Japanese Metal Visual Kei band Zeke Deux will be performing in München, Germany, for the first time on September 28 at Backstage Club. This marks their return to Europe after their very first concert outside Japan in Switzerland in 2022. Tickets are now on sale.

Based in Tokyo, Zeke Deux was formed by vocalist Kakeru and guitarist Haruka in 2021. Later on, they were joined by bassist Maya and drummer Eisaku as official members. Guitarist Satsuki contributes to the band as a support musician, referred to as “project member”.

Zeke Deux’s sound features a heavy metal base infused with gothic and symphonic elements. As part of the Japanese underground Visual Kei scene, their mesmerizing aesthetics play a crucial role in shaping the entire experience along with the music. Their three mini-albums “Advance to Glory” , “Lux en Athena” and “VAMPIRE TALE” are available worldwide through streaming services.

This concert is a must for all Visual Kei and Japanese metal fans in Germany and the rest of Europe!

Zeke Deux in Germany @ Backstage Club, München – September 28, 2024

Doors: VIP Ticket:  17:30 / Regular Ticket: 19:00
Starts: 20:00

Tickets: https://eventim.de/artist/zeke-deux/
– Regular Ticket: 35 EUR +tax
– VIP Ticket 50,00 EUR +tax (Early entry + Photo with the band)

Further information: info@vkbeats.com

Zeke Deux Official Sites
Website: https://www.zekedeux.jp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhMnm8yysV5dVVkA08RObrD-dSsPUwMkt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZekeD_Official
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FWBucT
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ljnzDZ

Line-up
Kakeru – vocals
Haruka – guitar
Maya – bass
Eisaku – drums

“Project members” (Support)
Satsuki – guitar

Label: Starwave Records

Japanese Nu-metal band CHOKE unleashed the music video for “Crisis Phase”, which serves as a prelude for their long-awaited new album “CHOKE3” coming this fall. The band has been defying the limits of genres with their experimental music, staying true to themselves with every release.

“Crisis Phase”, written and composed by vocalist/rapper REON, can be described as the outcome of the great impact of Trap Metal in CHOKE’s style over the years. Although is simpler compared with all previous works, it integrates heavy details resulting in a trap song with explosive energy.

Artists such as Ghostemane and Scarlxrd have been expanding Trap Metal throughout the underground scene and taking it into a new form of extreme music in recent years. Since this style was born out of elements from Nu-Metal and Industrial Metal, it was natural for CHOKE to take influence from it.

This time, guitarist KVYA NONO (who has been the composer of all the songs released so far), was only in charge of the arranging and mixing, entrusting all the composing to rapper REON. This is only one of the positive changes in the direction that the band has been taking.

In addition to the music video for “Crisis Phase”, the band announced the release of a new album after three years, “CHOKE3”. This will come out in October 2022 and, like its sold-out predecessor, it’s expected to be in high demand.

The band will be celebrating their 5th anniversary with the event “BEEF” on August 5 in Tokyo, featuring a line-up of unique aggressive acts that aligns with CHOKE’s style.

CHOKE has just unveiled the tip of the iceberg of what “CHOKE3” will be like. Stay tuned to see the whole scenario that the new album will portray!

About CHOKE

CHOKE is an emerging nu-metal band from Japan. They started with the overall goal of creating a unique sound by mixing rap metal with djent. Their experimental music, nevertheless, does not stick to only one genre and it’s constantly evolving. The band has incorporated into their sound hardcore, trapcore, metalcore, thrash, and groove metal influences. CHOKE offers a peculiar dissonant blend of heavy music with a hip-hop rhythm. The vocals combine clear rapping with low growls and piercing screams. Harsh and edgy lyrics regularly express social criticism and dogma rejection. CHOKE fires up the listeners to speak up their minds and tear the world apart!

CHOKE started activities in the underground scene of Tokyo in 2007, being the first rap-metal band in the area. They have been conducted as a self-produced artist since their formation. Their works are proof that CHOKE are not here to follow patterns but to create their own path.

Official Sites
Homepage: http://choke.tokyo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrDOWcdZEzCe_2dOExp67cg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choke.tokyo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHOKEofficialEN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choke.tokyo
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nB4onR
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3i6Nw7e

Line-up
REON – Vocals
KVYA NONO – Guitar
B5 – Bass
Toshiya Sato – Drums (support)

CHOKE International Online Store

• choke-world.stores.jp

The Japanese Gothic Rock band THE SOUND BEE HD has unleashed the music video for “WALKING DEAD 2021”. This is a new version of the song released in 2017 and it was taken into the studio to be re-recorded for the best-of album DEAD MEMORIES-THE SOUND BEE HD 20th anniversary- that hit the stores on May 26.

