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 (31–40).
ImpactMARINO
MARINO is a heavy metal band formed in 1982.
In the 1980s, there were many energetic Japan metal bands from the Kansai region, and MARINO, EARTHSHAKER, and 44MAGNUM were known as the “Big Three Metal Bands of Kansai.”
Don’t Leave Me NowBOWWOW
A pioneering force in Japanese hard rock, BOW WOW reformed in 1984 under the new name VOW WOW, bringing in Motoki Hitomi on vocals and Rei Atsumi on keyboards.
As evidenced by Hitomi’s outstanding English vocals, the band was formed with international expansion in mind from the outset.
Around 1986, they moved their base of operations to the UK and, after bassist Kenji Sano departed, welcomed Neil Murray—of Whitesnake and Gary Moore fame—as his replacement, pursuing activities that set them apart from so-called “Japa-metal.” Backed by overwhelming vocal and instrumental prowess, they released highly polished recordings; however, perhaps because of that very high level of refinement, they ultimately failed to secure a record deal in the United States and disbanded in May 1990.
Go awayAldious
A five-member all-female heavy metal band formed in June 2008, approaching their 10th anniversary next year.
They’re known for their flashy appearance—sometimes called “jou-metal”—but their look is the opposite of their sound.
They deliver a very heavy, solid heavy metal sound.
Hungry PrideMakishimamu Za Horumon
Maximum the Hormone are defined by their heavy, powerfully distorted guitar sound that calls to mind metal.
However, simply labeling their music as “metal” doesn’t do it justice—their appeal lies in a deft fusion of elements like punk, loud rock, and even pop sensibilities.
Despite the abundance of shout vocals and the overall intensity of their sound, their popularity remains immense, which surely owes much to this finely balanced musical identity.
Another part of their charm is the abundant playfulness unique to them—meanings embedded in their songs, hidden themes woven into albums and events, and all the clever layers they pack into their work.
Gatchaman SongAnimetal
Animetal is a heavy metal band formed in 1996.
As the name suggests, they primarily performed metal-style arrangements of anime theme songs and the like.
Vocals were handled by Eizo Sakamoto of ANTHEM.
Although this kind of music tends to be treated as a gimmick or novelty project, their authentic musicianship and Sakamoto’s vocal prowess silenced such criticism.
Perhaps because the melodies are easy to hum along to, they won over many anime fans and metal fans alike.
Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (41–50)
MarionetteMary’s Blood
An all-female, traditional heavy metal band formed in December 2009.
While still independent, they performed as a headlining act at a major festival in Houston, USA, to great acclaim, and made their major-label debut in 2014.
Since their major debut, they have released only albums, producing a total of three full-length albums.
Spider in the BrainDEAD END
Active from 1984 to 1990, they disbanded once and later reunited in 2009.
With vocalist MORRIE’s distinctive lyrical worldview and visuals, they were a major influence on bands that would later be called visual kei.
In Japan’s indie scene, which wasn’t as developed at the time, they sold over ten thousand albums and can be said to have laid the foundations of Japan’s indie rock scene.
The other day, on June 16, 2020, guitarist Yuji “YOU” Adachi passed away due to sepsis.
It’s deeply sad that we will never again hear a performance by the full lineup.
May Mr.
Adachi rest in peace.