Aria van Weye 
Japanese Visual Kei outfit Kuroneko have unleashed a powerful new anthem that blends elegance with pure, unfiltered aggression. Their latest single, “夕獄” (Yūgoku, or “Twilight Prison”), is a searing blend of heavy drums, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and hauntingly beautiful vocals—delivering everything fans crave from the darker side of J-Rock.
The track opens with an immediate storm of percussive chaos, setting a relentless pace that never lets up. Double kicks slam like thunder, while layers of chugging guitars slice through the mix like a cursed wind. It’s intense. It’s theatrical. It’s Kuroneko at full force.
Vocally, “夕獄” is a masterclass in contrast. Ethereal verses drift like dusk fog over a haunted city, then erupt into fierce, gut-wrenching choruses that channel both pain and power. The vocalist’s range is breathtaking—floating in the upper registers one moment, then growling with raw ferocity the next. It’s Visual Kei opera with a heavy metal bite.
Lyrically, “夕獄” explores the theme of emotional entrapment and rebirth through destruction, painting a twilight world where sorrow becomes strength and beauty lives inside rage. Every note feels intentional, soaked in atmosphere and emotion, backed by a band that clearly knows how to control the storm.
Kuroneko continues to push the boundaries of Visual Kei, fusing classic goth-metal aesthetics with modern metalcore power and cinematic storytelling. “夕獄” is not just a song—it’s a journey through sound and shadow, a bold statement from a band that refuses to be tamed.
Check out the M/V here!
