Founded in 1982 by vocalist Toshi and drummer Yoshiki, X Japan started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound with an emphasis on ballads. With the member line-up including bassist Taiji and guitarists hide and Pata since 1987, X released their debut studio album Vanishing Vision on Yoshiki's own record label Extasy Records the following year. They then achieved breakthrough success with their second album and major label debut, Blue Blood, in 1989. It was followed by the million-selling Jealousy (1991), which is the band's most diverse album in terms of songwriting credits. In 1992, the band changed their name to X Japan and bassist Taiji left the group, being replaced by Heath. The mini-album Art of Life was released in 1993, composed solely of the 29-minute title track. Their last album Dahlia was released in 1996, and the following year the band decided to break up. However, after ten years, X Japan reunited in 2007 and recorded the new song "I.V.". They officially recruited lead guitarist Sugizo to fill-in for the deceased hide two years later and in 2011 had their first worldwide release, the digital single "Jade". Shortly after reuniting, work began on their sixth studio album. During its ten years of production, several release dates were announced, but it remains unreleased despite being completed in September 2018.
Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label,[1] the band is widely credited as one of the pioneers of visual kei,[2][3] a movement among Japanese musicians comparable to Western glam. X Japan have sold millions of records in Japan, claiming un-certified sales of over 30 million.[4][5][6]
Songs: "Ill Kill You", "We Are X" and "Stop Bloody Rain"
"Live"
June 1985
Songs: "Kurenai", "Endless Dream", "Lady in Tears" and "Stop Bloody Rain"
"Endless Dream"
June 1985
Same material as "Live" but different track order.
"Longing ~Togireta Melody~"
December 30/31, 1994 July 25, 2007 (reissue)
Songs: "Longing ~Togireta Melody~" and band rehearsal. Originally distributed on cassette at both the Aoi Yoru and Shiroi Yoru concerts. Released on CD in the Aoi Yoru Shiroi Yoru Complete Edition DVD boxset.
A flexi disc included in an issue of Rockin' f magazine. Contrary to the title the lyrics are mostly in English. This version does not appear anywhere else.
Bosutsu! VOS No.9, November 5, 1988
VHS that came with a magazine. Live clips of X from September 4, 1988, are shown and Yoshiki is interviewed.
Symphonic Blue Blood, August 21, 1991
Symphonic album, performed by the Tokyo Academic Chamber Orchestra.
Unrivaled is Extasy ~ Extasy Summit '91 at Nippon Budokan, February 21, 1992, Extasy
Live recordings of a 1991 Extasy Summit, held by Extasy Records. Also features Tokyo Yankees, Virus, Luna Sea and several others.
Symphonic Silent Jealousy, August 26, 1992
Symphonic album, performed by the Tokyo Academic Chamber Orchestra.
Orchestra Selection - Blue Blood & Jealousy, November 21, 1992
Symphonic album, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Minna ga Mumei-Datta, Dakedo... Muteki-Datta ~ Extasy Summit 1992, May 10, 1993, Extasy
Live recordings of the October 31, 1992, Extasy Summit, held by Extasy Records. X does not perform together, but the members do perform with other acts. Also features Luna Sea, Deep, Media Youth, The Zolge, Tokyo Yankees, Screaming Mad George and Psychosis, Gilles de Rais, Zi:Kill and several others.
Video game for the Sega Saturn home console. The player takes the role of a fan disguised as a photographer backstage at X Japan's December 31, 1994, concert at the Tokyo Dome (Shiroi Yoru). After collecting several items to gain access and photograph the band members, the player edits a live video of "Rusty Nail" and the game ends with footage from the concert.[28][29]
X Japan on Piano, May 25, 1998
Symphonic album, performed by an ensemble of several recognized classical musicians.
Rose & Blood -Indies of X-, May 2, 2001
Unofficial compilation album featuring demos from the Jealousy album sessions. The band is credited as "iX".
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