| X Japan discography | |
|---|---|
 X Japan in Hong Kong, 2009 | |
| Studio albums | 5 |
| Live albums | 6 |
| Compilation albums | 11 |
| Video albums | 22 |
| Singles | 23 |
| Soundtrack albums | 1 |
| Remix | 1 |
| Various artists compilations | 3 |
| Demos | 4 |
The discography of the Japanese heavy metal band X Japan consists of five studio albums, six live albums, one remix album, eleven compilations, one soundtrack album, 23 singles, and around 22 live video recordings.
Founded in 1982 by vocalist Toshi and drummer Yoshiki, X Japan started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound with an emphasis on ballads. With the member line-up including bassist Taiji and guitarists hide and Pata since 1987, X released their debut studio album Vanishing Vision on Yoshiki's own record label Extasy Records the following year. They then achieved breakthrough success with their second album and major label debut, Blue Blood, in 1989. It was followed by the million-selling Jealousy (1991), which is the band's most diverse album in terms of songwriting credits. In 1992, the band changed their name to X Japan and bassist Taiji left the group, being replaced by Heath. The mini-album Art of Life was released in 1993, composed solely of the 29-minute title track. Their last album Dahlia was released in 1996, and the following year the band decided to break up. However, after ten years, X Japan reunited in 2007 and recorded the new song "I.V.". They officially recruited lead guitarist Sugizo to fill-in for the deceased hide two years later and in 2011 had their first worldwide release, the digital single "Jade". Shortly after reuniting, work began on their sixth studio album. During its ten years of production, several release dates were announced, but it remains unreleased despite being completed in September 2018.
Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label,[1] the band is widely credited as one of the pioneers of visual kei,[2][3] a movement among Japanese musicians comparable to Western glam. X Japan have sold millions of records in Japan, claiming un-certified sales of over 30 million.[4][5][6]
- ^ Yang, Jeff; Can, Dina; Hong, Terry (1997). Eastern Standard Time. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 264. ISBN 0-395-76341-X.
- ^ Minnie, Chi. "X Japan Best review". Asia Pacific Arts Online Magazine. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
- ^ Strauss, Neil (June 18, 1998). "The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era". The New York Times. Retrieved August 6, 2007.
- ^ "X Japan Take Home 'Best International Band' Award at Golden Gods=". Loudwire. April 12, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
- ^ "X Japan Embark on Their First American Tour". Revolver. Retrieved March 17, 2013.
- ^ "X Japan: They're huge (really), and they're (finally) coming to the U.S." Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved March 17, 2013.