Many people exploring visual-kei have heard of Malice Mizer. However, this band is not just a 90s phenomenon; it offers an experience that transcends time. 

Their concert videos present a theatrical atmosphere, and their music videos, like Gekka no Yasoukyoku, feel like discovering a hidden treasure. In this modern age, Malice Mizer continues to enchant listeners even decades after their disbandment.

Going back from the Tetsu era to the end of the Gackt era, their songs follow different sounds of rock music as well as some Bossa Nova themes. For anyone looking towards symphonic rock, this band does a lot of that, even in the Klaha era.

To speak more of the Klaha era, after certain events and the departure of their former vocalist, Gackt, the band adopted a darker theme. 

Other than the previous symphonic rock music that was present during their last two previous eras, the Klaha era still followed those themes, except darker and gothic with a deeper story to their songs, compared to the colorful and historical theme of Malice Mizer’s earlier years. It can be speculated that their new gothic theme before Klaha’s debut was due to Kami’s death, as seen in the music video “Saikai no Chi to Bara” (The Reunion of Land and Roses). 

Anyone who likes gothic themes, rock music, or synthpop, can enjoy Malice Mizer and some of their works. Examples can be from concert videos, with their intricate setup and elaborate costume designs based on the songs they perform. Within the visual-kei community, their impact has encouraged different styles and subcultures, such as lolita, Kote-kei, Tanbi-kei, and more.

As they put deep meaning into their works, from justice, death, then to love and happiness, they can invoke a more personal feeling for the listener and a new world to imagine.

If exploring Malice Mizer, some popular songs for a first time listen can be: Au Revior, Bel Air, Syunikiss. For ones looking for more of a pop theme, I recommend Brise or Ju Te Veux.