Japanese metal bands. From classic to unique, popular bands in Japan’s metal scene.

OSWALDCazqui’s Brutal Orchestra

OSWALD

Cazqui’s Brutal Orchestra is the solo project of guitarist Cazqui, formerly of NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST and now active with Nekomansyu after his departure.

Swallowing modern extreme metal whole and packing in his uniquely sophisticated chord sensibilities, the progressive compositions brim with the allure of his music.

Originally launched as a one-night-only project, it has since been hinted that activities will continue, and further success is highly anticipated.

Road To DestructionKELLY SIMONZ’S BLIND FAITH

Road to Destruction ~ Overture to Ruin (Music Video) – Kelly SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH

Kelly SIMONZ, a shred guitarist known for his instructional book series for metal guitarists “Super Shredder Training Gyps” (he’s unmistakably Japanese), specializes in Yngwie Malmsteen–style neoclassical metal while astonishing audiences with lightning-fast techniques across a wide range of styles.

The band he leads is Kelly SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH.

He’s also recognized on a global level for his skills, having performed with Mark Boals, the vocalist from Yngwie’s own band, among others.

Speculative Mythologyyōsei teikoku

[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku – Kuusou Mesorogiwi – Fairy Empire “Fantasy Mesorogiwi”

Formed in 1997 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Fairy Empire is known for a musical style that fuses a wide range of genres, including techno, trance, gothic, and heavy rock.

The band’s unique concept is to use music to remind people of the existence of fairies in modern society, where belief in them is fading.

Each member is assigned a “rank,” which rises or falls based on their contributions to the Fairy Empire—a distinctive system the band employs.

Fans are called “subjects,” and live performances are referred to as “ceremonies,” elements that have captivated many with the band’s unique worldview.

While rooted in heavy metal, Fairy Empire’s music is characterized by an individualistic sound that incorporates a variety of influences.

Forgotten CemeteryCOFFINS

COFFINS – Forgotten Cemetery (Official Audio)

COFFINS is a band that delivers a unique brand of death metal by mixing elements of old-school death metal, hardcore, and doom-death, and they’re highly regarded overseas as well.

The fact that they released an album in 2013 on Relapse Records, a long-established American death metal label, shows how their reputation has grown.

The fast parts are truly fast, the heavy parts relentlessly heavy, and combined with a raw production, their muddy, heaving guitar riffs surge forward with a crushing sense of pressure.

They are one of the bands you absolutely cannot leave out when discussing Japan’s death metal scene.

With My IzunaEthereal Sin

Ethereal Sin – With My Izuna [ Official Video Clip ]

Ethereal Sin is a symphonic black metal band formed around vocalist Yama Darkblaze, continuing its activities despite numerous lineup changes.

While shifting its band concept depending on the timing of each release, the track that became their first official music video showcases a Japanese-inspired black metal style they dub “Japanese Mystic.” In 2015, they also performed at Wacken Open Air in Germany, one of the world’s largest metal festivals.