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 (71–80)
DANCE LIKE NO TOMORROWSECRET 7 LINE
SECRET 7 LINE is a rock band formed in 1998.
They have an extensive range of activities, not only in Japan but also performing at major rock festivals in China.
Delivering a sound that represents Japan’s melodic hardcore scene, their hallmark is RYO’s emotional vocals layered over a heavy, full-band performance.
Their melodic yet passionate sound conveys a refreshing feel and a sense of speed.
In addition, through their own THICK FESTIVAL—where they bring together bands active in Japan’s punk and melodic hardcore scenes—they play a key role in energizing the country’s melodic scene.
ColourTHE CHINA WIFE MOTORS
They are a three-piece band from Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.
They are also known for hosting SAKAI MEETING together with GOOD4NOTHING to energize their hometown of Sakai.
Their music is memorable for vocals and lyrics that weave a sense of wistfulness and warmth into a driving, energetic sound.
ScenarioSABOTEN
A three-piece rock band so popular that anyone who likes punk will know their name, they whip up crowds nationwide with relentlessly energetic live shows.
In a melodic hardcore scene dominated by English lyrics, their commitment to Japanese lyrics makes their music easy to embrace even for newcomers to the genre.
Their bright, positive sound, combined with the breakneck drive characteristic of melocore, has the power to lift listeners’ spirits.
With messages and sound that move you in equal measure, they’re a melocore band you should experience live at least once.
VedaThe Chorizo Vibes
The Chorizo Vibes, who have taken the melodic hardcore scene by storm with their exhilarating speed and distinctive style, formed in Osaka in 2009.
Their popularity especially surged in 2013, when new members joined and the band adopted its current name.
Their signature tracks include Bésame Mucho, marked by passionate rhythms and emotional lyrics, and A Certain Kappa’s Love Story, a remarkable fusion of Japanese spirit and hardcore.
Their appeal goes beyond the confines of melodic hardcore—they deliberately step outside the box.
Drawing influence from a wide range of genres, their sound keeps winning new fans, and every live show still offers fresh discoveries—that might be their biggest hallmark.
Their sound is gentle yet powerful, and their onstage performance shakes audiences to the core.
In short, they deliver fast, badass punk hardcore!
sirenUnblock
Unblock is a three-piece band based in Neyagawa, Osaka.
With a string of releases, they’ve been touring energetically.
Their melodious songs are anchored by vocalist Taguchi’s distinctive, thick, powerful voice and a guitar-rock-leaning sound that’s evolved into greater technicality.
The raw, bare-your-soul lyrics hit straight to the heart, and some listeners may find them overlapping with their own circumstances.
Even for those already familiar with melodic hardcore, this is a band brimming with originality that we highly recommend revisiting.
Puffin39degrees
39degrees, a band based in Machida, Tokyo.
They formed the band with classmates and have been climbing the melodic hardcore scene step by step, like a textbook example of youth—building their name from local events.
As they themselves say, there are parts of their sound that overlap with 10-FEET.
But the hallmark of Japanese punk is, above all, its kindness and encouragement.
People talk about “youth punk,” but punk has always contained the essence of youth, you know.
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.