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The Visual Kei Podcast

The Visual Kei Podcast

By The Visual Kei Podcast

The Visual Kei Podcast is a round table discussion-style podcast on the topic of Visual Kei, a Japanese music scene and genre. We discuss the history of VK and its influences, its cultural impact, the various VK subgenres and submovements, notable VK bands, and so on.
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Episode #25: A Top 10 Visual Kei Releases of 2022

The Visual Kei PodcastMar 20, 2023

00:00
59:56
Episode #25: A Top 10 Visual Kei Releases of 2022

Episode #25: A Top 10 Visual Kei Releases of 2022

On this episode, prepare to enter the chuggosphere, as a mildly inebriated Aleksi recounts his top 10 favorite releases of the 2023, to the horror and dismay of his fellow hosts and producer. Aaron also stops by to give some of his favorites of the year.


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Mar 20, 202359:56
Episode #24: Key Party

Episode #24: Key Party

On this episode the team is joined by longtime Visual Kei fan Rob to discuss Key Party, a famous indie label of the late 1990s. 


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Jan 31, 202301:52:48
Episode #23: Nu-Metal in Visual Kei (Part 2)

Episode #23: Nu-Metal in Visual Kei (Part 2)

On this episode we continue with part two of the super downtuned & angsty series on the history of nu-metal influence in Visual Kei. Due to scheduling conflicts, Fredrik was unable to host this one, so Aaron and Aleksi are accompanied by Matt Ayers from Licht:noir'e to cover 3 decades of music as it crosses international waters.


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Dec 30, 202203:07:31
Episode #22: Nu-Metal in Visual Kei (Part 1)

Episode #22: Nu-Metal in Visual Kei (Part 1)

On this big & heavy episode, we discuss the history of Nu-Metal influence in Visual Kei, starting with the history of Nu-Metal itself. Due to scheduling conflicts, Fredrik was unable to host this one, so Aaron and Aleksi are accompanied by Matt Ayers from Licht:noir'e to cover 3 decades of music as it crosses international waters.


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Dec 22, 202202:02:10
Episode #21: 1991 (Part 2)

Episode #21: 1991 (Part 2)

On this second and final episode, we continue our History of Visual Kei series by covering the year 1991. We discuss bands like LUNA SEA, BUCK-TICK, Kamaitachi, Kuroyume, and more. This is a follow-up from way back in Episode 8 where we covered the year 1990 in Visual Kei.

VKPC is a part of vk.gy.

vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!

Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!

New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast

Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_

Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut

Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Dec 03, 202254:20
Episode #20: 1991 (Part 1)

Episode #20: 1991 (Part 1)

On this first-of-two episode, we continue our History of Visual Kei series by covering the year 1991. We discuss bands like LUNA SEA, BUCK-TICK, Kamaitachi, Kuroyume, and more. This is a follow-up from way back in Episode 8 where we covered the year 1990 in Visual Kei.


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Nov 15, 202252:10
Episode #19: Halloween Special! What is the spookiest VK band?

Episode #19: Halloween Special! What is the spookiest VK band?

On this very special episode the team settle once and for all the age old question, what is the most halloween-y Visual Kei band of all time?

VKPC is a part of vk.gy.

vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!

Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!

New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast

Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_

Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut

Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc

Oct 29, 202253:03
Episode #18: Hidden Gems on Spotify!

Episode #18: Hidden Gems on Spotify!

On this episode each of us pick out one Visual Kei release that we’re surprised to find available on streaming services to discuss, review, and recommend.


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.


vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vkpc


Oct 19, 202255:59
Episode #17: D'espairsRay: The Beginning (1999-2002)

Episode #17: D'espairsRay: The Beginning (1999-2002)

On this episode we discuss the early years of D’espairsRay, from their foundation to the 2002 release SEXUAL BEAST (except for James, who didn’t listen to anything...).


VKPC is a part of vk.gy.

vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!

Our episodes will include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!

New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast

Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_

Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut

Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Sep 15, 202201:00:08
Episode #16: The Gazette: DISORDER (2004)

Episode #16: The Gazette: DISORDER (2004)

On this episode, we follow up our Early Years Gazette episode with a review of their debut full length album, DISORDER.


VKPC has joined vkgy!


vkgy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!


Our episodes will include links to any vkgy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vkgy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!


New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord

Aug 29, 202201:02:38
Episode #15: The Gazette: The Early Years (2002-2004)

Episode #15: The Gazette: The Early Years (2002-2004)

On this episode, we discuss the early years of The Gazette (or ガゼット) starting with their formation and ending with their mini-album "MADARA".


VKPC has joined vkgy!

vkgy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!

Our episodes will include links to any vkgy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vkgy’s Discord server!


-----


The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!

New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.


Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast


Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_


Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut


Join us on the vkgy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord

Aug 08, 202201:14:28
Episode #14: Dir en grey: PHALARIS (Part 2)
Jul 26, 202258:05
Episode #13: Dir en grey: PHALARIS (Part 1)

Episode #13: Dir en grey: PHALARIS (Part 1)

On this episode we discuss the brand new DIR EN GREY album PHALARIS, and introduce a not-quite-new permanent co-host! Part 1 of 2. 

VKPC is joining vk.gy!   

vk.gy is a user-contributed database of detailed information on VK artists, releases, live-performance history, and more. You can also find exclusive interviews and news directly from the bands there!   

Our episodes will in the future include links to any vk.gy pages referenced so you can do deeper dives after listening. Also, we’ve got our own channel on vk.gy’s Discord server!  

-----  

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!  New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.  

Follow us on Twitter: @thevkpodcast 

Follow vk.gy on Twitter: @vkgy_ 

Follow RarezHut on Twitter: @rarezhut  

Join us on the vk.gy Discord server: https://vk.gy/to/discord


Jul 11, 202254:57
Episode #12: Dir en grey: MACABRE (2000) Feat. Perrow (Part 2) + DIMLIM Update

Episode #12: Dir en grey: MACABRE (2000) Feat. Perrow (Part 2) + DIMLIM Update

On this episode we discuss Dir en grey's second full-length album, MACABRE, with returning guest Perrow. We also bring a short update on the DIMLIM situation. Part 2 of 2.

-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut

Dec 31, 202101:28:19
Episode #11: Dir en grey: MACABRE (2000) Feat. Perrow (Part 1)

Episode #11: Dir en grey: MACABRE (2000) Feat. Perrow (Part 1)

On this episode we discuss Dir en grey's second full-length album, MACABRE, with returning guest Perrow. Part 1 of 2.

-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut


Dec 13, 202159:40
Episode #10: What happened to DIMLIM?

Episode #10: What happened to DIMLIM?

On this episode we go over the short but very turbulent history of DIMLIM, once the big hope of the Visual Kei scene now turned indie rockers, and our differing opinions on their career trajectory and output.

-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut

Nov 29, 202101:03:49
Episode #9: Metronome: The Early Years (1998-2003)

Episode #9: Metronome: The Early Years (1998-2003)

On this episode we discuss the prolific electronic Visual Kei band Metronome’s early career from the year 2005 to 1998 to 2003! ...Wait, what?   


Albums discussed in this episode: 

ヤプーが召喚された街 (Yapuu ga Shoukan Sareta Machi), 2000 

不機嫌なアンドロイド (Fukigen na Android), 2002 

1メトロノーム (1 Metronome), 2003


-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut

Nov 14, 202156:21
Episode #8: 1990 feat. Perrow

Episode #8: 1990 feat. Perrow

On this episode we’re joined by vocalist and long-time VK fan, Perrow, as we return from our mysteriously unannounced hiatus to focus on VK of the year 1990, and dive into bands like ZI:KILL, D'ERLANGER, BUCK-TICK, and many others.  Be sure to listen to the end **exclusive reveal** (which is mostly kind of basically related to VK) at the end of the episode!!

-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Follow Perrow on Instagram @shiisasasa

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Join us on the RarezHut Discord server: discord.gg/zHFEVqvNMz

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut

Sep 10, 202101:29:36
Episode #7: the GazettE - MASS

Episode #7: the GazettE - MASS

On this episode we have energy drinks and talk about the new album by the GazettE, MASS, which was just released. Wait... it came out over a month ago??

-----

Follow us on Twitter @thevkpodcast

Join us on the *NEW* VKPC Discord server: discord.gg/V9V7eCRZqj

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan! New customers can use the code VKPC when checking out to get 10% off their order.

Join us on the RarezHut Discord server: discord.gg/zHFEVqvNMz

Follow RarezHut on Twitter @rarezhut

Jul 01, 202101:08:42
Episode #6: Top 10 Best Visual Kei Releases of 2020

Episode #6: Top 10 Best Visual Kei Releases of 2020

On this episode we go through our own highly subjective top 10 list of Visual Kei releases from 2020 as well as a few honorable mentions.

-----

Follow us on Twitter! @thevkpodcast

-----

The Visual Kei Podcast is supported by RarezHut.net: your source for rare (and not-so-rare) imported Japanese rock, metal, and visual kei outside of Japan!

Join us on the RarezHut Discord server: discord.gg/zHFEVqvNMz

Follow RarezHut on Twitter! @rarezhut

Jun 16, 202101:03:51
Episode #5: Dir en grey: GAUZE (1999)
May 22, 202101:24:35
Episode #4: Dir en grey: The Indies Years (1997-1998) | 朧 (Oboro) First Impressions
May 03, 202101:10:25
Episode #3: Malice Mizer
Apr 18, 202101:06:19
Episode #2: "The 1980s | The Gazette - Blinding Hope" feat. Jigsaw
Apr 13, 202101:33:39
Episode #1: "What is Visual Kei?" featuring Biopanda
Mar 24, 202101:04:29