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)
MorningOWl
OWl is a fiery three-piece band from Tokyo bringing a fresh breeze to melodic punk.
Their high school years in Tokyo brought them together, and in 2018 they decided to pursue music.
With Riko’s vocals riding atop crisp, powerful melodies, KABUKUN’s tight rhythms, and Taiyo’s guitar work forming a seamless trio, they captivate listeners with overflowing energy and youthful spirit.
Their rise was sparked by relentless, high-energy shows at local live houses and the viral spread of some tracks on social media.
In particular, “Sky is the limit” has captured the hearts of young listeners, becoming a song that symbolizes the band’s leap forward and is hailed as a timeless classic.
windHERO COMPLEX
HERO COMPLEX, part of THE NINTH APOLLO, which is home to numerous indie bands.
Formed around vocalist Futa, they’re a skilled band that has also supported tours for acts like My Hair is Bad and Northern19.
They deliver performances that lay bare the emotions within, featuring songs that blend a melodic hardcore foundation with a strong rock flavor.
They’re also a band whose full-member vocals, carried by the simple yet heavy sound unique to a three-piece, create a powerful sense of unity.
SundayPOT
POT, a four-piece band from Osaka, is a really compelling group with lively songs that evoke sunny West Coast pop-punk.
True to their motto of “pop, catchy, and happy,” their exhilarating tracks are their greatest weapon, making you feel more and more joyful as you listen.
Another hallmark of the band is that three members—guitarists Oda and Yoshi, and bassist Yoppy—take turns as the lead vocalist.
Enjoy the depth of their songs, each shaded by the distinct voices of the three.
Laugh at lifeHOTSQUALL
HOTSQUALL is a band formed in 1998 in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture.
Their straight, energetic sound and lyrics that move between English and Japanese are distinctive, conveying their power directly.
Their positive character and musical style are also striking, and their signature song “Laugh at life,” which sings out the band’s slogan, feels like a reflection of their way of life.
In the early days, they balanced jobs with the band, but 2005 marked a turning point when they began focusing on the band full-time.
Despite their varied backgrounds, their continued commitment to making positive music shows just how much they love it.
In 2015, they also organized the ONION ROCK FESTIVAL at the Inage Open-Air Music Hall in Inage Seaside Park in their home prefecture of Chiba—another key aspect of their locally rooted activities.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (61–70)
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.
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.