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 (81–90)
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.
Your ChoiceSHERBET
SHERBET, which has led Japan’s melodic hardcore scene, is a three-piece band that debuted in 1996.
Their distinctive twin vocals—Makoto Watanabe’s high range and Yosuke Okada’s raspy voice—have captivated many fans with a driving sound and catchy melodies.
Their debut album “SHERBET” was produced by Akihiro Namba of Hi-Standard and is a must-listen for any melodic hardcore fan.
Despite their short period of activity, SHERBET’s music brought a fresh breeze to the ’90s punk scene and had a major influence on the bands that followed.
Blending the energy of fierce punk rock with melodic elements, their music remains as vibrant as ever and continues to win the hearts of many listeners.
WordsSHIT HAPPENING
SHIT HAPPENING, a four-piece melodic hardcore band from Tochigi Prefecture, burst into the spotlight in 2009 by winning the Grand Prix at Senkou Riot out of 5,500 groups.
Their music is marked by fiercely powerful yet beautiful melodies and lyrics that strike a chord.
In 2015, they released the album “Landmark,” continuing to captivate fans.
In 2018, they put out “Stargazer” and celebrated a successful 10th-anniversary tour.
Though they sadly disbanded in June 2019, their passionate energy still lives on in the hearts of many fans.
Highly recommended not only for melodic hardcore fans but also for anyone who wants to be moved by emotional vocals and intense performances.
MUGEN UCHUSeptaluck
It’s included on their newly announced second full-length album, featuring Kazuki—formerly of YOUR LAST DIARY—as a new member.
From the lead melody to the rich choral work, the sound, backed by the members’ careers, is remarkably refined.
Attitude makes styleLABRET
LABRET is a three-piece melodic hardcore band from Kyoto.
The bass-vocalist TOKU, known for his distinctive voice, and the guitarist Aru, whose aggressive playing is a major draw, are actually brothers.
Supporting the duo is drummer NAOKI; the exquisite balance among the three, each highlighting the others, is LABRET’s hallmark.
Their intense sound and tight beats, paired with a wistful melodic line that lingers after a single listen, stir up powerful emotions.
If you’re looking for an undeniably cool band, we recommend LABRET!
still in meIF
IF is a band formed around Shinsuke Amada, the vocalist of the three-piece rock band FOMARE, joined by Ko-hey, the guitarist of NAMBA69, and SHUNICHI ASANUMA, the drummer of COUNTRY YARD—musicians active in the punk scene.
The band name carries the meaning of “infinite possibilities,” and their sound showcases the unique prowess of members who each excel in their respective bands.
While technically skilled, they deliver music that’s accessible to everyone, offering songs that feel both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly new.
They are a three-piece rock band that reaffirms the simple joy of making music.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (91–100)
TOO CLOSE TO SEETNX
TNX is a fast melodic punk band from Ibaraki Prefecture.
Formed in 2003, the band has captivated many fans with high-speed songs under their motto: “FAST! SHORT! SIMPLE! and FRUMPY!” Their lively, rambunctious energy is just as strong in their live performances.
In particular, check out their split album with VDX and their first full-length, “THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BAND.” These releases have earned high praise and are must-listens for melodic hardcore fans.
TNX’s music is defined by tight, breakneck-speed sounds.
Rooted in hardcore punk yet focused on melody, their songs are perfect for anyone who loves punk rock.