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 (91–100)
COMPLETE WORLDTHE SKIPPERS
THE SKIPPERS were formed in Osaka in 2002, centered around vocalist JAGGER.
The first things that hit your ears are the distinctive, resonant vocals and a sound that’s both heavy and full of momentum.
Their lyrics are primarily in Japanese, and you can feel that what they’re thinking in the moment and the messages they want to convey are expressed plainly and directly, without adornment.
While carrying messages that resonate with the heart, their music also comes across as a straightforward outpouring of the joy of playing.
In 2017 and 2018, they hosted the rock festival “PUNK THIS TOWN” in Ikeda City, Osaka—JAGGER’s hometown—and through that and many other self-produced shows, they’ve pursued an energetic live schedule, delivering their music across the country.
Excuse me for leaving first.POETASTER
POETASTER is notable for their warm, empathetic lyrics that feel close to the listener’s heart.
Their performances burst with a sense of speed, yet they skillfully weave in phrases that make clever use of space, giving them remarkable control over a song’s groove.
Their music is extremely easy to listen to, and each track reveals a different character, so be sure to explore a variety of their songs.
COME ON BOYBURL
Formed in Osaka in 1998, what BURL has kept doing is the pure essence of straight, body-moving punk rock.
The four-piece led by TAKA has been heating up the energetic melodic-core scene.
Devour their album “JUST PUNK, GO!!” and you’ll notice the breath of ’70s punk still racing as their heartbeat today.
That energy connects to stage performances that overwhelm audiences—whether at major festivals or in hometown live houses.
Among the many shades of melodic hardcore, BURL has carved out a firm position and radiates a strong presence.
Why not experience their world at a live show? Ride the powerful rhythms and you’re sure to feel your mind and body set free!
IntentionDay tripper
In a melodic hardcore scene that captivates audiences with speed and swagger, Day tripper aren’t just making waves in Japan—they’re cementing them.
Formed in 2006 in Neyagawa, Osaka, the trio consists of Junichi Ishida, Chitetsu Ryo, and Takuma Yamaryo.
Their distinctive sound extends beyond melodic hardcore, deftly blending elements of hardcore, metal, reggae, and hip-hop.
While they initially chased a NOFX-inspired sound, they also absorbed influences from Hi-STANDARD and The Beatles, honing a style that radiates their own unique colors.
After releasing their first album, LIFES, in 2011, they weathered lineup changes and a hiatus, building strength along the way.
Their latest work, Love & Hatred & Wall—showcasing growth from their time away—announces their presence so powerfully it feels like a fresh breath for the scene.
Pouring passion into performances at domestic festivals and live houses, Day tripper continue to draw attention across generations.
With piercing melodies and muscular rhythms, they may well be the ones to carve out the next era of melodic hardcore.
Loved oneFOMARE
FOMARE is a three-piece rock band formed in 2014 in Gunma Prefecture.
Their appeal lies in a sound that’s both heavy and energetic while resonating deep at the core of the body, paired with strongly messaged lyrics delivered clearly in Japanese.
The way they pack their words seems to prioritize communicative clarity, and their structure—shifting between singing and spoken delivery—conveys the lyrical content even more vividly.
In 2017, they joined small indies table within the indie label THE NINTH APOLLO, and in 2020 they made their major-label debut with Threethums under Sony Music, steadily stepping up their career.