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)
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.
Step By StepGIZMO
A two-piece melodic hardcore band drawing attention in the Kansai melodic scene, known by the moniker “Osaka’s relentlessly high-energy band!” Their twin vocals—one a clean, high tone and the other a rock-solid husky voice—are irresistibly appealing, winning over not only younger listeners but longtime melocore fans as well.
In 2018, the bassist YOSHIMO also opened an apparel shop, highlighting their broad, modern range of activities beyond music.
With a classic yet modern melocore sound that’s addictively catchy, they’re a rock band set to lead the next generation of the melodic scene.
WHAT’S BORDERLESS?SUPER STUPID
SUPER STUPID is a three-piece rock band formed in 1994.
Despite their short activity period from 1994 to 1999, they had a significant impact on Japan’s melodic hardcore scene.
The band was formed around Masayuki Ichikawa (who performs under the name LOW IQ 01) and Jackie Otaka.
Their 1998 album “DON’T FORGET OUR YOUTH,” though released independently, garnered major attention.
They also explored new possibilities in melodic hardcore by incorporating Indian music and extensive sampling into their tracks.
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.
GET UPGLORY HILL
GLORY HILL was formed in 2005 at the live house Okazaki CAM HALL in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture.
As a melodic hardcore band representing Aichi, you could say they supported the melocore scene in the late 2000s.
Their driving, high-velocity sound and motivational lyrics—switching between English and Japanese depending on the song—embody the classic melocore vibe.
The fact that they provided the song “Shiver” for Tomohisa Yamashita and landed numerous tie-ins over the years also shows how much momentum the band had.
Although they announced an indefinite hiatus in 2018, the members reunited to perform a live show in 2019 when Okazaki CAM HALL was closing, which strongly conveys how much they value their roots.
