Beautiful yet fierce! A recommendation of Japanese girls’ metal bands you should be listening to right now

One More Chance Is EnoughLi-sa-X BAND

Li-sa-X BAND – “One More Chance Is Enough” (Official Music Video)

Formed in 2020 around the prodigy guitarist Li-sa-X—long known as a beloved protégé of Paul Gilbert since childhood—Li-sa-X BAND blends modern rock and metal with R&B to create a distinctive sound, together with guitarist Hazuki and vocalist Rina, whose singing is rich with emotion.

Their debut single, released in March 2020 shortly after the band’s formation, featured guest appearances by Billy Sheehan and Shane Gaalaas of MR.

BIG, drawing attention for its fusion of heavy riffs, twin lead guitars, and soulful vocals.

Li-sa-X first gained worldwide attention at age eight when her performance video was featured on MTV and VH1, earning her praise as a “genius girl carrying the future of heavy metal.” Highly recommended for music fans captivated by the fusion of technical guitar work and lyrical melodies.

Loud Twin StarsDOLL$BOXX

Loud Twin Stars /DOLL＄BOXX

DOLL$BOXX is a five-member girls’ band formed in 2012 that delivers a distinctive sound fusing hard rock and electropop.

The group was created by members of Gacharic Spin with Fuki, formerly of LIGHT BRINGER, and their debut album “DOLLS APARTMENT” reached No.

56 on the Oricon charts.

Their heavy rock sound, Gacharic Spin’s high-level musicianship, and Fuki’s soaring high-tone vocals blend seamlessly to produce powerful, catchy tracks.

Their 2018 nationwide tour was a success, including a show at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL, and they also hosted the music festival “DOLL$ FESTA.” This is a Japanese girls’ band the country can proudly present to the world, recommended not only for metal fans but also for lovers of electropop and loud rock.

DISTRESSHysteric Lolita

Hysteric Lolita ~Emotional Girl~ “DISTRESS” MV [Girls Rock Band]

HYSTERIC LOLITA was born from a girls’ band project hosted by the popular fashion magazine KERA.

The five-member band, selected from among 520 applicants, championed neo-gothic rock and drew attention with a unique worldview that fused Harajuku-style fashion.

Kicking off with their debut live show at Harajuku Astro Hall in May 2014, they also performed in Taiwan that same year.

The following year, they were active in Paris, France and London, England, and made their mark both in Japan and abroad, including through a tie-in with Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm.” After undergoing a lineup change in 2016, they disbanded in March 2017 to much regret.

Even now, their music—defined by a distinctive sound and innovative visuals—continues to captivate many fans and is perfect for those interested in the fusion of rock and fashion.

ZERO TIGERLIPSTICK

"ZERO TIGER" September 1, 2019 @ Kashiwa Thumb Up

Formed in 2012, LIPSTICK is a powerful, straight-ahead all-girl metal band.

Guitarist Sally and bassist Sakae are the core of the group’s sound, establishing a new, self-proclaimed genre called “MASSIVE ROCK.” Armed with exceptional musicianship since their high school days, they have been highly active mainly around Tokyo, earning strong acclaim with albums like “KILLER TUNES” and “X-SENSE.” In October 2019, they performed at “METAL MATSURI” held at the O2 Academy Islington in London, marking a successful overseas show.

While grounded in ’80s hard rock, their sound incorporates a modern approach and has drawn attention from many quarters, including winning the Grand Prix in a Yamaha Music production contest.

They’re a must-listen for music fans drawn to the fusion of heavy guitar riffs and sleek, lustrous melodies.

At the Onset of the Age of DespairGallhammer

At The Onset Of The Age Of Despair

Formed in 2003, Gallhammer drew attention both in Japan and abroad as a distinctive all-female band taking on extreme metal.

Despite the members having little experience with their instruments, they began by forging a unique sound that fused black metal, doom metal, and crust punk, making their recording debut in 2004 with the album Gloomy Lights.

In 2006, at the recommendation of Norway’s legendary black metal band Darkthrone, they signed with the prestigious UK label Peaceville Records and embarked on a European tour.

They also enjoyed strong acclaim overseas—appearing on the cover of the music magazine Terrorizer and even featuring in a film made by members of Darkthrone.

Their raw sound prioritizes emotional expression over technicality, making it a perfect fit for listeners seeking a dark, rugged sonic world.

DistanceGANGLION

DISTACNE

Formed in 2010 by members with diverse musical backgrounds, GANGLION drew attention with a one-of-a-kind sound that fuses pop, rock, metal, emo, punk, and more.

Their album WORLD sold out its first pressing, and RISING hit No.

1 on Tower Records’ J-POP chart.

INFINITY, produced by Yuyoyuppe, showcased an innovative sound that skillfully blends pop with loud music.

In 2015, they embarked on a tour across five European countries, earning rave reviews for their performances in kimono.

A must-listen for music fans seeking genre-defying originality and overwhelming live performances.

Explosive Attack Hurricanebakudan kou kiatsu

Explosive Attack Hurricane MV (Full) / Bakudan Koukiatsu

Bakudan Koukiatsu, who shocked Japan’s music scene in 2018.

Formed mainly by former members of HERe:NE, the group has drawn attention for a diverse sound that, while rooted in loud rock, effortlessly leaps across genre boundaries.

Their past releases—such as the album “Grimoire” and the best-of “Deluxe”—continue to receive high acclaim.

Miyuki’s distinctive vocal style, honed through traditional folk singing, and Zaku’s songwriting and composition truly embody the group’s essence.

After their tour final at Shibuya DESEO in July 2019, they introduced a “guest member system,” establishing an innovative approach in which the lineup changes for each live performance.

In August 2018, they also proved their prowess by successfully pulling off a seven-day consecutive live event, “Daidanen.” Their music, which hides beauty within intensity, is a superb recommendation not only for traditional metal fans but also for anyone seeking new musical discoveries.