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

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.

Promised DawnG∀LMET

G∀LMET　Promised Dawn　PV

G∀LMET is a five-piece all-female melodic death metal band that was active out of Osaka.

Since their formation in 2006, they have championed a unique style they call “Chaotic Moe Death Metal,” fusing ferocious death metal with a distinctly feminine cuteness to create a one-of-a-kind presence that has captivated a devoted fanbase.

They debuted in 2009 with the release LOVEMET, followed by a rapid succession of albums including HELLMET and Dawn of the Rebellion.

In 2012, they hosted their own event, the Metal Diva Festival, in both Tokyo and Osaka, further cementing their presence in the scene.

Even after disbanding in 2017, they reunited for a one-night-only show in 2018 and returned again for a revival live in 2024, continuing to electrify fans with undimmed appeal.

Their sound—an exquisite mix of melodic death metal and pop elements—comes recommended not only for metal fans but also for anyone curious about discovering new music.

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.

BLACK SHOUTRoselia

Roselia『BLACK SHOUT』Music Video

Roselia is a five-member girls band with a gothic rock foundation, born from Bushiroad’s multimedia project BanG Dream!.

Formed in 2016 as a real band in which the voice actresses actually play instruments, they have captivated many fans with their heavy, majestic sound and cohesive worldview.

They have successfully headlined large venues such as the Nippon Budokan and Tokyo Garden Theater, and in 2020 won the Singing Award at the 14th Seiyu Awards.

They have also achieved commercial success, including topping the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking.

Their music blends powerful vocals, dramatic melodies, and high-level musicianship, earning support from a wide range of listeners—from metal fans to anime fans—and drawing attention as a presence that is opening up new possibilities for symphonic metal.

A secure and prosperous futureGekijou ☆ Metaricce

Passion★Metalicce “Secure Future” / Mirai Antai - Music Video - (FULL ver.)

As an up-and-coming girls’ metal band from Osaka, Gekijou☆Metallicche energized the indie scene starting in 2013.

With a unique style that brilliantly fused idol-like, cute visuals with an authentic heavy metal sound, they captivated metal fans.

Centered around guitarist Midori, a graduate of the music school MI Japan, the band made their major-label debut with King Records in February 2015.

While rooted in thrash metal, their songs intertwined adorable high-pitched vocals with death growls, earning support from a wide range of listeners—from traditional metal fans to idol enthusiasts.

Although they disbanded in February 2016, Midori joined Lovebites, which went on to win “Best New Band” at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2018.

As pioneers who opened up new possibilities between metal and idol culture, their legacy remains vibrant to this day.

VanishYELLOW MACHINEGUN

YELLOW MACHINEGUN – Vanish Your Being (AI Remastered Music Video + Lyrics)

Formed in 1993 as a hardcore punk/crossover thrash band based in Osaka, YELLOW MACHINEGUN has pursued an intense sound without once changing its all-female trio lineup since its inception.

They debuted in 1996 with the album “Father’s Golden Fish” on Bandai Music Entertainment.

By 2006, they had released five albums, earning a solid reputation in the domestic and international hardcore scenes.

In 2001, they performed at “Beast Feast” at Yokohama Arena, sharing the stage with Sepultura and Static-X, proving their prowess.

Their overwhelming performances—built on Kaori Okumura’s guttural death growls contrasted with her gentle stage banter, Kyoko Moriya’s razor-sharp guitar riffs, and Tamami Osumi’s powerful drumming—offer a one-of-a-kind musical experience that transcends the boundaries between metal and punk.

Highly recommended for those who want to find beauty within ferocity and to feel the unique blend of delicacy and power that only women can deliver.