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 (1–10)
Set the fireSHANK
SHANK is a three-piece melodic punk band from Nagasaki Prefecture.
From the very beginning, they’ve never wavered, consistently delivering their own brand of music—you could call them bona fide melodic hardcore.
In their early years, they were part of THE NINTH APOLLO, where they had a commanding presence at the core of the label.
Their trademark is the driving, high-velocity beats paired with catchy yet aggressive guitar work.
Above all, frontman Shohei Ihara’s husky high-tone vocals captivate countless listeners and have become a defining element of their sound.
Remember04 Limited Sazabys
In the late 2010s, one of the acts that helped bring the melodic punk genre back into the spotlight for a wide audience was 04 Limited Sazabys, also known as For-LiMi.
Their greatest appeal is the youthful, high-toned voice of their bassist-vocalist GEN.
Thanks to his vocals, their songs come out even catchier and more approachable.
On top of that, the way each word in their lyrics sounds is excellent, and when the pronunciations connect, they create a pleasing rhythm.
Many people probably find their music catchy and easy to listen to, but if you focus on the feel of the words in the lyrics, you’ll get hooked even more!
GOOD LOSERSAME
SAME is a melodic punk band from Iga City, Mie Prefecture.
They made their major debut in 2016 on TRUST RECORDS and have released albums such as “Fractal,” “Liner,” and “Fanfare.” Their songs evoke a sense of nostalgia while capturing the sweet-and-sour and slightly bitter feelings of youth, resonating with many listeners.
They’re recommended not only for melodic hardcore fans but also for those who enjoy pop music.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (11–20)
permanentlyTHE FOREVER YOUNG
A powerful rock sound resonating from Kurume City, Fukuoka! THE FOREVER YOUNG formed in 2007 under the name KARIBUxNOxKAIZOKU, then changed to their current name in 2014.
Frontman Hiroki Kunitake’s impassioned vocals leave a strong impression, and their music brims with a raw, sweat-and-tears intensity.
They released the mini-album “Akashi” in 2021 and the full-length album “Towa ni” in 2023.
Be sure to check out their music, where passion meets a modern sensibility!
I Wanna Keep My Head UpTHUMB
A high-energy melodic hardcore band with a driving sound! Formed in 1997, the three-piece band THUMB was launched by former members of SHERBET at its core.
They released numerous dynamic tracks, including the albums “PEACE OF MIND” and “Let’s Grow Up Together.” In 2000, they proved their popularity by selling out tickets instantly for the “Nine Samurai” tour.
Although they disbanded in 2002, they reunited in 2014.
Their guitar sound—deftly weaving together power chords and harmonics—is absolutely irresistible.
wake up! wake up!stack44
stack44 captivates with powerful twin guitars and a crystal-clear high-tone voice.
Since their formation, this melodic punk band has drawn attention with energetic live performances.
Their sound spans a wide range—from melodic punk tunes to danceable party tracks—winning many followers in the indie scene.
While self-releasing albums and singles, they were actively performing at live venues across Japan.
Although they unfortunately went on hiatus in 2011, member Fin has continued making music with a new band called SEPTALUCK.
Recommended not only for punk rock fans, but also for those seeking emotional vocals and catchy melodies.
Back To The Sunset10-FEET
When it comes to three-piece bands from Kyoto, many people would probably name 10-FEET.
They’re also known as the organizers of Kyoto Daisakusen, the summer festival that now draws huge crowds every year.
There are so many things that make them great, but the first thing I want to highlight is their lyrics, which brim with kindness and strength that reflect who they are as people.
Vocalist TAKUMA often talks during live MCs about difficult experiences from his past, and it’s precisely because he’s overcome such hardships that he can write lyrics that have encouraged so many fans.
Their songs are a must-listen, blending approaches from various genres, with a mixtured feel across performance phrases, vocal timbre, and song structure.