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 (41–50)
Between Life And DeathConcerto Moon
Concerto Moon is a heavy metal band formed in 1996.
Centered around a neoclassical guitar style reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen, they earned popularity in Japan’s metal scene with a sound that went beyond mere imitation.
Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (51–60)
flashback heart attackE.Z.O
E.Z.O is a heavy metal band that made its U.S.
debut in 1986.
Their original name was FLATBACKER, which they changed when they moved to the United States.
The new name comes from Ezo, the old provincial name for Hokkaido, their home region.
Although they debuted under the production of Gene Simmons from KISS, fans were divided because the sound and image seemed to go against the band’s own intentions.
POWERHER NAME IN BLOOD
Formed in 2007, this Japan-made metalcore band is based in Tokyo.
They have supported numerous overseas bands on their Japan tours, making a name for themselves in the domestic metal scene.
Although they were forced to undergo a lineup change in 2016, they made a fresh start the following year with a new drummer.
Theory of EvolutionJUPITER
They are a band that champions the concept of the “ultimate visual kei metal band,” delivering melodious symphonic metal.
Formed in 2013 by the instrumental members of Versailles, they welcomed KUZE, formerly of Concerto Moon, as vocalist in 2018.
The band is now showing a new phase of development.
Sword Of JudgementHAGANE
Formed in June 2018, the all-female heavy metal band HAGANE pairs a cool, azure aesthetic with a hard-hitting sound, soaring high-tone vocals, and a powerful instrumental lineup.
Grounded in metal, their music captivates with heavily distorted guitars, tight drums, and a rock-solid bass ensemble.
They have released multiple singles, a mini-album, and a full-length album, and their live performances are highly praised for both technical skill and emotional impact.
Although vocalist Uyu left the band in February 2023, their melodious, fantastical worldview remains intact.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy dynamic song structures with shifts in intensity and emotional guitar solos.
Rhapsody of Temptationgirudo
Even within the visual-kei category, there are bands with technical performance skills that incorporate elements of 1980s hard rock.
Formed by members who graduated from the Osaka School of Music, Guild signed with Euclid Agency—the same agency as Golden Bomber—and began full-fledged activities as a visual-kei band.
Their 2014 single “Temptation Rhapsody” debuted at No.
4 on the Oricon chart, and the following year their cover of Morning Musume’s classic “LOVE Machine” reached No.
3, earning them widespread popularity; however, they went on hiatus that same year.
After member departures and rejoinings, they are still active today.
Sometimes referred to as Golden Bomber’s younger-brother act, they do show a comedic side, but musically—as noted earlier—they are grounded in technical playing, with many tracks that will strongly appeal to hard rock fans.
Definitely give them a listen!
Out of the GraveSIGH
A Japanese extreme metal band with a long career that the country proudly presents to the world.
While often described as a black metal band, they later shifted toward an avant-garde sound, continuing to stand out in the scene with a distinctive lineup that includes saxophone.
Recommended for those who want to hear something strange.