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 punk bands (31–40)
MoonrakerENTH
ENTH is a three-piece rock band from Nagoya.
Signed to TRUST RECORDS, a label known for producing numerous melodic hardcore bands, they’ve been appearing at festivals across the country more and more in recent years.
The biggest appeal of a band that continues to win support from rock kids nationwide is surely the melodious and emotional singing voice of their bassist and vocalist, daipon.
They’ve also got that quintessential melocore sense of speed, and any rock kid is guaranteed to love them.
MantisINKYMAP
A four-piece rock band formed in Hachioji, Tokyo—a city that has produced many loud rock acts—actively performing with a live-show focus.
Their trademark is an aggressive sound born from the fusion of catchy melodies—woven with an unforgettable, distinctive singing voice—and a rich, full-band ensemble.
Their melodic hardcore, charged with powerful and positive messages, has a charm that both lifts the audience’s spirits and brings smiles to their faces.
An emotional melodic hardcore band you’ll want to keep an eye on as a live act going forward.
FULLTENkobore
kobore is a four-piece band from Fuchu.
Formed in 2015, they’ve grown rapidly, even performing at major festivals in Japan! Their lyrics—written in natural, everyday Japanese that paints daily scenes—resonate deeply and add color to listeners’ lives.
You’ll enjoy their vibrant, melodic sound, featuring a clear, airy male vocal, the rich depth of twin guitars, and an exquisitely balanced ensemble.
BELIEVERNorthern19
A three-piece rock band whose name was inspired by the members being from northern regions such as Hokuriku and Tohoku, and by the fact that they formed the band at age 19.
With high-speed beats characteristic of melodic hardcore and twin vocals and harmonies riding on top, they whip audiences into a frenzy.
In 2016, they also launched an energetic initiative called “Every 19th is Northern Day,” performing live shows regularly—no doubt many listeners draw power from their vibrant style.
They’re highly recommended for anyone looking to get into melodic hardcore—definitely a band you should go see live.
GLEANINGMISTY
MISTY is a four-piece rock band formed in 2006.
No matter which track you listen to, the catchy guitar riffs instantly grab your ear and keep raising your excitement as you go.
Their biggest draw, though, is the clear, straight-soaring vocals of SHINJI, the band’s singer-guitarist.
Thanks in part to his voice, every MISTY song ends up carrying a certain sense of beauty.
Despite going through member changes, they’ve continued their activities and remain a standout band in the melodic hardcore scene.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (41–50)
All MouthBACKLIFT
BACK LIFT is a three-piece melodic hardcore band from Nagoya.
While they have aggressively high-speed tracks that are quintessentially melocore, they also craft beautiful, slow-tempo rock ballads, showcasing a wide range in their music.
Even within a single song, their compositions are built with a keen sense of dynamics, so you can’t afford to miss a moment.
What makes their tracks even cooler is the voice of KICHIKU, the bass-vocalist.
His masculine, wild vocals are one of their truly unique weapons.
1106WANIMA
You hear their songs everywhere now—in commercials, TV shows, you name it! Since the late 2010s, they’ve arguably been the driving force that brought melodic hardcore back into living rooms across the country.
It’s amazing that even people who don’t usually listen to rock know their songs, right? I think the biggest secret behind how their music became this popular lies in the lyrics.
Of course, their bright, upbeat persona, catchy sound, and songs packed with momentum are all appealing—but the lyrics are just so good.
They’re not simply cheerful; they sometimes encourage you, sometimes stay by your side, and I’m sure many listeners have drawn courage from them.