Aria van Weye 
Japanese Visual Kei newcomers, Sugar, have been making waves since their debut last year under Kizu’s record label, and they show no signs of slowing down. Their latest single, ‘Ice,’ marks their fourth official release and cements their growing reputation as a band that seamlessly blends dark elegance with ferocious intensity. With their signature mix of atmospheric melodies, powerful riffs, and emotionally charged lyricism, Sugar once again proves why they are one of the most exciting rising acts in the Visual Kei scene.
From the moment ‘Ice’ begins, a chilling, ambient intro lures listeners into Sugar’s world—only for the track to explode into a whirlwind of piercing guitars, crashing drums, and anguished vocals. The song is an emotional rollercoaster, shifting effortlessly between haunting serenity and all-out chaos, showcasing the band’s ability to balance beauty and brutality. The contrast between delicate, whispered verses and full-throttle screams gives ‘Ice’ an intense and unpredictable energy that keeps listeners captivated from start to finish.
Lyrically, ‘Ice’ explores themes of emotional numbness, detachment, and inner turmoil, making it a song that resonates deeply with those who have ever felt lost in their own thoughts. The imagery is icy, distant, and filled with longing, perfectly mirroring the song’s sharp, cutting instrumentals. The band’s ability to weave poetic melancholy into their sound is one of their strongest attributes, and ‘Ice’ takes full advantage of that skill.
The production on ‘Ice’ is crisp and cinematic, allowing each element—**from the piercing guitar work to the dramatic vocal shifts—to shine. The mix of dark, gothic undertones and aggressive Visual Kei intensity gives the song a unique soundscape that feels both modern and deeply rooted in the genre’s traditions. Fans of Kizu’s brooding aesthetic will undoubtedly find Sugar’s music a natural extension of that legacy, yet with a distinct identity of its own.
With ‘Ice,’ Sugar continues their ascent in the Visual Kei scene, proving that they are not just another new band, but a force to be reckoned with. This fourth single showcases their evolution, their confidence, and their ability to craft songs that are as emotionally devastating as they are musically exhilarating. If this is just the beginning for Sugar, the future of Visual Kei is in very good hands.
Check out the hella awesome M/V here!
