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

Sword Of JudgementHAGANE

HAGANE – Sword Of Judgement (Official Music Video)

HAGANE is a five-member all-female heavy metal band formed in June 2018.

Despite their cool, refreshing appearance, they’re characterized by a hard-hitting sound, high-register vocals, and a powerful instrumental lineup.

Rooted in harmonic metal, their music is defined by the appeal of densely distorted twin guitars, tight drumming, and a grounded bass ensemble.

Their dynamic song structures and emotional guitar solos have earned high praise for both technical skill and expressiveness.

With a melodic, fantastical worldview, HAGANE’s songs are also crowd favorites live.

Highly recommended for those who love the combination of a massive metal sound and female vocals.

DRAGOUT.DEXCORE

DEXCORE 「DRAGOUT.」 Official Music Video

While visual kei bands that incorporate elements of modern extreme metal are no longer rare, one standout among them is DEXCORE.

Their hallmark is the striking contrast between relentlessly heavy sections and melodious passages.

With meticulously crafted song structures backed by the instrumental members’ solid technique, many listeners may find themselves hooked after just one listen.

From deathcore to djent, their sound vividly weaves in contemporary metal elements and is an absolute must-hear.

MarionetteMary’s Blood

Mary’s Blood / Marionette (MV/Full version)

Formed in 2009, Mary’s Blood has garnered attention overseas as an all-female heavy metal band.

Their appeal lies in the ferocious sound woven by EYE’s powerful vocals, SAKI’s lightning-fast guitar, RIO’s thunderous bass, and MARI’s hard-hitting drums.

In 2013, they performed at a festival in the United States, delivering a commanding show before an audience of 3,000.

Their skill is unquestionable, with endorsement deals from instrument manufacturers to prove it.

The fusion of accessible melodies with a high-velocity heavy sound has earned them support from a wide range of listeners, from metal newcomers to die-hard fans.

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.

exe♡cuteAmai dantōdai

Sweet Guillotine / exe♡cute (Official Music Video)

Sweet Guillotine is a four-woman metal band.

Debuting in March 2023, they’ve been turning heads with a unique style that exquisitely fuses a heavy sound with cuteness.

With a bold concept of modern-day incarnations of executioners from the French Revolution, their tracks—blending symphonic and cool elements—are a must-hear.

Led by Minami Maria, who is also active in ALICETOPIA, they’re committed to self-production, which adds to their appeal.

Handling everything themselves—from management and recording to directing their music videos—their music is highly recommended for anyone seeking a distinctive metal sound.

SHOW MUST GO ONJUPITER

Jupiter「SHOW MUST GO ON」MV FULL

JUPITER is a band formed by the four instrumentalists who were members of the visual-kei metal band Versailles, joined by a new vocalist.

While undergoing some lineup changes, they have continued to pursue their own brand of V-kei metal, delivering modern, technically skilled Japanese metal that blends melodies evoking the atmosphere of 90s visual-kei with a lavish symphonic metal sound.

Some metal enthusiasts may feel that visual-kei isn’t quite their thing, but KUZE—the vocalist with a background in Concerto Moon—brings a passionate “Japa-metal” intensity to his singing.

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.