Visual kei translates to "visual system."  It is, by definition, a style of rock specific to Japan that is often misdescribed by foreigners as "J-rock," "J-goth," and various other synonyms for hard rock that begin with "J."  Visual kei is characterized by androgynous guys with strange costumes and brightly colored hair, hence the "visual."  Its lyrics are dark more often than not, but the style ranges from pop to punk, depending on the band and the song.  There are few happy songs, and some are written about quite terrible, disgusting topics.  However, these songs must be interpreted the same way as poetry in that they are truly trying to bring across a message.  Kyo did not drop the "F-bomb" 40+ times because he likes to hear himself swear.  To my knowledge, there are no females in visual bands.  Visual kei was originally influenced by Western bands such as Kiss, the Sex Pistols, David Bowie, etc.  The movement began with X-Japan and is maintained in full force by Dir en grey.  It is said that when Diru breaks up, that will be the end of visual rock.

      As the leader of Glay once said, there is pop rock (white music), and there is punk rock (black music).  Visual kei is black, white, and every shade of gray in between (that is how Glay got their name.)  Visual kei must be listened to on a grayscale.  Hence, the name of this website.