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

Shot in the DarkBOWWOW

VOW WOW – Shot in the Dark

They were a legendary heavy metal band that was active mainly in the UK from the 1980s.

Kyoji Yamamoto’s somewhat wistful sound won acclaim overseas as well.

In addition, Motoki Hitomi’s outstanding vocal power and his incredible technique—freely controlling his range from high to low—were remarkable, and he’s still regarded as one of the best vocalists in Japan.

Dusky-VisionDEVILOOF

DEVILOOF – Dusky-Vision (Official Music Video)

Starting as a deathcore band, DEVILOOF pursues a unique brand of death metal that fuses the raw, emotionally charged vocals characteristic of Visual Kei with elements of traditional Japanese music.

In 2016, they advanced to the finals of Metal Battle Japan, a contest for a slot at Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest metal festival.

Because of their sound at the time, many may still think of them as a straightforward deathcore act, but they now develop a distinctive, genre-agnostic metal style that even incorporates rap.

OutrageOutrage

OUTRAGE – Outrage

Outrage, the living encyclopedia of Japanese heavy metal born in Nagoya.

With a long career that began in 1982, they are indispensable when talking about Japan’s heavy metal scene.

Their self-titled debut EP, released in 1987, delivered a sound that combined youthful ferocity with undeniable talent, making a huge impact on the thrash metal scene of the time.

Since then, they have broadened their musical scope beyond thrash alone—taking on melodic vocals, among other approaches—and have continued to present a unique brand of heavy rock that is distinctly Outrage.

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Barbaric CircuitGARGOYLE

GARGOYLE Savage Circuit

GARGOYLE is a heavy metal band formed in Osaka in 1987.

They’re a highly skilled act that continues to perform energetically, mainly at live houses.

With a fast-paced sound rooted in thrash and power metal—as you can hear in this song—and the unique worldview crafted by vocalist KIBA, they have many fans and are even hailed as the kings of the live house scene.

DepartureGraupel

Graupel – Departure Official MV

The hottest band in the domestic metalcore scene is Graupel—pronounced “Grau-pel.” Though young, their technique and the meticulously crafted quality of their songwriting are undeniable.

You could say they encapsulate everything that makes metalcore compelling: deft shifts between speed and heaviness, scream vocals that lay emotions bare, and a fusion of loud, crushing sound with catchy melodies.

Also noteworthy is their complex yet fluid chord work, influenced by post-black metal.

Limit LoversSHOW-YA

SHOW-YA – Limit Lovers (from the DVD “Great Revival Festival”)

Let me introduce the appeal of SHOW-YA, a female rock band that was active in the 1980s.

After making their major debut in 1985, they captivated many fans with a powerful, hard rock–based sound and Keiko Terada’s soaring vocals.

By organizing the outdoor event “NAON no YAON,” which features only female musicians, they have had a significant impact on Japan’s music scene.

In 2005, they reunited with the original members and launched an energetic run of live performances.

As an indispensable presence in discussions of Japan’s metal scene, they continue to enjoy strong support from music fans to this day.

PATRIOT’S DREAM (Fall beautifully like a flower)X.Y.Z.→A

X.Y.Z.→A “PATRIOT’S DREAM (Fall Beautifully Like Flowers)” PV Vo. Minoru Niihara / Gt. Fumihiko Kitsutaka / Ba. Tatsuhiko Wasada / Ds. Funky Sueyoshi

A supergroup formed by Fumihiko Kitsutaka of Musume Shōjo-tai, Minoru Niihara of Loudness, and Tatsuhiko Wasada and Funky Sueyoshi of Bakufu Slump.

As you’d expect from such highly skilled members, their distinct personalities collide to create a remarkably high-level band.