“WALKING DEAD” is definitely the most iconic song from the band that captivated many fans with its haunting synth intro and high-distorted guitar riffs, as well as the obvious reference to the popular tv show from which they took inspiration for the zombies’ theme. This new version presents a more aggressive sound with an exponential industrial influence, showcasing the current style of the quartet.

The best-of album DEAD MEMORIES-THE SOUND BEE HD 20th anniversary- is not only a retrospective of their career, but also a glimpse of their current and future approach. Follow the road of horror and melancholy that this Shinigami band has been building year after year!

THE SOUND BEE HD – DEAD MEMORIES-THE SOUND BEE HD 20th anniversary-

CD 1
01. WALKING DEAD 2021
02. TeLL Me!!!
03. DaRK to DaRK
04. ENDLESS DEAD
05. BLooD RaiN
06. ReBoRN
07. CALLING
08. 毒-doku- 2021
09. 乱-ran-
10. Cry
11. 死-DIE-
12. 葬-SOU 2021
13. Answer

CD 2
01. live 2021　
02. Cross
03. A-De[艶]
04. Kira [煌]
05. 華-hana-
06. Michibiki [導]
07. Shou [翔]
08. Maimu [舞夢] 2021
09. Mu [無]
10. If
11. blood　　
12. down　　
13. Monster
14. Delete
15. 砕-sai-
16. SLIPPING TO THE HOLE 2021

About THE SOUND BEE HD

THE SOUND BEE HD is a Japanese heavy rock/visual kei band that creates a gothic and horror atmosphere through their music and aesthetics. Their signature sound features an electro foundation mixed with aggressive guitar riffs. The dark world of THE SOUND BEE HD is portrayed through their heavy and powerful songs and even with emotional softer melodies that are packed with melancholic lyrics.

Official Sites

Homepage: http://thesoundbeehd.zombie.jp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6FIOcvYyek&list=PLhMnm8yysV5cgOPe-JQJ6aEJg0oLPzlEE
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesoundbeehd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_soundbee_hd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoundbeehd_official
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3scOROs
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3c9YZ4Z

Line-up

DaISUKE DARK SIDE – Vocals
Yuu – Guitar
YOU – Bass
HIRO – Drums

Label: Starwave Records

Buy THE SOUND BEE HD CDs and merch

• Starwave Records Online Shop 
• CD Japan

Buinyasu and Yaminyasu are a pair of adorable cat mascots who have snatched the hearts of visual kei fans and musicians in the scene. With several music covers and appearances at concerts and events, these cats are exponentially becoming more popular on social networks!

Japan is famous for its kawaii culture and the yuru-chara (mascot characters) are an important part of it. Some of these have gotten viral all over the internet! Mascot characters are known for promoting cities or businesses, but Buinyasu (ぶいにゃす) is a white cat yuru-chara that jumped into social media professing its love to visual kei in May 2019.

The influencer cat, who has gotten already over 10K followers on Twitter, got recognition for its great covers from established artists like X JAPAN, the GazettE, L’Arc~en~Ciel, DIR EN GREY, and LUNA SEA; but also songs from rising stars like -SKS- ZIGZAG or non-VK artists such as SixTONES. Buinyasu has shown to be proficient at guitar, bass, drums, and piano! To the surprise of many, the charming mascot has been even featured on stage with D and DOG in the PWO!

In addition to the many snaps with popular musicians like ASAGI (D), Miku (An Cafe/Lc5), and YUKKE (MUCC) to name a few; Buinyasu’s feed is full of clips visiting venues or shops, reading music magazines, and doing other kinds of funny activities. Furthermore, this cute yuru-chara often highlights classic Japanese rock CDs from its large collection along with new arrivals.

But the white cat is not alone in this journey. Yaminyasu (やみにゃす), Buinyasu’s lovely buddy, was introduced in February 2020. Both cats can be frequently seen playing together and goofing around. While Buinyasu is a multi-instrumentalist, the black cat seems to be more fond of playing the drums or appearing as an actor in the music covers.

Buinyasu and Yaminyasu are melting plenty of hearts in the underground visual kei scene of Japan. Follow them on social media to enjoy their great covers, laugh with their silly games or see them posing next to your favorite star!

