Coming from the English term Mental Health, this subgenre is often seen as rather controversial overseas due to artists using mental health issues as a shock aspect. The genre is characterized by the use of bright pastel colors combined with taboo mental health topics like self harm, depression and suicidal ideation in the song lyrics which are often presented in a more cute way and in a more positive light.
This is often received as grotesque or morally questionable in the west, but in Japan it’s instead received as a coping mechanism for certain people who experience these issues in their daily life. (This is however not the case for everyone, so the genre is still considered to be a niche within a niche.)
Calmando Qual is quite well known in the European ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) scene, but let me introduce them anyway, just to make sure. They’re a gothic ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) band, which has formed in August of 2001 by vocalist Hibiki and guitarist Tak, but only signed with Starwave Records in 2010.
Their music
Synk;yet are about to release their second mini-album, titled “Sarcred Symphony”, on April 17, 2013!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid-April, you can secure a copy early at the release party in 池袋CYBER (IkebukuroCYBER)
Calmando Qual are about to release their new single, titled “闇を貫く激情の輝き” (Yami wo Tsuranuku Geikijou no Kagayaki), on January 30, 2013!
The single will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of January, you can get a copy early
Synk;yet are about to release their mini-album, titled “Messiah”, on September 12, 2012!
The mini-album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for mid-September you can secure your copy early starting at August 5 at the release party
Starwave Records is about to release a new label compilation CD, titled “Starwave Records vol.2”, on August 1, 2012!
Starwave Records has published the following comment about the release:
“An omnibus commemorating 2 years since the formation of Starwave Records!
The label
Calmando Qual are about to release their third full album, titled “BLACK SHEEP”, on June 27, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of June, you can secure your copy early starting at May 18 during the release