Japanese rock and metal has really exploded in international popularity recently, with bands like Dir En Grey and L’Arc~En~Ciel winning fans and rocking stadiums all over the world. As I proved a few weeks ago, the vast majority of Japanese pop music is pure evil, and I’m sure a large percentage of it’s rock is too.
Thank god for these bands then, who are frankly wonderful. I’ve included a little about each band, my own personal opinions, similar artists, and some tracks or albums you should check out. For those not aware what Visual Kei is, check out Wikipedia. Enjoy!
1. D’espairsRay
Starting in 1999 with their roots firmly in the Japanese movement, D’espairsRay have evolved into an industrial metal band, whilst still holding onto their Visual roots. Definitely one for fans of earlier Dir En Grey, the heavier offerings from X Japan or fans of Strapping Young Lad, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter or Rammstein.
The band have released two full albums, 2005’s Coll:set and my personal favorite, Mirror which was released last year. I only managed to hear it a few weeks ago but I would consider it already one of my top albums of 2007. A stunning masterpiece. My top three tracks are all from Mirror, and are the first track Damned, fan favorite Squall and the track that ends the album and my personal favorite, Kaleidoscope.
2. Plastic Tree
A band I discovered only very recently, Plastic Tree come from a similar Visual background as D’espairs but have gone a totally different way - they sound like a mixture of modern progressive rock (Porcupine Tree, Green Carnation) and British Rock. Definitly one for fans of the lighter side of JRock (think L’Arc~En~C’iel). I’ve only heard one album, namely Cell, but it’s belting.
Check out Melancholic (from cell) which is a really funky track, and for a change of pace, check out Ghost.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I’ve heard of Plastic Tree but not D’EspairsRay. But I much more of a j-pop fan.
January 27th, 2008 at 4:36 am
I admit, I’ve never heard these bands. From the Japanese music I hear on a daily basis, it all sounds the same to me. Maybe these rock bands are different, but especially J-Pop, there is a formula that writers follow to make hits. Yeah, no different from the west.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
i’ve been meaning to get more into Japanese music, this is the perfect opportunity, thanks for the recommendations
May 16th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
J-rock has many more interesting bands. My personal favorite is Plastic Tree, but you should also check out Nightmare, The Gazette, Pierrot, Vidoll, Kagrra, Kra, Alice Nine, Merry, MUCC.
P.S. You’ll definitely laugh a lot while watching Sendai Kamotsu’s PV’s.
May 31st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
i’ve been a long time fan of both bands. Plastic tree has been around since the 90’s and d’espairs ray since the late 90’s. they were amazing then and amazing now, just amazing bands…and…d’espairs ray new single “brilliant” only proves it futhermore.
June 1st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Wow, totally didn’t reply to any comments here. Apologies!
Justin: I think Plastic Tree are more ‘poppy’ than D’EspairsRay, so you’d probably enjoy them more.
Tom: It takes a lot of effort to get away from the super commercial, identical sounding music of Japan, but it’s worth it!
Jamaipanese: Enjoy. More suggestions coming soon.
Mari Asai: I’m on it!
Miki: I haven’t heard the new single yet, I’m waiting for the album. Not long now, right!
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
these are 2 of my favourite bands! Im glad you wrote about them here because they really are spectacular in their own ways.
For plastic tree I reccomend the albums chandelier and nega to poji!
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:14 am
kaxyz: No problem :) I’m looking for bands for a JRock pt. 2, so keep reading :)