Erica, Author at JROCK NEWS

Report: Wagatame’s breakout success at Nekocon 2024

Feb 21, 2025

In November 2024, Nekocon marked its 26th year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA, drawing approximately 7,000 attendees. The event, known for celebrating Japanese culture, featured its usual...

Interview: HEY-SMITH’s Shuhei Igari on the power of live shows, personal freedom in ska-punk

Erica

Feb 10, 2025

Interview, Lineup change

HEY-SMITH, the six-piece ska-punk band from Osaka, has captivated audiences worldwide with their high-energy sound, melodic hooks, and rebellious spirit. Blending the edge of '90s punk with ska's bright, punchy...

DAMNED vocalist Hitone eats live moth in “Suikyou to Majiwaru Kyouhakuteki Kachikan” music video

Erica

Feb 4, 2025

Music Video, New Look

On January 31, DAMNED dropped the music video for "Suikyou to Majiwaru Kyouhakuteki Kachikan" (酔狂と交わる強迫的価値観), ahead of the single’s February 2025 release.Beyond the incredible music, behind-the-scenes info ...

AN CAFE’s MIKU brings “NYAPPY PARTY EUROPE” tour to London, Paris, Spain

Erica

Jan 16, 2025

Tour and event

This spring, MIKU, the charismatic vocalist of the renowned visual kei band AN CAFE, brings his intimate solo performances to Europe on the "NYAPPY PARTY EUROPE" tour. Fans can expect a nostalgic celebration of...

Leetspeak monsters haunts Katsucon 2025 for US debut

Erica

Jan 15, 2025

Tour and event

The East Coast’s most vibrant celebration of Asian pop culture is getting a monstrous twist—Katsucon returns to National Harbor, MD, from February 14-16, 2025. Among the exciting lineup is the visual kei band "...

Top 10 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2024

Erica, NBT, Nori and Jack

Jan 2, 2025

Entertainment

Our 2024 top list honors the visual kei and Japanese rock artists who defined the year with groundbreaking achievements and boundary-pushing creativity. These musicians didn’t just transcend borders—they redefi...

Interview: Matenrou Opera’s album “MUTSU NO HANA” explores chaos, hope, and modern metal

Erica

Dec 31, 2024

Interview

Matenrou Opera, the genre-defying rock band known for blending modern edge with operatic grandeur, has captivated audiences since 2007. Blending the aesthetics of visual kei with the symphonic depth of heavy me...

-SKS- ZIGZAG music video “E.v.e” brings warmth to the heart of winter

Erica

Dec 22, 2024

Music Video, Releases

On December 22, the trailblazing visual kei band Shintenchi Kaibyaku Shudan ZIGZAG (commonly known as "-SKS- ZIGZAG") unveiled the evocative music video for "E.v.e". This poignant track serves as the closing pi...

DIR EN GREY expands TOUR25 with dates in Anaheim, Taiwan, and Hong Kong

Erica

Dec 17, 2024

Tour and event

DIR EN GREY is expanding their overseas tour, TOUR25 WHO IS THIS HELL FOR?, with an additional show in Anaheim, California. The band has also announced their first performances in Taiwan and Hong Kong in nearly...

Matenrou Opera’s “MUTSU NO HANA” album launches nationwide Japan tour

Erica

Dec 16, 2024

Music Video, New Look, Releases

Visual kei metal legends Matenrou Opera are set to release their latest album, MUTSU NO HANA (六花), on December 18. Known for soaring high-tone vocals and intricate soundscapes, the band has teased the album wit...

DAMNED’s intense single “ArtrA” features remade track “Shadows”

Erica

Dec 10, 2024

Releases

On December 7, DAMNED dropped their latest single, "ArtrA" (アルトラ), delivering a powerful two-track release steeped in raw energy. ArtrA features the title track and its pairing, Shadows, highlighting the dualit...

kein’s major debut EP “PARADOXON DOLORIS” marks first new music in 24 years

Erica

Nov 30, 2024

Music Video, Releases

On November 20, legendary rock band kein unveiled their major debut EP, PARADOXON DOLORIS, marking their first new release in 24 years. Featuring five powerful tracks exploring themes of paradox and pain, the E...

THE LAST ROCKSTARS music video “Psycho Love” marks MIYAVI’s departure from band

Erica and afaenia

Nov 23, 2024

Lineup change, Music Video

On November 11, THE LAST ROCKSTARS unveiled the full music video for their second single, Psycho Love, while announcing the departure of guitarist MIYAVI.The release holds special significance, aligning wit...

DAMNED releases live music video “Dokuai” with bilingual lyrics

Erica

Nov 20, 2024

Music Video, Releases

On November 18, DAMNED dropped a live music video for Dokuai (毒愛), capturing the band’s adrenalizing live energy as they perform before a crowd. The video includes Japanese lyrics with English translation, maki...

Author Erica