a good part of people belive that since two albums were released in USA, and they lived to short with drastical musical style's change some conspiracy did happened.

Another band is X JAPAN, and because their hairs posed a long threat to Japan's society have own "article".

They are the self proclamed "rock legends" or "figures" from Japan, and the 80s heavy metal. But critics and older guys don't think so. X's started playing real music, (if we call speed metal real music), in the late 80s, tho were formed in 1982, and changed thousands of members.

In 2007 reunited with a info they sold more than 20 million records. In 2010 Yoshikitty wants to enter the American market, but started with wrong commercial: that they 18 times sold-out Tokyo Dome with 42,000 seat capacity in a 15 million city called Tokyo, in a 140 million country called Japan. That suddenly sold more than 30 million in their career, more 10 million copies in only three years.. Another music industry deception to create a consumer society! No, wait, we are that..
Yoshikitty is constantly trying to proof himself that they're biggest band in Japan, but is a fact that Oricon charts list showing musical acts sales until 2005 doesn't show they sold more than twelve million copies at all, while the leading rock band "B'z" sold over 70 million, so Yoshikity should give up, for once and for all!
X's is now touring North America with 10 million sold copies.
Yoshikitty is angry, prrr-grrr!

Formed between 1984-85, the ever-living BUCK-TICK, is one of the biggest Japanese rock bands. BUCK-TICK have a sound that is uniquely their own. With lyrics covering dark topics from the uselessness of life, the death of a parent, religion, to love and metafora, BUCK-TICK always have something to say, and they say it in their own way. These 25 year veterans easily carry a wide variety of styles under their belts, both in music and in fashion.

Influenced by The Stalin, in the early years the band could often be found sporting foot-high hair, gas masks, fish-net stockings, ladies' scarves and matador gear. In 1988s, their look, tho it looked cool, was ridiciously resembling Cockatoo parrots. Happily, as the band has matured, they have settled in to a sleeker, more sophisticated style, featuring classic suits, trench coats, and darker, yet subtle apparel. With the exception of drummer Yagami Toll, BUCK-TICK's hair styles no longer pose a threat to Japan's society.

BUCK-TICK's music varies from pop rock, punk, goth, experimental rock, to heavy metal; they does it all. In each song there is a special BUCK-TICK "touch" that makes the group identifiable before handsome vocalist with rare wonderful voice, Sakurai Atsushi, sings a note. One of the few bands on a global scale that all the time on the music scene throws awesome-unique music, and does awesome live performances.

Anyway, their first big hit was "Just One More Kiss" in 1988, what was used in the Victor JVC innovative portable CD player commercial. At the end of the year, Buck-Tick won “Rookie of the Year” at the Japan Record Awards.

Soon realizing that their hair-style is not really something, as opposed to X Japan, their following single "Aku no Hana" (悪の華), whatever it means, topped the charts selling more than 400,000 copies, and several following albums topped the charts. But following releases are selling lower, and lower, although knocking some very good songs. With “Aku no Hana,” Buck-Tick went much further into the dark and gothic image they had begun to explore in Taboo album and which would later become their trademark.

Some believe that Atsushi is a three years younger hot Johnny Depp's brother, judge for yourself.

D'ERLANGER was formed in 1983, at the beginning were a metal band, but since probably couldn't find any producer, released many demos. In 1988, with new members, and a vocalist, Kyo, their music drastically changed to more radio rock. Although only a singer had a little makeup, but as other bands, in the ending of 90s they vanished, and inspired and influenced other bands.

At the time were one of the most popular rock bands in Japan, but lived too short. The good looking guitarist Cipher also influenced Luna Sea's ritmic guitarist Inoran. As well, in their video of "La Vien en Rose" in 1989, they could be considered for the first ever fanservice..

In 1989 released the first album "La Vie en Rose". And in the next year "Basilisk". But they didn't waited to long, destiny is calling! In 2007 vigorously re-united, and since then, not more or less, every year are releasing a new album and touring. They're planning to tour Europe.

Two others are Color and Zi:Kill. Color, was formed in 1985, and member Dynamite Tommy is the big boss of visual kei indies (Free Will).

Influenced by father, DEAD END, LUNA SEA formed in 1989, was actually the last band that managed to catch the last train. They're the last true Japanese rock band,
(if not counting Creature Creature). Maybe their name "Lunacy" or "Luna Sea" was also influenced by DEAD END's song titles. In 2010 they reunited, opened various internet accounts and will tour worldwide, finally.

