If we're talking about "daring and original" in the context of VAMPS vs. X Japan in the year 2010, I'd say it's no contest. X Japan no doubt totally pushed the boundaries in the 80s and moved the Japanese rock scene forward tremendously, but their music hasn't changed since then. Even their recent songs, like IV (a song I enjoy from time to time), sound stuck in the 80s. Compounding the issue is that their look really hasn't progressed past 80s hair metal either (those outfits, really guys really). X Japan is so retro now, and with the exception of a niche market of goofy metalheads skulking around Hollywood Boulevard, Americans are definitely not into throwback 80s rock material.

VAMPS, on the other hand, sound fresh and look fresh. KAZ and HYDE aren't making music that sounds the same as the stuff they put out when they first hit the scene, unlike X.

While I'd like to go to see both bands, if I had to pick one, it would be VAMPS.