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 (11–20)
The Sun Will Rise AgainLOUDNESS
Formed around guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, both former members of Lazy, this band was the first Japanese heavy metal act to make its mark overseas.
With achievements such as entering the Billboard Top 100 and performing at Madison Square Garden, they became a living legend that paved the way for Japanese heavy metal to gain global recognition.
DEAD END KIDSinugami saakasu dan
Formed in 1994, Inugami Circus-dan is a distinctive band that plays underground-tinged kayō rock.
Blending genres such as hard rock and punk, they draw attention with their signature visuals, including white face paint and kimonos.
They made their major-label debut in 2003, but returned to the indie scene in 2006 and have continued under their own label.
In 2011, they defined their direction as “a more lyrical, extreme, underground, Japanese-style band” and changed their name to the current Inugami Saakasudan.
They enjoy enduring popularity on the live circuit, releasing their first single with a new lineup in April 2020.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, they stayed active with streamed performances.
With a unique worldview and an unforgettable impact, their music is perfect for listeners seeking something truly individual.
MOREEARTHSHAKER
EARTHSHAKER is a heavy metal band formed in the Kansai region in 1978.
They disbanded once in 1994, but reunited in 1999 and are still active today.
Their signature song “MORE” has a somewhat wistful, nostalgic melody that still makes your heart skip a beat when you listen to it now.
BLASTANTHEM
They’re a heavy metal band formed in 1981.
Although they disbanded once, they reunited in 2001 and still perform regularly.
The band has gone through many lineup changes.
Their song “BLAST” was featured in the 2013 film “HK/Forbidden Super Hero.”
SATSUGAIDetoroito Metaru Shiti
Detroit Metal City, the death metal band from a gag manga that sent shockwaves through Japan’s music scene.
When it was adapted into a live-action film, the songs were produced by K.A.Z, known as the guitarist of OBLIVION DUST and VAMPS, and released on CD.
From SATSUGAI—the signature track in the original—to the rage-fueled vocals and sound, the music likely stunned listeners beyond just fans of the manga.
It’s a metal band you should listen to with the filter of a “fictional band” removed—judge it simply as a metal band.
DistortionBABYMETAL
It originally began as a spin-off unit from the idol group Sakura Gakuin, formed under the theme of “the fusion of idols and metal.” Backed by their band known as the “Kami Band,” they have now become an act big enough to perform on the main stages of major rock festivals around the world.
Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (21–30)
Meteor energy at 100 million km/h on a sleepless nightDAIDA LAIDA
DAIDA LAIDA is a Japanese metal band formed in 2012.
Their style fuses melodic hard rock and metal, characterized by catchy melodies and technical musicianship.
With guitarist KENTARO joining in 2017, their sound evolved into a more modern, metal-forward direction.
In September 2022, they released the album “Issen” to commemorate their 10th anniversary and have remained highly active.
Their live shows captivate many fans with advanced musicianship and energetic performances, and the band’s reputation is growing both in Japan and overseas.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the fusion of hard rock and metal.