Trance (often stylized as Ｔｒａｎｃｅ) is a Japanese rock band formed in 1998, deeply rooted in the second-wave Visual Kei movement. Unlike the more flamboyant or pop-oriented acts of the era, Trance leaned heavily into gothic rock and darkwave influences, creating a sound characterized by existential lyricism and atmospheric production.
Their early discography, including 'Vision' and 'my rosary', reflects a transition from the raw indie-rock energy of the late 90s to a more refined, moody aesthetic. The band's sound identity is defined by a 'buried' vocal mix and a heavy reliance on melodic bass as a lead instrument, drawing comparisons to early 80s UK post-punk but filtered through a distinctly Japanese melodic sensibility. Despite periods of inactivity, their 2025 releases suggest a revival of their core dark-rock sound. Critically, they are viewed as a cult act that prioritized mood and 'kurofuku' (black clothes) aesthetics over mainstream accessibility, influencing the more somber 'nagoya kei' sub-style.
Shares alternative rock, hard rock, darkwave (subgenres); melancholic, brooding, mysterious (moods)
Shares baritone, intense, breathy (vocal style); urban_night, basement_show, rainy_day (atmosphere)
Shares alternative rock, hard rock, darkwave (subgenres); melancholic, brooding, mysterious (moods)
Shares alternative rock, hard rock (subgenres); urban_night, basement_show, rainy_day (atmosphere)
Shares melancholic, brooding, mysterious (moods); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares analog_warmth, reverb_heavy (production style); baritone, intense, breathy (vocal style)
Shares alternative rock, darkwave (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares alternative rock, darkwave (subgenres); melancholic, brooding, mysterious (moods)
Shares alternative rock, hard rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares gothic rock, chorus-drenched guitar leads, bass, darkwave (signature)
Shares gothic rock, darkwave, hard rock, baritone (signature)
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