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.
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Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (71–80)
FREEDOM LANDJACKS’N’ JOKER
JACKS’N’ JOKER was a heavy metal band active from 1989 to 1993.
The band included bassist Yoshihito Onda, who later joined JUDY AND MARY.
During a project where JACKS’N’ JOKER appeared as a band in the film ‘The Most Terrible Time in My Life’ (Itsuka Giragira suru Hi), Onda met YUKI, who was working as an extra.
He later left JACKS’N’ JOKER and formed JUDY AND MARY with YUKI.
RollinCrystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a band whose appeal lies in a musicality where the heaviness of metal and the catchiness of great songs align perfectly.
Formed in Tokyo in 2002, they are not only active domestically but also tour extensively overseas, showcasing an aggressive drive that has them flying around the globe.
Their hallmark is a mixed, genre-blending sound that isn’t confined to the framework of heavy metal.
You can sense their earnest attitude in how quickly they incorporate anything they think is good.
And then there’s vocalist Ryo’s powerful shouts! They’re an undeniably cool and fiery band.
THE LONG WAY ROADDOUBLE-DEALER
A five-piece metal band formed around guitarist Norifumi Shima of Concerto Moon and vocalist Takenori Shimoyama of SABER TIGER.
Their trademark is a neoclassical sound that has continued to evolve in the metal scene since the 1980s, featuring aggressively metal-driven tones and classical-inspired arrangements.
At the time of their debut, they earned high praise from overseas metal fans as well, including a European tour with Symphony X, the American metal band.
Although they disbanded after a short run from 2000 to 2007, they were a band that showcased the vitality of Japanese metal to the world.
A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in Japan’s metal scene (’81–’90).
OmenCROSSFAITH
A five-piece metalcore band from the Kansai region that electrifies listeners with a unique sound melding hard-edged tones pushed as far as death metal with electronic and dance music.
Their rapidly unfolding songs are addictive, featuring clear, shimmering synths over heavy metal arrangements and vocals that switch between growls and cleans depending on the ensemble.
Before the recent COVID-19 pandemic, they also performed a large number of shows each year and earned high praise as a pure live band.
Their songs and performances, which fire up audiences, have made them a standout metal act of a new era.
THE ENDLESS BASISTERRA ROSA
TERRA ROSSA is a heavy metal band formed in 1982.
With powerful female vocals and very beautiful melodies, their songs are, in my opinion, quite accessible.
In 2016, they reunited for a limited time, re-released their past albums with new tracks added, and went on tour.
Wire Rope StrangleVomit Remnants
A flagship presence of brutal death metal from Tokyo.
Formed back in 1997, the band has gone through breakups and reunions and is still active today.
They enjoy high recognition overseas and deliver commanding death metal that spans from old-school death to slamming death metal, even incorporating groovier sounds.
Excuse me, I’ll be leaving first.hanabie
Formed in 2015, Hanabie.
is a Japanese hybrid girls’ band known for their unique genre “Harajuku-core,” which fuses and elevates metalcore and hardcore.
They produced their first original song in 2016 and took runner-up at the national finals of Schools Out in 2017.
In 2018, they released the mini-album Kaika Sengen, and in 2021 they made their full-fledged debut with their first full-length album Otome Kaikaku.
Their songs feature Yukina’s powerful screams and Matsuri’s standout lyric writing, composition, and arranging, delivering a distinctive charm that blends intensity with pop sensibilities.
Popular especially among younger listeners, they’re a recommended band not only for heavy metal fans but also for pop enthusiasts.