[ORICON RANKING] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (March 11, 2019)
#42 Gagagagagagaga/ Golden Bomber

CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (March 11, 2019)
#45 Human Dignity/ Matenrou Opera

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (March 4, 2019)
#1   Gagagagagagaga/ Golden Bomber
#4   VIVAROCK/ Vivarush
#12 Love Letter/ Xaa Xaa
#16 Reincarnation (NEO FUTURE)/ NEVERLAND

CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (March 4, 2019)
#5   Zokuzoku Kane ga Nattara Jiken ga Okiru/ Belle
#11 Kowareta Piano to Living Dead/ MUCC

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (July 16, 2018)
#15 Toge/ Codomo Dragon
#41 WHO'S GONNA SAVE US/ HYDE
          
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 16, 2018)
NO LISTINGS

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (July 9, 2018)
#2   DOLL/ Royz
#8   Borderline/ Develop One's Faculties
#16 Noroiuta/ Xaa Xaa
#18 NEW ERA/ DEXCORE
#20 Natsukaze/ Belle

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 9, 2018)
NO LISTINGS
 
ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (July 9, 2018)
#6   WHO'S GONNA SAVE US/ HYDE
#16 DOLL/ Royz
#30 Revive/ D
          
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 9, 2018)
NO LISTINGS

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (July 2, 2018)
#5   Natsukaze/ Belle
#7   Nemureru Mori no Zenso Kyoku~REVOIR~/ THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S
#9   Shigoku/ REIGN
#10 Hakuda/ REIGN
#18 BRILLIANT/ RAZOR
#20 Noroiuta/ Xaa Xaa

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 2, 2018)
#6   NEW CLASSIC/ UNiTE
#8   DRIPPING/ sleepyhead
#19 CALL US/ Nana
 
ORICON STYLE Rankings here

Belle New Single Release 6/20

Belle has announced that they will release a new single on June 20. The new release will be titled "Natsukaze," and it will be released in three types. Track details are available on the band's OHP.

Belle OHP here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week. 

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (February 5, 2018)
#6   Yuki Kageboushi/ Wagakki Band
#24 4GET ME NOT/ DaizyStripper
          
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (February 5, 2018)
#33 Kiseki Best Collection/ Wagakki Band

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (January 29, 2018)
#1   F+IX=YOU/ A9
#3   Sapphire/ POIDOL
#5   Nosferatu/ KAMIJO
#8   Doku Mawaru/ R-Shitei

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (January 29, 2018)
#11 JUKI BOX/ Belle

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[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.

Belle, Chanty, Develop One's Faculties Comments on YouTube

ViSULOG has added three new comments featuring members of Belle, Chanty, and Develop One's Faculties to its official YouTube channel. Calling themselves BCD, the three bands have been touring together and will soon be doing their tour final show.

Belle comment on YouTube here
Chanty comment on YouTube here
Develop One's Faculties comment on YouTube here

Belle New Album Release 1/17/18

Belle has announced that they will release their second full album on January 17, 2018. The new release will be titled "JUKE BOX," but no other specific details have been released yet.

Belle OHP here

Belle Comment on YouTube

V Star Promotion has collaborated with Stylish Wave to offer a new comment from Belle on its official YouTube channel. The bilingual comment features members introducing themselves, talking about their upcoming event appearance, and offering comments to overseas fans.

Bell Comment on YouTube here

[ORICON RANKING] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (July 7, 2017)
#21 Dark fairy tale/ D
#24 Noah/Shangri-la/ DIAURA
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 10, 2017)
#15 Acid BLOOD Cherry/ Acid Black Cherry
#33 CLIMAX TOGETHER -1992 compact disc-/ BUCK-TICK

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (July 3, 2017)
#6   Watashitachi ha Massugu ni Yugande Yuku/ Belle
#10 Silhouette/ VALS

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 3, 2017)
#10 Tenshi Hokai/ Megamasso
#12 Oni Cover 90's/ Sho Kiryyuin
#19 Nihon Abnormal Kyokai/ R-Shitei

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (June 12, 2017)
#42 #CD ga Urenai Konna Yo no naka ja/ Golden Bomber
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (June 12, 2017)
#14 SINNERS-EP/ lynch.
#30 Oni Cover 90's/ Sho Kiryuuin

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (June 5, 2017)
#3   Aishuu Elegy/ Belle
#8   #CD ga Uranai Konna Yo no naka ja/ Golden Bomber
#9   Oshimai/ Kizu

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (June 5, 2017)
#1   Oni Cover 90's/ Sho Kiryyuin
#15 Unlimited Diffusion/ Aldious
#17 DIZAINERVE/ Far East Dizain

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

Belle New Single Release 6/21

Belle have announced that they will be releasing the third of three consecutive months of releases on June 21. The new single will be titled "Bokutachi wa Massugu ni Yugande Yuku," and it will be released in two types. Track details are available on the band's OHP.