Luna Sea is posibbly the most complete, or perfect rock band in Asia, or worldwide.
Their music is wonderful, and even more radio pop oriented songs sound enough good you can listen to them - forever.
As they're now in the 40s you can really feel the "art" and experience in their hands.

The members pursued their own careers as well.

• Ryuichi Kawamura, nice looking guy who's influencned by Morrie itself, became most popular, and has some good pop songs, look for "Glass". He did covered "Serafine". Since 2004, his back-band includes Yuji Adachi who played many great solos.
• Sugizo cross from heavy metal, rock, trance beat/new wave-spiritual, fantastic musical artist, guitarist and violinist.
• Inoran is one of those guitarists who prefer the "thouch" playing than the fast, or technical, and has excellent, and unique pop rock music.
• J is posibbly the hottest 40 years old guy. His music is between punk/punk rock staff.
• Shinya supported various bands, both in studio and live. Among them DEAD END & Creature Creature.

Other band was DER ZIBET, formed in 1984, their image was strongly influenced by music from the 1970s, especially David Bowie’s. This can be quite clearly seen in their photo shoots, album covers and through Issay's appearance and manner of singing. Considered as the pioneers, although not really wear any makeup, and just cool clothes, so actually, we can't say that they were a Visual kei band. Probably because Issay further influenced musicians like Atsushi Sakurai or Hyde. They belonged to the group of musicians like Boøwy.

Their first releases, single and album were on October in 1985. So did continued until 1996 when they break up. When destiny called them out of the shadows to rise again on the stage and bring good music, in 2008 came the new single and on March 2009 newest album. Biggest hit songs are singles "Only You, Only Love", and "Blue Blue".

One of the characteristic elements of Der Zibet's performances was the pantomime performed by Issay. He was predisposed to such performance - he studied mime acting in an acting school. In the band's early years their concerts were incredibly visual. Apart from pantomime Issay sometimes performed wearing a mask, holding a huge clock or burning torches, and he often changed his hair colours. Besides him, other members were equally talented and skilled.

Their song "Only You, Only Love" divided similarities with Blondie's "Maria", released much later.

History of Semi-Visual Kei & Neo-Visual Kei

Semi-Visual kei, from: the 90s to 99.

Neo-Visual kei, also known as ?#@*&%!, which bands/members are roadies from the previous ones, from: the 00s up to 2012.

Actually, there's none difference between the semi period and neo one, that semi were visually primitive, until Malice Mizer showed out, and yet literally didn't played just for money. Actually.. Haha... LOL. Their vocalist Gackt had a really nasally voice, although his 'uber-kawaii' looks distracted the fangirls from this.

Plus or minus, doesn't care. Fanbases are everywhere the same, hardcore girls without brain. The worst are the "original fans" because are hating the newbers. The newbers house is internet, where they're spamming each other, and writing crap things, while their life is passing by. And thanks to this fanbases, (another product of Mana from Malice Mizer), Japanese children IQ dropped, and is around 69. Also, world starts to hate:

Japanese people, Japanese men, A Japanese man that shows the way, Ninja's, Japanese guys-on-guys, Japanese chicks or Japanese girls-on-girls, Japanese food, Godzilla and Japanese films, Pedobear, Japanese left-brained language, Japanese music, and because you don't know, that is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G from J-A-P-A-N, see J-A-P-A-N.

Visual Phagocteristics

Neo-Vrock band members, referred to as "Jrockers", all wear makeup and sometimes elaborate costumes, which means they all look like girls. Neo-Vrockers believe themselves to be unisex, and are therefore all subject to use in any number of yaoi pairings (arranged by the Japanese government, and occasionally by fans). Neo-Vrock songs have vague and often dark, morbid gothic, ups, emo themes and incorporate at least one line of Engrish. When performing live, band members often engage in fanservice, a type of sex act.

