Velvet Eden - Dada & Kalm

Japanese darkwave/visual kei band Velvet Eden was founded in 1998 by vocalist Dada (the longest remaining and most influential band member) and keyboardist Kalm. Two years later, Kalm left the band and was subsequently replaced by two different generations of new members, although the debut lineup had the most distinct sound and image.

The band's ethereal sound, often compared to Depeche Mode, is accompanied by Dada's deep-pitched and frequently distorted vocals, along with hypnotic performance. Their song lyrics are based on a series of stories created by Dada, often from the point of view of one or more characters (which include a fortune teller, spiders, and a prostitute named Alice, among others). His explanation of these stories can be found translated to English here: http://www.lerman.biz/asagao/velvet_eden/storyline.php

The band ended in 2002 when Dada, said to be displeased with the more rock-styled direction in which their music had been turning, suddenly didn't show up to a live gig. No official statement was ever released. Other members took turns on vocals for a few shows, before renaming the band to The Velvet (which has also disappeared without official comment).

In addition to his work with Velvet Eden, Dada is also known for an earlier brief stint with the band Pride of Mind, in which he was credited as Yusuke Gotoh (which may or may not be his real name). He has contributed artwork to Dir en Grey, and is also widely recognized as a drag fetish/fashion model. Kalm has also been involved with several projects - most notably, composing for Kaya of Schwarz Stein (a duet which Hora, a member of Velvet Eden's second lineup, had gone on to) and other artists - some of his new work can be found on his official Myspace.