X Japan

[Emiko]

I was wondering if anyone here had ever heard of X Japan, one of the pioneers for the Visual Kei movement back in the 80's in Japan. They started off as a power/speed metal band, later becoming a progressive metal band, though at all times they had an emphasis on ballads. Because of being a huge influence to many bands in Japan, I was wondering if more people knew of them. If you do know of them, then what are your favorite songs? Any favorite members?

My favorite song has to be 'Kurenai'. This was one of the first songs I heard by them and the guitar solos by hide and the drum solo by Yoshiki blew me away when I first heard it. Another favorite of mine is 'Tears', which holds sentimental value to Yoshiki because it was about his father who commited suicide at the age of 33, back when Yoshiki was only 10.

[Inu]

I.V. FTW. but that's just me being a Saw fanboy. i also like Dahlia by them too.

[Fuyumine]

I'm not going to lie... when I saw this thread I thought it was going to be about the CLAMP Anime/Manga. But I didn't know about these guys until just now, checking them out on YouTube. They're not halfbad, I think! I'll definitely have to check out more of their stuff, though.

[Ryvius]

I'm not a huge fan or anything, but X Japan is definitely a good band. I think they were one of the first J-rock bands I really started listening to.

[Contra Fates]

X Japan is an awesome band! The instrumental version of Crucify My Love is an absolutely beautiful song. Kurenai and Scars are also fun songs as well.

And, considering Yoshiki from X Japan is partly responsible for bringing us Dir en grey...there's lots of love for this group to be had.