A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene.
After the 1980s Japanese metal movement—commonly known as “JapaMeta”—heavy metal in Japan experienced a prolonged decline.
However, as virtuosic musicianship and intense musical styles have once again come into the spotlight, the number of young bands and groups finding success overseas has been on the rise.
In this feature, we’ll introduce popular Japanese heavy metal bands—from legendary scene-defining acts to in-demand younger groups.
Dive into their fiery sound and experience the music that has built such a devoted fan base.
A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene (1–10)
RisingLOVEBITES
A five-piece girls’ metal band formed in 2016, primarily by former members of DESTROSE.
Since their major-label debut in 2017, they have pursued activities with an eye toward expanding overseas, and in 2018 they took part in Wacken Open Air, a major metal festival in Germany.
Wax MuseumSeikima II
When it comes to the band that brought heavy metal into Japanese living rooms, it has to be Seikima-II.
They claimed to be a cult using music to propagate devil worship and stated their goal was to achieve world domination and then disband.
While they might seem all about appearance, their musicality is solid, and they stand as a central presence among heavy metal bands in Japan.
ULTIMATE SACRIFICEGALNERYUS
A quintessential Japanese heavy metal band.
Formed in 2001 around guitarist SYU, they were joined in 2009 by Masatoshi Ono—a J-pop singer with million-selling hits—as their second vocalist.
Their flawless, ironclad sound is truly world-class.
The Kouga Ninja ScrollsOnmyoza
Onmyo-za is a band whose catchphrase is “Yokai Heavy Metal.” Although their appearance sometimes leads people to categorize them as neo-visual kei or misunderstand them, their musical style is pure, traditional heavy metal, and the expressive power of their male–female twin vocals, Kuroneko and Matatabi, is simply outstanding.
Apple’s Tearsningen ishi
Ningen Isu is a three-piece band formed in 1987.
While their sound is strongly influenced by British rock and doom metal, they blend in distinctly Japanese elements to create a unique style.
Their Japanese lyrics are highly distinctive and literary.
Their progressive song structures are also noteworthy.
The Kinoko–Takenoko WarUchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai is a three-piece rock band that champions “life-rooted loud rock.” Since their formation in 2004, they’ve captivated many fans with the contrast between a heavy sound driven by a 7-string guitar and 5-string bass, and heartwarming lyrics drawn from everyday life.
Songs with universally relatable themes—such as “Rice in Japan Is the Best in the World” and “The Mushroom vs.
Bamboo Shoot War”—are known as their signature tracks.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy the contrast between their dense, heavy sound and humor-filled lyrics.
Hit ’em with a bangSoWhat?
Debuting in June 1996, So What? garnered attention with a groundbreaking style that fuses a wide range of genres, including electronic, hip-hop, pop, and rock.
The contrast between their loud sound and comedic lyrics—exemplified in their signature track “Ippatsu Kamasutare”—creates an addictive appeal.
Although they disbanded in 2003 to much regret, vocalist Tetsuya Kan is now active as THE Kan, and guitarist Sho Kishii has pursued a career as a writer.
Bringing together members with diverse musical backgrounds to craft a unique sound, their music is recommended for anyone seeking a genre-defying new listening experience.