[Editorial] Visual Kei Bands to Watch, Part 1

I've never done a year-end editorial, but there are several bands this year who I feel deserve a little extra attention. These bands aren't your major-league hitters--not the GazettE or DIR EN GREY. Those bands have found enough fans worldwide who enable them to disperse their new music through major venues. The bands I'm talking about are the up-and-comers of the visual style, the ones still finding new fans and struggling to get their music out there. I've found that these bands are producing consistently good and memorable music and developing unique style, and I'd like to recommend them to visual kei fans. The following are listed in alphabetical order by band, and the band names will link you to their OHPs. I have a lot of bands to recommend, so I intend to break this editorial into two parts. I hope you find someone new to enjoy. --SBEEC

1) Aldious

 

 Aldious is technically a metal band, but I think they also have visual appeal. They started forming in the Osaka scene around 2008, and the members released their debut single in 2009. They formally debuted in 2010. The lineup has changed since formation, but the music quality has only gotten better over time. The power vocals and rapid-fire instrumentals are top notch, which explains why the ladies' new "We Are" mini album found itself at #1 on the Oricon Indies charts in November 2017. Fans can find their newer tracks on iTunes.

2) Anfiel

 

Anfiel formed in Tokyo in 2014, and they've been consistently playing live shows ever since. Their songs feature high, clear vocals, bright, poppy guitars, and interesting bass. They just released their new single "Hikari" on November 8, 2017. Anfiels also has music available on iTunes.

3) ARCHEMI.

 

 ARCHEMI. formed around 2015, and they are currently working with Crow Music. The band's visuals and music provide an interesting mix of traditional Japanese styles with eerie vocals and screams, heavy strings, and racing drums. They also have a fabulous talent for using repetitive effects, background vocals and chants, and echoes that invoke a kind of trance state when you listen. It's a very hypnotic experience. Fans of old Black Gene for the Next Scene music might also like ARCHEMI. The band just released their fourth single on December 6, 2017.

4) Arlequin

The band has been around since 2013, and they call their style "next generation Nagoya kei." Recently they're working with Goemon Records. They've gained steam this year as they tour more major venues with bands like Grieva. Their performances of fan-favorite "Zou" always get things jumping during live shows. Driving, eerie vocals and fast drums up the ante on this band's songs. Their most recent release is their 11th single, "puzzle," out on September 6, 2017. You can find that single and more on iTunes.

5) ART ELICIA

ART ELICIA is an indie band from Osaka that opened their website and released their first single in 2016. They have been working with the V STAR PROMOTION company to get their music out there to a wider audience, but they've released only three singles to date. The latest single, "Madara," was released on October 11, 2017. They have nice layers of sound with both growling screams and melodic vocals. The bass tracks are really nice in their songs. It's pretty polished for a young band.

6) Belle

Belle has been around since 2014, but they don't seem to get much publicity outside Japan. Even though they often make the Oricon Indies chart with their new releases, their music doesn't seem to be that well known. Their music often features deep, melodic vocals, smooth, polished guitar, and nice, mellow rhythm. Their second album, titled "JUKE BOX," will be released on January 17, 2018. Right now they are touring with the next band on the list.

 

 7) CHANTY

 

 CHANTY has been around since 2013, and despite a recent shake up with a guitarist getting arrested and booted from the band, they are still touring and producing quality music. Fans of more melodic, airish music will enjoy CHANTY's sound. The music and vocals are light and bright, but the lyrics and messages are heavy hitting. They will release their second full album sometime in 2018. Current music is available on iTunes.

8) CLØWD

 

 CLØWD made their debut in 2014 in Tokyo, and they are currently working with Danger Crue Records. This is another band who knows how to layer sound and effect for maximum impact, and they don't stick to one sound or style. If you like surprises and variety, you may like this band. They will release a venue-limited single titled "21g" on January 8, 2018. They also have music available on iTunes.

9) Codomo Dragon

Codomo Dragon debuted in 2010, and they are currently working with B.P.Records. It may sound strange to say, but one of this band's great qualities is that they do intros and instrumental solos well. They aren't throwaway riffs, but rather integral parts of the songs. Vocals are also fabulous, often with layers of melody and screams on top of hypnotic chanting as background vocals. Rapid and driving drums are something to notice during more upbeat songs. They also tend to use fading and echoes to emphasize certain portions of their tracks. Songs about rotten worlds never sounded so interesting or intriguing. The band's 12th single, "DIRTY x DIRTY," was just released on November 15, 2017.

10) DAMY

 

DAMY has been around since 2013. Their most recent single, "chilled.," just debuted at #14 on the Oricon Indies weekly chart. The band is relatively new on my radar, but the thing I notice most is the amazing rhythm coming from the bass. This is another band who knows how to use sound effects to impact the listener. The guitarists also do a great job playing off one another, especially on fast-paced songs. Vocals also have great range, with the vocalist doing deep, guttural growls and falsetto equally well.

Did you find someone new to enjoy? I hope you did. If you liked this segment, please stay tuned for part 2, coming soon.