Some bands whisper. Others shout. The THIRTEEN? They grab you by the soul, slam you into the wall of sound, and leave you gasping for more. Their latest single ‘CALLING’ is the kind of release that reminds you why Japan’s Visual Kei scene is still one of the most thrilling movements in modern music — it’s a grainy, gritty, beautifully unpolished call to arms for every alt music rebel out there.
This isn’t a track you “hear.” It’s one you feel in your chest, the way the bass kicks in like a heartbeat gone wild and the guitars scream with Black Veil Brides–level intensity. Add in vocals that leap effortlessly from bloodcurdling screams to haunting melodic lines, and you’ve got one of 2025’s most powerful alt releases to date.
Visual Kei Meets Screamo: A Perfect Collision
The THIRTEEN have always had a flair for drama — it’s in the DNA of Visual Kei — but ‘CALLING’ takes it further. It’s not just style over substance; this is precision chaos. The guitars are sharp enough to slice through steel, the drums relentless but dynamic, and the bass lines feel like they’re dragging you through the shadows.
Vocally, it’s a masterclass. Few singers in the scene can shift from guttural rage to glass-fragile melody without losing emotional impact. Here, every scream feels necessary, every soft note like a confession. It’s that contrast that keeps you hooked, from the opening feedback to the final, breathless drop.
Sonic Textures That Bite and Embrace
Production-wise, CALLING embraces a deliberately grainy, raw edge — the kind of texture that makes you feel like you’re in the rehearsal space, not just listening to a polished studio cut. It’s immersive, visceral, and perfectly suited to the band’s ethos.
For fans of heavy melodic rock, there are clear nods to the gothic-meets-metal theatrics of Western bands like Black Veil Brides, but with that undeniable Japanese precision and flair. It’s a sound that refuses to sit quietly in one box — too heavy for pop rock, too melodic for straight metalcore, and absolutely too ambitious to be ignored.
A Visual Kei Experience That’s More Than Music
The THIRTEEN aren’t just about the sound; they’re about the spectacle. From the elaborate costumes to the moody lighting and intricate stagecraft, every performance of CALLING is destined to be a visual feast. While the single itself is a standalone powerhouse, it’s clear this track was made to be experienced live — with the crowd screaming every word back at the band under a storm of strobes and smoke.
Fans of Visual Kei will appreciate the commitment to aesthetic storytelling, while newcomers to the genre will find themselves pulled in by the sheer theatricality of it all. It’s the full package — sound, style, and soul.
Where to Hear ‘CALLING’ and Follow The THIRTEEN
You can stream ‘CALLING’ now on Spotify, Apple Music, and watch the official music video on YouTube.
If this single has you hooked, you might also love our deep dive into other powerhouse Visual Kei releases on Ariastar.net — trust me, your playlist will thank you.
The Final Word: Answer the Call
There’s no mistaking it, CALLING is exactly what its title promises. It’s a direct line to every fan who craves music that’s not afraid to be both beautiful and brutal. The THIRTEEN have crafted a single that honors the roots of Visual Kei while pushing into heavier, darker territory that demands attention.
So, Rebels, turn it up. Let it consume you. And when you find yourself screaming along to CALLING at 2 AM, know that you’re part of something bigger.
🎧 Listen now. Share it loud. The scene is alive.
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