MALICE MIZER

Even in the flamboyant world of Japanese visual kei, Malice Mizer managed to stand out. They were the most theatrical, ambitious, and romantic band of the pack, both in their shows and professed philosophy, as well as music, which, despite its commercial aim, incorporated elements from darkwave, metal, techno, classical music, synth pop, and early gothic rock. Their career was short and tumultuous, if successful, but perhaps that's only appropriate, considering that the band's name -- made of French words for "malice" and "misery" -- stands as an answer to the question "What i...