X JAPAN - エックス・ジャパン - artists - JaME U.S.A.

X JAPAN, formerly X, was one of the best-known and highly regarded bands in Japan in the 1980s and '90s. Their concept was "Psychedelic Violence - Crime of Visual Shock." They are often credited as one of the founders of the visual-kei movement in Japan, although they were hardly the only band to dress flamboyantly and wear make-up at the time.

Their music is a strong representation of their times. They started out with quite a heavy metal style, although their offerings were littered with ballads as well, including the famous Art of Life, a song which is nearly half an hour long. Over time, their sound became even more varied as the band's success continued.