Recommended Japanese bands for high school students

Let Me HearFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

［PV］Let Me Hear/Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas is a rock band formed in 2008.

This song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Parasyte -the maxim-, which aired from 2014 to 2015.

Cherry BombSilent Siren

[Silent Siren] "Cherry Bomb" Music Video (Full ver.) [Silent Siren]

SILENT SIREN is a four-member girls’ band that has been active since 2010.

While many of their songs used to be cute and girly, in recent years they’ve also released more fast-paced tracks with a festival-band vibe, making them a great recommendation for music lovers.

e-i-ri-a-nMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone “E.I.R.I.A.N”

Maximum the Hormone is a rock band formed in Hachioji, Tokyo, in 1998.

They belong to the mixture hardcore rock genre, known for a sound that fuses intense loud rock with pop melodies.

Their 2013 album “Yoshu Fukushu” topped the album charts for three consecutive weeks, and in 2014 they won the Grand Prize at the 6th CD Shop Awards.

They’ve gained popularity for Japanese lyrics driven by unique wordplay and performances that set hearts pounding and bodies moving.

Their fans are collectively called “Harapeko” (the Hungry).

With the catchphrase “We love food more than three meals a day,” you’re sure to be drawn to the band’s charm.

They might be a perfect match for high school students looking to discover new music.

Doubt first.itashimoku

Banshimoku - “Be Suspicious First” (Official Music Video, released January 1, 2022) _ BANSHIMOKU

Formed in 2019 by three high school students, Hachurui-kei rock band Itashime is a reptile-themed trio bursting with personality that lives up to their striking tagline.

Lead vocalist Chiaki Shion’s powerful, rock-edged voice is seriously cool.

Riding a wave of momentum, they pulled off their first nationwide tour in 2022, hitting 24 locations.

In 2023, they released their third album, “Genetic-Level NO!!!,” and embarked on a second national tour.

They’re a band to watch, so be sure to catch them live!

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Hamada Takuya

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ShadewalkerMindscape

Mindscape – Shadewalker (Official Visualizer)

Hailing from Shizuoka, Mindscape is a band pursuing progressive metalcore.

They’ve established a uniquely weightless sound that blends twin vocals with a djent-influenced approach.

In June 2025, they released their first CD in a limited run of 200 copies, making a strong mark on the indie scene.

The release includes tracks such as Mirage and Inside Of Me, both of which have music videos.

Their world of intricate rhythms and beautiful melodies is sure to captivate listeners seeking technical music!

HypocrisyC-GATE

C-GATE / Hypocrisy 【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

Based in Tokyo, C-GATE is a post-metalcore band formed in Nagano in 2012.

The members are vocalist NaShun, guitarist/vocalist Ryo Sakura, bassist Johnny, and drummer/vocalist Hiroki.

Their hallmark is a heavy, technical sound that ferociously fuses elements of death metal and hardcore.

After self-releasing their album “void” in 2016, they overcame lineup changes and accelerated their activities.

In March 2022, their track “Eat ’em all” topped Japan’s metal top songs chart, solidifying their credentials.

Their sound, which marries uncompromising aggression with architectural precision, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners seeking true metalcore.

custom; convention; old-fashioned practiceDEVILOOF

DEVILOOF – Custom (Official Music Video)

DEVILOOF captivates with a style that fuses the aesthetics of visual kei with overseas deathcore.

Formed in Osaka in 2015, the band consists of four members: vocalist Keisuke, guitarist/vocalist Ray, bassist Taiki, and drummer Kanta.

While incorporating extreme metal elements such as slamming and brutal death metal, they craft songs with a strong sense of structure and beauty.

Their 2021 album Dystopia topped international metal charts, showcasing their global impact.

Actor Tadanobu Asano being a fan and appearing in their music video Inshū is another testament to their influence.

Known as “Japan’s most ferocious visual kei,” their sound is one you should definitely experience.