Let’s take a stroll down this Visual Kei memory lane~
Over the past few days I’ve been going back in time and revisiting one of the most impactful Japanese bands, Malice Mizer. Created by Mana-Sama and Közi, this band had one of the best aesthetics in Japanese music history, as well as accomplish (and lose) so much.
To this day Mana-Sama’s vision for not only his style but the band’s still continues to inspire Japanese trends. He was revolutionary and is such an inspiration- he was the one that put gothic lolita (and maybe lolita in general) on the map not only in Japan but to an international audience. He will forever be my favorite Jrocker as he’s one of few people I can genuinely look up to for having the courage to embrace and accept himself.
Of course I love all of the other members too, but Mana-Sama is so influential to me as he is to a ton of others. Gackt was flawless, so was Közi, Yu~ki and Klaha. Kami, the “Eternal Blood Relative”, was beautiful. I pray he’s resting in peace.
Although not a part of Malice Mizer I also want to give my condolences to K, the guitarist to Mana-Sama’s second band Moi Dix Mois. I just found out a couple of days ago that he passed away in May. It was very out of the blue and information on his death, other than it happening at home, hasn’t been released. K’s passing is shocking and saddening. I pray he’s resting peacefully as well.
Enjoy some of Malice Mizer’s popular singles below (from both the Gackt and Klaha eras) and feel free to share your stories in the comments! I’d love a discussion about this amazing, one of a kind band!
P.S. Gackt era was my favorite! I love its romantic, classical, Victorian themes!
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This live performance of Le Ciel has gone down in history. Gackt plays a fallen angel/vampire, and the song’s about his regret for killing a loved one. Such a powerful live.
Here’s Le Ciel’s MV
HQ MV to Au Revoir
And Au Revoir live
Some Klaha Era songs:
MV for Garnet
HQ MV to Gardenia. This was my favorite costume that Mana-Sama wore.
HQ MV to Beast of Blood (such a kickass song holy sh*z)