Belle OHP here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (May 8, 2017)
#39 Bakuchi/Sakigake swallowtail/ D=OUT
#43 CALLING/VAMPS
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (May 8, 2017)
#2   UNDERWORLD/ VAMPS
#21 HEART/ DOG inThe PWO

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (May 1, 2017)
#4   #CD ga Urenai Konna Yononaka ja/ Golden Bomber
#5   Jealousy/ Belle
#7   VLACK APRIL/ LIPHLICH
#11 Watashi wa Kairai, Sarugutsuwa no Ningyo/ Kiryu
#13 Ikizu LIFE!!/ Kameleo
#14 Dokudokudoku/ Jack Caper

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (May 1, 2017)
#1   BREAK!!/ FEST VAINQUEUR
#3   dadaism #3/ DADAROMA
#7   not equal/ LSN
#15 IDEAL/ A9
#17 PARADISE LOST/ Anfiel



ORICON STYLE Rankings here

Belle New Single Release 5/24

Belle have announced that they will be releasing the second of three consecutive months of releases on May 24. The new single will be titled "Aishu Elegy," and it will be released in two types. Track details are available on the band's OHP.

Belle OHP here

Belle Plans Three Consecutive Months of Releases

Belle have announced via their OHP that they plan to release three consecutive months of singles, starting in April. On April 19, the band will release a single titled "Jealousy" in two types. Details for the other singles have not yet been released.

Belle OHP here

stylish wave COUNTDOWN 16-17 Airs 12/31

A "stylish wave COUNTDOWN '16-'17" live special will air on the Nico Nico Live website on December 31. The stylish wave show will include appearances by Gigamous, ViV, Grieva, Kuroyuri to Kage, Anfiel, exist†trace, Chanty, Belle, Kra, Sick2, the LOTUS, Amai Boryoku, LACK-CO., Zin, and Purple Stone. The show starts at 15:30 JST (convert time here), and time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered members who cannot watch the show as it airs.

"stylish wave COUNTDOWN" airs here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (December 19, 2016)
#47 Santa no Shoutai/ Smileberry
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (December 19, 2016)
NO LISTINGS
 
CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (December 12, 2016)
#3   MOON LIGHT DOWN/ Initial'L
#8   Refrain/ Belle
#10 Gekkabijin/ Kiryu
#13 UKIYO/ Rave
#14 Kimi Dake no Boku de Iru kara/ GACKT
#15 Saigo no Bansan/ Mix Speaker's,Inc.
#17 ANTITHESIS/ Royz

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (December 12, 2016)
#4   RED INVISIBLE/ RAZOR
#6   Ashita Moshi Sekai ga Owattemo/ Avanchick
#19 Tranquilizer/ MORRIGAN

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

Belle New Single Release 11/30

Belle have announced that they will release their fifth single on November 30. The new release will be titled "Refrain," and vocalist Haro says the song have a live feel. No other details are available yet.

Haro's Twitter here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (August 1, 2016)
#33 Rainmaker/ LM.C
      
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (August 1, 2016)
NO LISTINGS
 
CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (July 25, 2016)
#1   7th WONDER/ DOG inThe PWO
#2   Manatsu no Ballad/ Belle
#10 Namida Heroine/ Rave
#12 Erotopiary (Happy Birthday)/ Gossip
#14 Himawari -1st season-/ rice
#15 Mura/ Develop One's Faculties
#19 Baked Cheese/ The Benjamin


 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 25, 2016)
#20 Hyakki Yako/ Kiryu

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (July 25, 2016)
#11 7th WONDER/ DOG inThe PWO
#32 Manatsu no Ballad/ Belle
      
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 25, 2016)
NO LISTINGS
 
CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (July 18, 2016)
#16 HEMLOCK/ Codomo Dragon
#19 Hachijyu Hakkasho Jyunrei/ R-Shitei

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (July 18, 2016)
#12 Hyakki Yako/ Kiryu
#13 Hoshizora ni Kakeru Koe/ THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S

ORICON STYLE Rankings here