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 (51–60)
RUNBUZZ THE BEARS
Unfawning, unadorned, and unpretentious.
BUZZ THE BEARS express their true, life-sized selves without being swayed by trends.
Musically, they’re rooted in hardcore with elements of metal, and their signature strength is a tight two-beat.
They don’t mind if the lyrics are a little grammatically off—that unvarnished attitude is exactly their charm, and it’s embedded in their work.
Not trying to look cool is what makes them cool.
Rather than sharpening their edges, they embody punk by becoming more rounded.
PRIVATE BEACHSandy Beach Surf Coaster
A four-piece rock band that, despite announcing a hiatus from live performances in 2012, has continued to operate at its own pace based in their hometown of Aichi Prefecture.
While their classic melodic hardcore sound blends pop melodies with a sense of speed in the ensemble, the female vocals add a subtly sentimental listening experience.
Their music exudes the freedom unique to indie bands—the ease that comes from being unconstrained and the broadened perspective gained from stepping away from the conventional band grind.
You can feel that they’re purely enjoying making music; they’re a melodic hardcore band you’ll want to hear precisely in these harsh, modern times.
Just A BoyLONGMAN
LONGMAN is a three-piece band with male and female twin vocals.
Their songs reflect their energetic, cheerful personalities—catchy, fun, and easy to get into! A defining trait is music that makes you feel brighter just by listening.
Enjoy the unique twin-vocal harmonies that only LONGMAN can deliver.
1999FOR A REASON
FOR A REASON says they started out aiming to be a band that could bridge melodic and hardcore.
With a five-piece lineup—lead vocalist, two guitars, bass, and drums—their stance clearly connects to the loud hardcore scene.
They also switch between growls and clean vocals, deftly control the groove of their songs, and keep listeners fully entertained.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (61–70)
Break My WallBoobie Trap
Boobie Trap is a three-piece band with a funny backstory: their name was supposed to mean “booby trap” (as in a fake bomb/dumb trap), but a spelling mistake gave it a different meaning.
Their songs are packed with classic melodic hardcore (melodic punk) elements—the quintessential “melo-core” sound—making them a must-listen both for diehard melo-core kids and newcomers alike.
Above all, the relentless two-beat drive at full speed and the unmistakably melo-core vibe that comes through in the vocals for those who know will have you hooked.
BLACK FLYSNICOTINE
NICOTINE is a band formed in 1993.
In their early days, they mainly created grunge rock songs, but after being influenced by the overseas melodic scene, they began delivering music rooted in melodic hardcore and punk.
Their melodious English lyrics, carried by fast-paced band performances, create a satisfying groove.
They are also a band that has made waves across borders, including a U.S.-wide release on the American punk label ASIAN MAN RECORDS.
IsanaEVERLONG
When you think of melodic hardcore, you might picture fast songs with English lyrics, aggressive riffs, and a driving groove—but EVERLONG is a little different! First to catch your ear are the Japanese lyrics, spun with the refreshing singing voice of vocalist Yu-ta.
Their warm, gentle songs are truly captivating.
At the same time, the guitar riffs and drum phrases woven in at key moments firmly deliver that melodic hardcore feel.