Voices of Visual Kei Series: XANVALA

What does Visual Kei mean to those who are part of it? In our new series, Voices of Visual Kei, we invite artists from the scene to share their own perspectives on what Visual Kei means, why it matters, and how they view the current state of the scene. Inspired by the 2011 series Globalizing Visual Kei, this new initiative revisits the topic through the eyes of the artists themselves, giving a voice to those who live and shape this culture every day. Kicking off the series is the Visual Kei band XANVALA. XANVALA (pronounced Zanbara) is one of the most promising names in today's Japanese Visual Kei scene. With a sound that moves between high-energy rock, dark and aggressive passages, and vibrant, euphoric melodies, the band has established a distinctive identity. Their powerful stage presence and emotionally charged music continue to win over an ever-growing audience, both in Japan and around the world. Six years after making their debut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has reached a new stage in its journey. In this exclusive interview, the members reflect on their evolution over the past six years, discuss the current state of the Visual Kei scene, talk about the influences that have shaped their work, reveal the creative process behind their latest releases, and share their ambitions for the future, along with a special message for fans around the world.