JRock
Japanese rock music, or JRock, is one of my passions in life. My favorite genre of JRock is known as visual-kei, or "visual style". It's a genre that combines elements of glam rock, goth, punk, and metal, in both the music and the fashions worn by the artists of this style. Some of my favorite bands in this genre include:
X Japan: The first JRock band I was ever introduced to, this band is nothing short of legendary in their native Japan. Their music could be described as neo-classical metal, and yet often has the intensity of punk. Also known simply as X, this band is nothing short of incredible, and are known as the main influence behind the visual-kei movement..
Malice Mizer: Probably like nothing you've ever heard before. I don't know if this band can even be called JRock, because they aren't really a rock band, and although there are elements of rock in there, quite honestly they defy categorization. If you've never heard or seen them, imagine dolled up gothic looking crossdressers performing short stage plays and playing a hybrid between goth rock, french cafe music, industrial, and baroque, with melodies somewhere between Wagner and ABBA, and you're getting there in imagining what they're like...possibly, in my opinion, the most original, creative, unique band in the world.
GLAY: More of a straightforward rock band than the aforementioned bands, GLAY have a kind of classic rock sound to them, actually similar to Cheap Trick, but with a punky edge to them at times. Their gift for melody is astounding, and features Beatleseque songwriting with a modern twist to it. Definitely one of my favorites.