One of the most popular visual-kei rock bands, DIR EN GREY, was made in Osaka, Japan, back in 1997 and composed of Kyo (Voice), Kaoru (Guitar), Dai (Guitar), Toshiya (Bass), and Shinya (Drums). In the following year, they debuted as an indie band, but their presence was rising in a flash. They became the first indie band to perform in one of the most historical concert halls, NIPPON BUDOKAN. Since then, the door to a major debut had opened.

They released three songs during their major debut in 1999, and the producer was YOSHIKI from X JAPAN. They became one of the legends who developed a Japanese music category, “Visual-kei” and “V-ROCK,” which express not only their visuals but also various cultures like makeup, attire, and music. 

DIR EN GREY gradually changed to a heavy rock band. The new audience tended to feel barriers between old-timers and new fans. Nowadays, there are both traditional V-fans in costume and hard rock fans in their concerts. The current band style is accepted by all listeners. It’s their 25th anniversary year in 2024, with many memories made over all those years.

Beyond Kyo’s voice and the band’s striking melodies were another key factor to DIR EN GREY’s popularity. Some of their lyrics are quite radical — such as juvenile crime, suicide, and sexual topics — and despite being taboo themes in society, especially for parents and children, it is exactly what attracts listeners. There are many people who are worried about such problems or feel stressed by something, and they can empathize with the messages in their songs.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, they released the new single “19990120” on January 17, 2024. It includes a re-make of three of their major debut singles “YURAMEKI,” “ZAN,” and “ACRO NO OKA,” which was originally released on January 20, 1999. 

Their latest music video for “YURAMEKI” was one of the songs that was released in 1999 as one of the band’s major debut songs:

In 2022, they finally unlocked access for listeners to enjoy their discography on major music streaming platforms. As soon as they released the new single, they announced their next single “The Devil In Me.” Their concert tour will be held in Europe and Japan this year. DIR EN GREY might be called veterans but they will still be vigorously passionate about their music and performance.

Here are their upcoming concert tours:

2024/3/19 - 3/31 
EUROPE TOUR24 FROM DEPRESSION TO ________
[mode of Withering to death. & UROBOROS]
In Poland, France, UK, and Germany

2024/4/26 - 6/27
TOUR24 PSYCHONNECT
In Japan

The live performance digest in 2021:

Here are some of DIR EN GREY’s amazing achievements:

Their 16th single

The live performance of their 24th single

Are you interested in DIR EN GREY’s history and future? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X (Twitter).

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Edited by Alliya Garcia