X rated

Many musicians seek to denigrate and disown their past output (see Noel Gallagher), but there can't be too many who've been brainwashed by a cult into believing that it's downright evil. Vocalist Yoshiki's story is just part of the overall incredible-sounding-but-actually-true narrative of X Japan, a "visual kei" glam-rock/metal band little known outside of their native Japan but about to reach wider audiences through Stephen Kijak's documentary We Are X. This preview by Pitchfork's Judy Berman promises an extraordinary tale that - unusually for a rock documentary - doesn't dwell on the sex, drugs and debauchery of the lifestyle to generate interest.