JILUKA

JILUKA is a visual kei band from Tokyo, Japan, active since 2013. The group plays a style that combines metalcore with electronic, industrial metal, metal, loud kei, and djent-related influences. It forms in May 2013 from the session band J.L.K. and debuts with an original lineup that includes vocalist Ricko, guitarist and rapper Sena, bassist Boogie, and drummer JaiL.

Line-up and history

After the debut single Sicks, JaiL leaves the band in October 2013 and the group goes into a temporary hiatus. JILUKA resumes activity in 2015 with drummer Zyean, while Ricko adopts his current stage name. That year the band releases the single Screamer and the EP Brave Agonistic Letters Under Segregation.

In 2016, the band holds its first solo concert, Zion OF NEXT EPIC, and releases the singles Faizh and Lluvia. The following year it issues the EP Xenomorphic, followed by the limited single Hellraiser in 2018.

Releases and recognition

JILUKA’s first full-length album, Metamorphose, arrives in 2018 and reaches number eight on the Oricon Indies Albums chart. The band also appears at events such as Metal Square vol. 4 alongside DIMLIM and Nocturnal Bloodlust. In 2019 it organises the Mad Pit Tour with acts including Deviloof and DEXCORE, releases the cover album Polyhedron, and issues the joint release B'H⇄JLK with breakin' holiday. That year it is listed as the 12th-ranked artist on JRock News’s top visual kei and Japanese rock artists list.

During 2020, the band marks its fifth anniversary with a performance at Tsutaya-O West and releases the EP Xtopia. It also tours with Leetspeak Monsters. In 2021 it performs a free online concert worldwide through Twitch, hosted by Chaotic Harmony, and announces the album Idola. In 2022 it releases the digital single Blvck, produced by Jeff Dunne, and continues the Mad Pit Tour.

Recent activity and collaborations

In 2023 JILUKA appears at Dex Fest 2023 in Nagoya and releases the singles Overkill and Venom. It makes its U.S. debut at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2023 and performs at Evil Live Festival in Lisbon, becoming the first visual kei band to play in Portugal. This leads into its first world tour, K4RMA, which includes sold-out European shows, a performance at Resurrection Festival in Spain, and dates in Los Angeles. The band returns to Europe in 2024.

The group also founds its own label, FAIZH MUSIC LLC, in March 2024. In 2025 it tours North America with IMMINENCE and returns to Europe with the tour THE KVLT. It is also announced for B7klan J-ROCK FESTIVAL in Paris in 2026 and for another return to Europe that year.

Members and influences

Ricko previously plays guitar before moving to vocals because his earlier band lacks a singer. Sena begins as a drummer before switching to guitar and becomes the band’s primary songwriter. Zyean starts as a self-taught vocalist and guitarist before moving to drums at a classmate’s suggestion. Boogie switches to bass when his previous band needs one. All four members cite X Japan as an influence. Sena also names Kansas, classical music, and Rixton; Ricko cites Linkin Park and L'Arc-en-Ciel; Boogie points to Slipknot; and Zyean’s influences range from Metallica to Behemoth.

Outside the band, Zyean supports Cazqui’s Brutal Orchestra, while Sena and Boogie model for Mana’s brand Moi-même-Moitié.