[B][Visual Kei][/B]
Visual kei ("visual style") refers to a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that Visual Kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of J-rock (a term referring to Japanese rock in general), with its own particular sound, related to glam-rock, punk and metal. However other sources state that Visual Kei's unique clothing, make-up, fashions, and participation in the related sub-culture is equally as important as the sound of the music itself in the use of the term.
[B][History][/B]
Visual Kei emerged in the late 1980's (however, evidence of presence in even the early 70's should be noted,) pioneered by bands such as X Japan, D'erlanger, Buck-Tick, and Color.
The word called Visual Kei was created with "PSYCHEDELIC VIOLENCE CRIME OF VISUAL SHOCK" that was a slogan of X Japan.
Color vocalist "Dynamite Tommy" formed his record company Free-Will in 1986, which has been a major contributor in spreading modern Visual Kei outside Japan.
In 1992, X Japan launched an attempt to enter the European and American markets, but it would take another 8 years until popularity and awareness of Visual Kei bands would extend worldwide.
In the mid 1990s, Visual Kei received an increase in popularity throughout Japan, and album sales from Visual Kei bands started to reach record numbers. The most notable bands to achieve success during this period included, X Japan, Glay, and Luna Sea, however a drastic change in their appearance accompanied their success.
During the same period, bands such as Kuroyume, Malice Mizer, and Penicillin, gained mainstream awareness, although they were not as commercially successful.
By 1999, mainstream popularity in Visual Kei was declining, X Japan had disbanded, and the death of lead guitarist Hideto Matsumoto in 1998 had denied fans a possible reunion. It was not long before Luna Sea decided to disband in the year 2000.
In 2007 the genre has been revitalized, as Luna Sea performed a one-off performance, and X Japan reunited for a new single and a world tour. With these developments, Visual Kei bands enjoyed a boost in public awareness, described by the media as "Neo-Visual Kei".
[B][Popularity][/B]
Visual Kei has enjoyed popularity among independent underground projects, as well as artists achieving mainstream success, with influences from Western phenomena, such as glam, goth and cyberpunk. The music performed encompasses a large variety of genres, i.e. pop, punk, heavy metal and electronica. Magazines published regularly in Japan with Visual Kei coverage are Arena 37°C, "Cure", Fool's Mate and Shoxx. Noted bands who at least at some point sported a Visual Kei theme include Dir en grey, Luna Sea and Malice Mizer.
Popularity and awareness of such groups outside of Japan has seen an increase in recent years.
[B][Sources][/B]
[url="Wikipedia.org"]Wikipedia[/url]
[B][Other][/B]
I really like the style of visual kei, for example, "the GazettE".
[img_thumb]http://japanrocks.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/gazette.jpg[/img_thumb]
(Names from the left: Aoi, Reita, Ruki, Kai, Uruha.)
[B][Band List][/B]
I will not post the band list here, that would take ages, however I will link you it.
[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_visual_kei_artists"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_visual_kei_artists[/url]
[B]Now, you discuss, and comment with whatever Visual Kei band you like.[/B]
What so it's like lady boy bands
What the fuck man :colbert:
Actually, no.
But I believe the style came from a guy, testing his mothers clothes.
:froggonk:
That's digusting
Well, I personally don't like the way it came out, however I do enjoy the style.
Especially the hair of some people, is cool.
Re-linking this for you.
[url]http://japanrocks.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/gazette.jpg[/url]
they look like anime
[QUOTE=Reaver1991;19401298]they look like anime[/QUOTE]
Haha.
I don't think so, but okay.
Bump.
I don't know how "Visual-Kei" they are, but I do like the band [I]Versailles[/I]. Many j-rock band share similarities with European Power Metal, music wise. I also really like the stuff [i]Takamizawa[/i] does (like the song Vampire ~Yuuwaku no Blood~). Apart from the music, I think the costumes are to die for! :biggrin:
[img]http://www.ikikata.se/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/versailles.jpg [/img]
[QUOTE=Rad McCool;19436720]I don't know how "Visual-Kei" they are, but I do like the band [I]Versailles[/I]. Many j-rock band share similarities with European Power Metal, music wise. I also really like the stuff [i]Takamizawa[/i] does (like the song Vampire ~Yuuwaku no Blood~). Apart from the music, I think the costumes are to die for! :biggrin:
[media]http://www.ikikata.se/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/versailles.jpg [/media][/QUOTE]
And it's a funny thing, people which doesn't know the style, do think that everyone are girls...
But I can't see how they think that, depending on band to band.
Not a big fan of the music, but I'd hit it. :smug:
[QUOTE=Triumph Forks;19436911]Not a big fan of the music, but I'd hit it. :smug:[/QUOTE]
Haha, okay, good to know.. I think? xD
My friend Ben loves this stuff
[QUOTE=Echidna666;19443091]My friend Ben loves this stuff[/QUOTE]
Haha, then make him come into the thread and spread some loooveee~
[QUOTE=En-Guage V2;19461710]That's unbelievably optimistic[/QUOTE]
And with Optimistic, I guess you mean "gay".
But no, I think its pretty cool, at least they have the guts to do it, even though many people might laugh at them.
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