Japan Is Doomed

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.