Visual Kei

Visual Kei (V系) is a movement among Japanese musical artists with influences based in Glam Rock, Goth, Punk and traditional Japanese clothing, whereas the fans and their aesthetic are refered to as "Bangya" (バンギャ).

History[]

Visual kei originated in the late 80s, but was heavily influenced by early 80s Japanese Goth rock and Post-Punk bands in its visuals (particularly bands like Auto-Mod, Madame Edwarda, Phaidia, and Die Zibet).

Going even further back, the Japanese Post-Punk bands were musically and aesthetically influenced by members of particularly theatrical Goth and neo-Glam bands, like Japan, Hanoi Rocks. Bauhaus, Gene Loves Jezebel, and Christian Death. (Zin-Francois Angelique of Madame Edwarda and ISSAY of Die Zibet took from this style especially.)

The results of this conglomeration of influences include very flamboyant and big hair, heavy makeup, and elaborate costumes of varying styles. Determining whether a band is visual kei or not is generally rather easy - it can be as simple as looking at images of the band, and either the fans or the artists themselves will be sure to let you know if they are, as it's generally a conscious choice to be a part of the scene.

As it is primarily a visual style, it's impossible to pin down visual kei by hearing alone, and to dismiss a band as "not visual kei" based on their sound is unwise, as the music can range from J-pop to extreme metal to electronic dance music.

Subgenres[]

Eroguro Kei[]

A subgenre of visual kei that deals with the topic of macabre fetishism in both its visuals and lyrics. It is derived from the Ero-Guro art movement, the name being a combination of the English words “erotic” and “grotesque". Cali=Gari, whose name comes from the notorious silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is considered the pioneer of the genre. Other bands considered eroguro would be Merry or MUCC. DIR EN GREY (their Vulgar period is arguably Eroguro Kei).

Iyrou Kei[]

Bands that utilize hospital and medical themes as part of their songs, often in a sort of horror theme. Bands that are associated with Iyrou Kei are Sex Android and +isolation.

Kote Kei[]

A label given to the earliest visual kei bands that shaped the genre. There is no defining trait beyond being many of the iconic bands that came to be in 1980 to 1990s. There is an overall less polished look and a wide range of styles is worn. Some bands considered kote kei are La’Mule, early Dir en Grey, Lariene, and Madeth Gray’ll.

Tanbi Kei[]

Bands that are highly inspired by historical European styles such as Baroque, Victorian, and Rococo as well as elements of classical music. The outfits are usually extremely fancy, detailed and elaborate costumes, with dramatic makeup to match. Bands that are associated with this style are Malice Mizer, Lariene, Versailles and the musician Kaya.