Common traits shared by Neo-Vrockers are easy to spot. The higher ups, or alpha male of the species have black rings around their eyes, possibly done with liquid eyeliner, or on lower incomes caused by too much focus on the wardrobe, coal. Another blatantly visable marking is their hair, which every real Neo-Vrocker will insist is natural. It grows in different ways that come in almost surreal colors. A bald Neo-Vrocker is the product of too much bleach, used, as Vrockers claim when asked, to "cleanse" the hair. Too many cleansings will kill the roots, rendering the user an outsider to their culture and in dire need of hair tonic. One of the common features is that everyone, without make-up, look horrible.

Musical Phagocteristics

Are you crazy?? Did you read what Sugizo said??

Bands

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII SSSSSSHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITEEEEEEEEEEEEEE RRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU GGAAAAAACCCCKKKKTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU SSAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAA KAWAIIIIIIII DESUUUUUUU NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~~!!!!ONE!!!11!1!!!ONE!11!!!!”

~ Typical Gackt fangirl while having an orgasm.

Counting all the existing Neo-Vrock bands would be like sticking your hand into a tank full of lobsters. Sedated, crippled lobsters, however, for at the moment there's only two, three or four with articles featured on this site, one being a Jigger.

• Kuroyume:

Kiyoharu's bands formed 1991, and played funk/punk/hard rock music. Had some style, not that bad, neither is he solo, but actually.. it's bad really.

• L'Arc~en~Ciel (aka. Laruku Fucka):

In the beginning they were cosplaing. Actually, it's only popular because of the 160cm singer Hyde, what can't sing live.

• Penicillin:

Neeh, you didn't lost anything.

Eh You Thought!

• Malice Mizer:

Were quiet revolutionary during the Tetsu and Klaha era, although there was this era in between which nobody cares about other than braindead weeaboo fan girls; the kind of fans no band wants to attract (hence the reason for kicking out this singer who nobody cares about). Another well-known Neo-Vrocker, Malice Mizer founder Mana, is credited with creating the fashion trend known as Gothic Lolita as well as the word adbent. Some sources also credit him as the origin of the letter M.

• Moi Dix Mois (engl. Mine Dicks Mine):

• Dir en grey:

Kuroyume roadies, but not anymore considered and part of the fictional visual kei scene. The last record, and single could be ok, but not for everyone since is very underground metal-rock. The most creative and original artist in all of Neo-Vrock is undoubtedly Kyo of Dir en grey, members are also doing some nice music, ok, they could pass.

• D'espairs Ray:

Not bad, not great.

• Miyavi :

Some Jigger Samurai with human, sugar, elf, animal, anime DNA on guitar. Miyavi didn't create anything, (unless you count Neo-Visualizm, but no one sees a difference between that and Neo-Visual kei so actually he didn't create anything) but is well-known to Vrock fans as "the next hide". Oh, and hide is dead.

• The GazettE:

Dir en Grey roadies, and their latest album is very similar to Uroboros by Dir en Grey, but worse...
They.. They.. They.. Nah, not good.

A Neo-Visual Kei band.

• An Cafe:

?#@*&%! This.. This.. This is awful.. far from awful. Yep, Over 9000 Awful.

• Alice Nine:

A lil better, so 20 Awful.

• Versailles

Well known neo-classically influenced metal band formed in 2007. Sometimes compared to Malice Mizer by idiots.

And the bunch of other mind F?#@*&%! like:

• Devil Kitty - Stupid name, and stupid band, with stupid music, with stupid vocals, with stupid lyrics, what a shame!

Name Formatting

In accordance with the laws of Japanese Aesthetics™, if reproduced, all words with Engrish letters (including punctuation) used by Neo-Vrock bands must be written in exactly the same manner as originally written by the Neo-Vrockers themselves.

Also, if you pronounce or write the bands name different, reaction by fans will be something like this:

I'd like to point out that "Dir En Grey" doesn't exist, the correct is "Dir en grey".
It's "Kagrra," not "Kagrra" dumbass. They changed their name a long time ago, where have you been?

It's also to be noted that Neo-Vrock is not (anymore) only rock really, it includes other music genres such as Jpop, Jmusic, Jreggae, Jrap, Jsalsa, Jtango, Jclassic, in fact, anything must be used with a J before, so you have to wear Jpanties and buy a Jcomputer if you want to get into Neo-Vrock.

Other ?#@*&%! internacional bands

• Tokio Motel - It's not a Brothel, neither a Hotel, then it's a (Bad) Motel!
• Bizzare Cinema - The name says it all, and at least they are not active.. for now.. Crap.

And so on ...