1. The GazettE - Cockroach (2005)
If you've spent more than 5 seconds in our SUNKiSS~last~ space, you've defo seen these guys around*. This track may not get as much recognition as their other PVs like Taion and Filth in the Beauty, but it was my personal introduction to vkei-- how could I not? Born in an era where lolita fashion had a foothold and Alice in Wonderland was all the rage, Ruki's costume is pure iconic and the song itself is a pretty epic journey to kick off with.
*Their bassist and founding member Reita sadly passed away in April 2024, with his last post on social media being, "I hope The GazettE will last forever".
Released on: Gama
2. Plastic Tree - Kuuchu Buranko (What Is "Plastic Tree"?)
Tiktokified for a reason.
3. Deadman - additional cause for sorrow
A taste of Nagoya kei.
4. Exist+Trace - Daybreak (The Last Daybreak)
If you're coming in fresh off the Nana soundtrack, this band is the place to start. Exist+Trace is a rare gem in the vkei scene, an all-female band who have stood the test of time. Their music veers more into metal and jazz influences, but they for sure have something special.
5. Acid Black Cherry - Crisis
This song is nothing if not safe, which is precisely why I think it belongs on the list. If you're just dipping your toes in to the scene, maybe you arrived here after hearing some anime OP by Nightmare or L'arc~en~Ciel, Acid Black Cherry is the perfect level of listenable and catchy. This band is fronted by Yasu from Janne Da Arc, so consider checking them out next if you're into this.
6. La’cryma Christi - Forest
A taste of old school. Fans of Rush- no not the vkei band, the Toronto one- I'm appealing to you right now, listen to this immediately and come back and tell me that it isn't giving Rush.
7. LM.C - Punky Heart
Oshare kei.
8. Buck-Tick - Romance (2005)
Buck-Tick are legendary tier, so there's a high chance you could roll a die and land on a song that will blow you away. This is just one of my personal top picks. The elegance, the vampire vibes, the yearning. Vibes off the charts.
Released on: Juusankai wa Gekkou
9. L’Arc~en~Ciel - Daybreak’s Bell
Debatably vkei. Hyde.
10. Malice Mizer - Au Revoir
Naturally.
Bonus: D’espairsRay - Reddish
D’espairsRay are like the girls who think being into rope and pegging makes them a high key freak. It’s cute, their melodies are very listenable which makes for an excellent introductory sound. They have some of my absolute favourite vocals in vkei. Be serenaded by an unwashed and slightly unhinged Hizumi, and if you enjoy the pained wailing of men even half as much as I do check out the companion single Garnet next.
Released on: Gemini