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)
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.
HerculesNonfiction Cartoons
A new breeze from Osaka, Nonfiction Cartoons are a standout act electrifying the melodic hardcore scene.
Tracing back to 2018, the band began with three members: Mr.
Yagi, Mr.
Ishiguro, and Mr.
Matsubara.
Their explosive energy—dubbed “melodic challenge punk”—has rapidly grown their fanbase, especially across the Kansai live house circuit.
Notably, “Forward,” included on their release LAST DEMO, is a gripping track driven by a high‑intensity two-beat that feels effortlessly tight.
Another highlight, “Tsuzukanai Yoru o” (“The Night That Won’t Last”), radiates a passion that feels like the culmination of their work so far.
Beyond their fiery performances, their live show at Shinkagura left the crowd in awe.
Brimming with dynamism, Nonfiction Cartoons’ melodic hardcore sound makes them a true next-generation frontrunner in Japan’s scene!
HOPEBiSKET
This is BiSKET, a band based mainly in Osaka.
Their ultra-fast, pounding beats are insanely exciting and feel amazing.
If you’re into heavily distorted, hard-edged sounds, you definitely need to give them a listen.
Even just their melody lines are packed with the kinds of twists melodic-core fans love, guaranteed to get your energy up! By diving into BiSKET’s music, you can confront “melodic hardcore” head-on.