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)
BE ALRIGHTSHIMA
A four-piece rock band formed mainly by members who met in their university light music club, based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Their catchy melodies influenced by ’90s music and the high-energy, melodic hardcore beats featuring driving guitar riffs really get your adrenaline pumping.
Even elements like death growls that appear within their pop-leaning songs showcase arrangements that reflect the band’s unwavering musical identity and fire up the audience.
With addictive, standout lyrics as well, they’re a classic yet modern melodic hardcore band.
Intuition, babyPAN
A three-piece melodic hardcore band based in Kansai and active nationwide, aiming to expand their activities both in Japan and overseas.
Drawing on musical backgrounds in rock, alternative, punk, melodic styles, and J-pop, and known for lyrics written from a distinctive perspective, they’ve earned wide popularity.
In live shows, they lean into their band name by handing out bread as a self-introduction—an Osaka-born touch that may well be one of the secrets behind their appeal.
With over 100 performances a year that whip fans into a frenzy, they’re a dyed-in-the-wool live band.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EnergyBACKWARD REGION
This is a track included on their first album released in 2012.
Their band sound, honed through performing with a wide range of groups—not just melocore and punks, but also hardcore and metal bands—carries tremendous conviction.
You can literally feel the band’s energy.