Nagoya and Eroguro Kei

Nagoya and Eroguro Kei (名古屋系/エログロ) - substyles of Visual Kei closely linked to each other, since one originates from the other. Nagoya Kei originates from Nagoya in Japan, then it spread to other parts of Aichi prefecture. Even though many Nagoya-based bands tour the whole country, then finally move to Tokyo, their roots stay in Nagoya. That's why they can claim to be Nagoya Kei. The bands in this substyle not originating from Nagoya can be called Eroguro Kei.

Nagoya Kei first appeared in the 80s, with it's influences being British punk, westrn gothic style and death metal. Eroguro has the same sound (Dir en Grey's discography could be an example here). Music made bye Nagoya and Eroguro Kei bands is heavier than standard Visual Kei sound, mostly because of better heard bass and sophisticated guitar riffs (and a lot of growling).

Nagoya Kei bands don't put too much thought nto their outfits and make-up, focusing on heavy compositions leaving a strong impression (for example a vocalist imitating screaming child for a whole song). This makes those bands different from Visual Kei acts from the rest of the country, where more pressure is put on the band's image for it to be sucessful.

This is not really the case with Eroguro Kei. Here the imagery is grotesque not only in music, but in the musicians' looks as well. Faces painted with fake blood or white paint, bloody red lipstick, heavy eye make-up and intricate haistyles or buttons attached to eyes are a norm here.

While Nagoya based bands music evolved, it's roots became the same and still can be heard in the music of bands such as DEATHGAZE and lynch.. In following years new genres appeared - such as western alternative music - influencing to this day the unique sound of Nagoya Kei and Eroguro kei bands.

Recommended bands and songs (systematically updated):

Order - fast/dark song, ballad, song breaking the general rule

Sadie - "Kagerou", "Daydream", "True word"

Dadaroma - "Tsuki no uta", "Imitation hero.", "Kurt"

Arlequin - "Paranoia", "Clepsydra", "Utopia"

Nightmare - "Nothing you lose", "Lulu", "Star K[night]"

D'espairsRay - "Squall", "Abyss", "Yozora"

Xaa-Xaa - "Suibotsu", "Yomei", "Daiji na Ohanashi"

Kizu - "Stalker", "Kuroi Ame", "Mayu"

Crimson Shiva - "Demon's Garden", "Hyaku gou kago", "Betsuri"

Lustknot. - "A brutal fact", "After the daytime", "Kikyou"

Dir en grey - "Kasumi", "Ain't afraid to die", "Jessica"

LACK-CO. - "Iro megane shikisai kaimu", "Ame no kai mushi", "Metsubou no blues"

My Bacteria Heat Island - "Aozora Guillotine", "Haiiro no Mori", "Carnival"

Sources: jrockjapan.blox.pl and own experiences.