Official Sites

Twitter – Buinyasu: https://twitter.com/buinyasu
Twitter – Yaminyasu:  https://twitter.com/yaminyasu0214
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/buinyasu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buinyasu

Visual Kei Rock band Mikansei Alice reached their dream goal to perform at the emblematic Akasaka BLITZ and everyone can watch this concert for a limited time on YouTube for free!

Mikansei Alice at Akasaka BLITZ:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rng6EmiE0Fw

The band has consistently performed all over Japan; however, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, a considerable amount of dates had to be canceled, including the big final at Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka originally set to be held in June. This was big damage to the band, for this reason, Mikansei Alice ran successfully a crowdfunding campaign to overcome the debt that was originated from this and complete the tour with the help of fans.

The final date had to be rushed due to the imminent closing of the venue and it finally took place on September 10th. Since the public-gathering restrictions were still in place, it was held as a non-audience concert and was recorded to be delivered later.

Mikansei Alice is a Tokyo based band formed in 2017. Even if the band itself may be called young, the members are well-known and have plenty of experience in the scene. With several singles and one mini-album, Mikansei Alice has delivered energetic and catchy songs filled with their signature dynamic guitar riffs. The band has pulled out various styles through their releases: Jazz-rock, aggressive and gloomy, and even Japanese traditional influenced.

Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka (formerly known as Akasaka BLITZ) was a significant venue for visual kei bands and this was a yearned-for dream that took 10 years to be achieved as it was stated by vocalist Rui Alicegawa. This long-awaited concert was uploaded to YouTube on December 19th and it will be available for a limited time.

Be part of this important episode of Mikansei Alice‘s history and witness a dream come true!

ABOUT MIKANSEI ALICE

Mikansei Alice (未完成アリス) is a Visual Kei Rock band from Japan. Their energetic songs feature catchy melodies with dynamic guitar riffs and even piano notes with a jazz-rock feeling. Under the concept of “the mental condition of an incomplete girl”, their lyrics express the emotional conflicts caused by the fragility of the heart of women in their youth. Their addictive sound and high energy of the members creates an exciting experience during their concerts!

OFFICIAL SITES

Homepage: https://mikansei-alice-official.amebaownd.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikansei_alice
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSp7me5NkdQ&list=PLhMnm8yysV5eZnsLU-DDH3U0JRELRW_kO
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gY8jnhe96QO2GKVMvz59X
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/artist/未完成アリス/1273007601

Line-up

Rui Alicegawa – Vocal
Yuiha – Guitar
An – Guitar
Chihane – Bass
Kazuki – Drums

Record label: Starwave Records

Buy Mikansei Alice CDs and merch

• Starwave Records Online Shop For International Shipping (English): info@starwaverecords.jp

Mikansei Alice has dropped the spot for their double A-side single “Yue ni koiseyo otome uta / Yubikiri“. This single will be sold through a crowdfunding campaign that they recently started.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the band is running this crowdfunding campaign to overcome the debt caused by the cancellation of 15 dates of their tour and other related activities, including the big final at Mynavi Blitz Akasaka. Mikansei Alice is looking to complete their tour with the help of their fans!

You can  read the crowdfunding details and different rewards here:

https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/298204

The page is in Japanese but you can easily navigate through it by choosing the language option (English) or using Google translate.

This campaign will finish on July 30th, 2020 / 23:59 hrs (Japan time)

Mikansei Alice has proved to be a hard-working band and the determination of the members to continue despite the hardships is inspiring. Please support them if you can!

How to support from overseas

The easiest way to support Mikansei Alice is by donating ¥2000 or more. You will get a thank-you message via email from the band as a reward around September.

Credit cards and Paypal are accepted.

The page is in Japanese but you can easily navigate through it by choosing the language option (English) or using Google translate.

• Create an account on Campfire and log in. It is possible to join as a guest without login, but you still need to provide a valid email.
• Go to https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/298204
• Select reward (for overseas, we suggest the thank-you message for ¥2000 or more)
• Check the amount of the reward and add an extra if you wish *Campfire will add a system commission of ¥220
• Select your payment method
• Fill in your profile and give a support message to the band
• Confirm your selected reward and payment

Use of the funds

• Cover the expenses of production, travel, venue, and staff for the postponed dates in each area.
• Cover any cancellation/postponement fee of the venues and sponsored events (0-100% depending on the venue).
• Production of a DVD of the final date
• Production of the rewards

Message from the band (taken from the campaign page)

Vocalist Rui Alicegawa

Thank you very much for taking the time to check this out. This is vocalist Rui Alicegawa. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to anyone who is reading this page and to all of the people who have always supported Mikansei Alice.

