Fast and cool! A popular melodic hardcore band in Japan
Melocore is short for “melodic hardcore,” a music genre that emphasizes hardcore punk sounds and strong melodies.
When you hear “melocore bands,” how many can you think of? If you’re thinking, “I want to learn more about melocore!” you might have come to the right article.
Here, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese melocore bands all at once—from groups performing at major festivals across the country and thriving at the forefront, to next-break acts working energetically at their local live houses.
Even though we lump them together as melocore, there’s a blend of diverse musical traits, so be sure to pay attention to each band’s unique character!
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Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (61–70)
windHERO COMPLEX
HERO COMPLEX, part of THE NINTH APOLLO, which is home to numerous indie bands.
Formed around vocalist Futa, they’re a skilled band that has also supported tours for acts like My Hair is Bad and Northern19.
They deliver performances that lay bare the emotions within, featuring songs that blend a melodic hardcore foundation with a strong rock flavor.
They’re also a band whose full-member vocals, carried by the simple yet heavy sound unique to a three-piece, create a powerful sense of unity.
STAY WITH MELext
LEXT is a melodic punk band formed in 2005.
They launched their own label, BEACH PARTY RECORDS, and have continued their activities while undergoing several lineup changes.
Their sound is characterized by emotionally charged, band-driven performances featuring the passionate melodies unique to melodic hardcore.
In addition to their fast-paced band sound, their songs carry a bittersweet yet cool vibe—one of their key appeals.
They’re also a borderless band, delivering music beyond Japan’s borders, as seen in the success of their Asia tour, the Rage Of Dinosaur Tour.
FlowerMINAMI NiNE
A three-piece rock band formed in Tokyo in 2011, whose name is derived from southern Kyushu, where all the members hail from.
Many of their distinctive songs feature flavors of their Kyushu hometown, and their fusion with melodic hardcore creates a unique musical identity.
Their melodies, which evoke nostalgia within a driving sense of speed, are likely to make Japanese listeners feel both excited and a little sentimental.
A soulful rock band to watch as a new-generation melodic hardcore act.
SuccessorRunny Noize
In 2008, guitarist-vocalists Mr.
Suzaki and Mr.
Yamada met and formed a band.
The following year, they based their activities in Canada for a full year—serious stuff! What’s more, the two also perform as the comedy duo Lani Noze, and they even won the 2019 Uta-Neta King competition, making them true two-way entertainers.
They have many songs with pleasant, pop-punk-like melodies, so they’re a recommended band for anyone just starting to get into melodic hardcore.
Just listening to them will put you in a positive mood.
Break My WallBoobie Trap
Boobie Trap is a three-piece band with a funny backstory: their name was supposed to mean “booby trap” (as in a fake bomb/dumb trap), but a spelling mistake gave it a different meaning.
Their songs are packed with classic melodic hardcore (melodic punk) elements—the quintessential “melo-core” sound—making them a must-listen both for diehard melo-core kids and newcomers alike.
Above all, the relentless two-beat drive at full speed and the unmistakably melo-core vibe that comes through in the vocals for those who know will have you hooked.
RunwayRIDGE
A three-piece rock band from Osaka formed by three real siblings: the eldest son on guitar and vocals, the eldest daughter on bass and vocals, and the younger daughter on drums and backing vocals.
Despite being a male-female twin-vocal group, their voices and harmonies have a unique synergy only siblings can achieve—it’s exquisite.
The driving pop sound heard in songs like “Runway” and “Special Day” conjures up images of a crowd going wild at their live shows.
Their vibe and performances radiate the warmth of their close sibling bond and are a joy to watch—an up-and-coming melodic hardcore band to keep an eye on.
Picture framestwo step glory
two step glory is a melodic punk band formed in 2012 in Atsugi, Kanagawa.
After a hiatus in 2014 and several member and role changes, they released the mini-album “TRUNK” in 2017 through Osaka-based label THE NINTH APOLLO.
Their sound is strikingly powerful and dense—so much so that you might not realize they’re a three-piece.
Rather than heavy, it feels sharp and cutting; including the vocals, it conveys a message that slices straight into the heart.
