Band of the week 27/2026
Origin: Japan
Genre: Visual-Kei
Hier geht’s zur deutschen Version.
Information (July 2, 2026):
According to the band’s management, unspecified allegations have been made against Yoshiatsu, a member of the band. These allegations were not known at the time this article was published. The band and its management are investigating the matter. If the allegations prove to be true, we will update or delete this post accordingly.
The band about itself:
„Japanese Rock Band / Return of Dark Visual-Kei“
Editorial commentary:
DRUGS is a japanese Supergroup founded in June 2025. Anyone who has spend any time listening to Japanese metal in the 2000s and 2010s should know the members very well. The vocalist Tsuzuku was also the vocalist of Mejibray and VanessA. He writes most of the lyrics as well, is fresh out of his psychiatric treatment and brings a raw anguish, earnestness and emotional vulnerability that is rare in Visual-Kei nowadays and very comforting for any Mejibray fan who has sorely missed him and his lyrics. Yoshiatsu, the vocalist from DADAROMA and Fukuro, has traded in the microphone and is now the drummer and producer of DRUGS. His reasoning for it was that being the drummer sounded like fun, and he couldn’t convincingly sing about wanting to die since he never felt that way. However, he knew that Tsuzuku has been suicidal and could convey it better to fit the vibe of the band. Guitarist TAIZO is formerly from ANONYMOUS and when asked to join simply had to agree that he lives for music and couldn’t do without it. Bassist Wataru Shindo from LIPHLICH, brings in his sense for aesthetic and his beloved seven-string bass. All of them have massively shaped the sound and aesthetic of Visual-Kei in the 2010s and now have given DRUGS its very distinct sound and appearance.
The focus of the band is to go their own way, stick out and up for people struggling under the strict society. Everything out of the norm and taboo goes. Wataru Shindo is best known for his work as a Shibari artist (Japanese rope bondage) and it’s a core part of DRUGS aesthetic, during live gigs there will be girls hanging from the ceiling and occasionally part of the band is partially tied as well. Yoshiatsu as well is still out and proud about his clown fetish, just now in a grittier style and sometimes swaps it for a puppy play hood. Every weirdness and eccentricity is for the people sticking out, going their own way or struggling and finding comfort in DRUGS. Lyrically Tsuzuku writes and sings that being on stage is where everyone belongs, that giving up was never an option and even in death they will continue.
The music is the evolution of its components, mainly Mejibray and DADAROMA. It is raw, uncompromising and hits you in the face. Sometimes weird, occasionally emotional but always very much DRUGS. They have found their way and will continue on it until you have to drag their dead corpses away from the stage.
Music recommendation:
Upcoming live dates:
08.08.2026 DRUGS presents 感染裁判所 vol.4 EDGE Ikebukuro
18.08.2026 AIMING EDGE Ikebuuro
28.08.2026 DRUGS 3rd ONEMAN „The Dopes“ Womb Shibuya
25.09.2026 DRUGS ONEMAN TOUR „Descend into Anathema“ ell.FITS ALL
26.09.2026 DRUGS ONEMAN TOUR „Descend into Anathema“ Beyond
20.10.2026 DRUGS ONEMAN TOUR „Descend into Anathema“ 高田馬場CLUB PHASE
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Band of the week is our weekly posting about a band we recommend and is posted every Tuesday at 8pm (CEST). These are bands that are just at the beginning of their career and that we think should receive more attention.
You can also find all the bands we’ve featured this year in our playlist on Spotify!
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