Mikansei Alice is a band formed in 2017 and we will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary in September of this year.

We have worked under the concept of the confused feelings of an uncompleted girl: dreams and insecurities, excitement and despair, etc. Our music expresses the emotions that lie at the bottom of our hearts.

In order to meet everyone all around Japan, we have been carrying out our 47 Japanese prefectures x 2 rounds tour from March 2019. However, while we were on the second leg of the tour, this was interrupted due to the coronavirus outbreak…

Completing this tour and the final date is no longer only a «dream» of us, but it became the «goal» of all the people who are around us.

Nevertheless, the coronavirus crisis has affected us that much as a band, that our debts and the amount of money to restart activities have exceeded 3 million yen.

All the members have been aiming to successfully finish our tour at Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka. No matter how hard it is, I want to do my best to be able to perform at that dream stage, that one that we and the fans have been looking for. I cannot break my promise to all the people who have supported me!

For 10 years I’ve told this story to everyone who I’ve met. I’ve been telling the same to my friends hundreds of times «I will definitely perform at Akasaka BLITZ, please go to see me when that day arrives».

My father has never been to my concerts, but I decided to invite him for the first time if I was able to perform at Akasaka BLITZ. When I handed out the ticket for the concert on June 4th, he said that he was looking forward to seeing me there.

When I set this goal, it wasn’t anymore only my dream, but the dream of many fans, our family, and friends. No matter what it takes, I can’t give up on this.

If this dream comes true, I want you to remember it if you feel discouraged someday. «It’s impossible, it’s reckless, there’s nothing else you can do». Even if many others say such things about our dreams, surely there are things that we can do to achieve it. Even when the whole world doesn’t support your dream, we will definitely be there to cheer you up and tell you that you can do it.

Please, help us to see the dreams of everyone coming true.
Thank you for all your support.

Guitarist Yuiha

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we had no choice but to cancel our scheduled concerts and the final date of the tour. Of course, there is nothing more important than human life. It was necessary, but also we ended up with a big debt like many other artists in the same situation. I’ve been aiming to be on that stage (Akasaka BLITZ) since the beginning of my career but I had to let that dream go for a moment. We decided to launch this project because I really want to complete our tour and have a big final date. I hope that the people who usually purchase our CDs can get the limited singles as a reward. Please help us if you can.

Guitarist An

There have been many hardships since the beginning of Mikansei Alice. It wasn’t all fun, but we have been able to overcome all kinds of things. The whole music industry had to stop due to the coronavirus crisis and it has become extremely difficult to stay active. We just couldn’t perform live at all. It such a blessing that people have been come to our shows to meet us. This line-up of 5 members, along with all the fans and friends that I’ve met are an irreplaceable treasure for me. I want to be with all the people who have supported us and play in that dream stage as this 5-member band. Because of this corona disaster and the venue circumstances, the result might be different than the original plans. Regardless of that, we started this campaign to do what we can do at the moment and giving our best. Please support us.

Bassist Chihane

Without a doubt, the 47 Japanese prefectures x 2 rounds tour and the final date at Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka have been the biggest challenge in my entire life. Even though we had to stop our tour and the final was canceled due to the coronavirus, I don’t want to show a defeatist attitude and say «I’m sorry, there is nothing else I can do» to all the people who have supported me on this big challenge. Being realistic, we might not be able to accomplish this as we wanted, but we started this project because we want to set a goal again and achieve it with your help. I will return all your favors sincerely. It will make me happy if I can count on your support.

Drummer Kazuki

To all of you who have always supported and all of you who have been able to support other crowdfunding campaigns, I’m happy to see that the goals have been achieved with your help. Depending on whether or not you can achieve, your heart can easily be broken or it can become stronger. The five of us set this unknown journey as a goal, but we were able to get closer thanks to the people who have believed in us. By achieving this goal, the power of the people who participated in the 47 Japanese prefectures x 2 rounds and in the future activities will be shown as one. We won’t be able to make it without your cooperation. I will return the favors with all my heart.

The new label RAJEWELY Entertainment has been recently established under Starwave Records and it has been revealed that the band LIVERECHT is their first signed artist.

LIVERECHT is a 3-piece Rock/Visual Kei band consisting of remu on vocals, satsuki on guitar and kakeru on bass. A spot of their song “Nakigara” was uploaded to YouTube as the first taste of their music: a heavy but melodic sound with a combination of growling and clean vocals. The band will start promotions from April 15th and having a first free one-man concert on May 27th.