I was emo in the 90s. Back when emo looked like this:
The last thing it could be compared to is Visual Kei, especially at the same time period (my look compared to say... Mana).
Today's "emos" are nothing of the sort. Looks a lot like psuedo-goth to me. But what would I know? I started high school.... oh crap. My ten year reunion is coming up. THAT'S going to be fun... Not.