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 (51–60)
HONEY DRIPPERACTION
ACTION is a heavy metal (HM) band formed in 1982.
While they play heavy metal, their music also incorporates elements of hard rock, making many of their songs relatively easy to listen to.
The powerful vocals of Yoshirou Takahashi were also a major attraction.
OPUS#1KELLY SIMONZ’S BLIND FAITH
A leading figure in Japan’s neoclassical metal genre is guitarist Kelly SIMONZ.
After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States alone, studied at a music college in Hollywood, and made his debut upon returning to Japan.
His instructional books focused on speed picking have also attracted attention, and he is known not only as a performer but also as a guitar instructor.
JOY RIDEREACTION
REACTION is a heavy metal band formed in 1983.
They announced their breakup following the departure of their vocalist, but reunited in 2006 with a former member of BODY as their new vocalist.
However, two of the three original members have already passed away.
Rock The NationDED CHAPLIN
Featuring a lineup of legendary figures whose names are etched into Japan’s heavy metal and hard rock scene, the short-lived band Dead Chaplin kept up a high pace of activity, releasing an album a year, yet disbanded after about three years.
Formed in 1989 as a band that grew out of a solo project by vocalist Minoru Niihara—renowned worldwide as the frontman of Loudness—the original members were guitarist Yukihiro “Chachamaru” Fujimura, bassist Toshimi Nagai, and drummer Kozo Suganuma.
Beyond Niihara’s astonishing vocal performance, the band’s ensemble—driven by the technical prowess of these seasoned musicians—was truly world-class.
Sadly, they never achieved commercial success and remain a hidden gem known to the initiated.
If you come across their albums secondhand, be sure to pick them up!
Japanese heavy metal bands. Popular bands in the Japanese metal scene (61–70).
Angel Of WrathSABER TIGER
Formed in 1981, this pioneering Hokkaido metal band boasts nearly 40 years of history to this day.
Their uncompromisingly straight power metal sound hasn’t faded at all as the members have aged, and it’s no wonder they have many fans overseas.
It’s also noteworthy that they never lapse into a laid-back old-school metal sound.
With such a long career, nearly 30 people have been in the lineup over the years, but personally, the most memorable for me is Shimo-yama Aniki, the former vocalist who produced my four acoustic solo mini-albums.
Hearing Aniki’s vocals up close in the studio for the first time was truly shocking! Based on the concept of “Absolutely no technology-based correction!!!,” we did ultra-long recording sessions until we captured the perfect take—great memories (lol).
Even if you’re not into metal, if you aspire to be a singer, just listening to Aniki’s vocals and voice makes this band worth your time!
Speculative Mythologyyōsei teikoku
The official name is the Third Army Band of the Fairy Empire.
For convenience, the unit performs under the name “Fairy Empire” and is a rock/heavy metal band.
They have many tie-ins with anime and games and appear at numerous anime events.
Musically, they can be described as gothic metal that incorporates classical and techno elements.
The RevolutionUNDEAD CORPORATION
A five-member metal band.
They continue to evolve by incorporating various musical genres such as loud rock, death metal, and screamo.
They first decided they wanted an abbreviated band name that was also a fish, settling on “Ankou” (anglerfish), and later added the full name “UNDEAD CORPORATION.” They also actively participate in the doujin scene under the name “Ankou.”