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OLD SCHOOL

IVisual Kei began in the mid-1980's, with bands such as X JAPAN,D'ERLANGER and COLOR. Inspired by the punk, glam metal, and gothic rock movements, the first wave of bands put emphasis on shocking visuals, often done through elaborate stage performances, eccentric hairstyles, and flamboyant attire, traits that would become staples of the entire movement.

Kote Kei

 This type of Visual Kei is considered the oldest and most established form has been around since the 80's in Japan. This is also known as the "Classic look" of visial kei.  Usually the hair style is dramatic as well as the clothing. It is also important to note that this sub-genre is found in two types “Black” and “White” in which a band can portray a darker side as with the first type or a lighter more melodic side as with the latter. Types of Kote Kei are La’Mule, early Dir en Grey, Lariene, and Madeth Gray’ll.

Nagoya Kei

This subgenre is the only region based one that I know of and it’s also one of the more commonly known types of Kei. It is based out of Nagoya, (Japan-obviously.) It tends to be darker and gloomier and have stronger Western-usually British punk rock influences. There is also less emphasis on the looks. And fans of the genre who tend to be bias toward it like to say that because they pay less attention to their looks, they pay more to their music. 

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