Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene.

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, he built experience as a composer and producer at a major label, then moved to the United States. In Los Angeles, he studied vocalization and singing under top voice trainer Elizabeth Sabine, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal method she advocated. After returning to Japan, he trained and produced a variety of singers, earning high praise for his direction that maximized the appeal of both the songs and the vocalists. In a collaboration video with Guild’s vocalist ryuichi, he handled keyboard performance, vocal direction, and sound production. (Passed away in 2025)

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.

Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (71–80)

Thrust of GodDrive Far

Drive Far「Thrust of God」

Thrust of GodDrive Far

Drive Far is defined by an energetic, dynamic performance that fuses fierce guitar riffs with vocals by Julien from France.

Since forming in 2002, they’ve continued to captivate fans in Japan and abroad with a sound that incorporates elements of rock and punk.

In 2007, they released “Drive Far” on BUDDY RECORDS and began touring.

In 2009, they broadened their activities further, collaborating with Tetsuo Hara, the original creator of Fist of the North Star, to produce the image song for CR Soten no Ken.

Their tracks, which carry a unique depth beneath the intensity, are highly recommended for metal fans.

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Charge!ABIGAIL

Abigail- Charge!

Charge!ABIGAIL

A three-piece metal band that boldly embraces the black metal genre—still a rarity on the Japanese music scene.

Drawing inspiration from American adult magazines and Takeshi Kitano’s yakuza films, their distinctive worldview, paired with a sound reminiscent of early thrash metal bands, creates a truly singular presence.

Beyond the sheer impact, their high-level musicianship unleashes a sound that you can easily imagine sending live audiences into overdrive.

They’re an internationally active metal band that also works perfectly as an entry point for listeners curious about black metal.

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Hoshino Takashi

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FREEDOM LANDJACKS’N’ JOKER

JACKS’N’JOKER ”FREEDOM LAND”

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.

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RollinCrystal Lake

Crystal Lake -Rollin- 【Official Video】

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.

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THE LONG WAY ROADDOUBLE-DEALER

DOUBLE-DEALER / THE LONG WAY ROAD

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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