Japanese metalcore bands. A roundup of J-metalcore bands that have undergone unique evolution.
Japanese bands like Crossfaith and coldrain have earned high praise overseas.
The genre they represent—metalcore—combines elements of metal and hardcore: chugging guitar riffs, breakdowns, shouted vocals, and death growls.
Bands creatively blend a variety of elements, such as djent-influenced technical guitar phrases, colorful synth-driven sounds, and beautifully melodic choruses.
Be sure to check out Japan’s distinctive and diverse metalcore bands!
- Fast and cool! A popular melodic hardcore band in Japan
- Japanese metal bands. From classic to unique, popular bands in Japan’s metal scene.
- Classic hardcore punk tracks. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces and popular songs by Crossfaith
- Masterpieces and popular songs by coldrain
- A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene.
- Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo/Post-Hardcore Bands
- Japanese girl bands: recommended popular bands
- [Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- A masterpiece of Japanese mix-genre music. Recommended popular songs.
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
Japanese metalcore bands. A roundup of uniquely evolved Japanese metalcore bands (11–20)
HypocrisyC-GATE
Based in Tokyo, C-GATE is a post-metalcore band formed in Nagano in 2012.
The members are vocalist NaShun, guitarist/vocalist Ryo Sakura, bassist Johnny, and drummer/vocalist Hiroki.
Their hallmark is a heavy, technical sound that ferociously fuses elements of death metal and hardcore.
After self-releasing their album “void” in 2016, they overcame lineup changes and accelerated their activities.
In March 2022, their track “Eat ’em all” topped Japan’s metal top songs chart, solidifying their credentials.
Their sound, which marries uncompromising aggression with architectural precision, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners seeking true metalcore.
HAZEFalling Asleep
Falling Asleep is a band known for its DIY style, with Hiroki at the center handling almost all aspects of production.
Based in Tokyo, the band has been highly active in the studio: after releasing the album “HEAVEN’S WHERE OUR SOULS BELONG” in 2023, they followed up with “DIE OR RIDE” in 2024.
While their sound is rooted in edgy rock, they boldly incorporate elements of electro and J-pop, placing them beyond the conventional framework of metalcore.
They’re sure to captivate listeners in search of a new musical experience!
RONOVEGIVEN BY THE FLAMES
GIVEN BY THE FLAMES, a Japanese gothic metalcore band formed in 2013, captivates with a worldview that beckons listeners into the darkness.
They have established a distinctive style that fuses heavy sound with dark, majestic melodies.
Notable tracks include “RONOVE” and “PURGING NIGHT,” and in 2020 they released their first full-length album, “13.” Their intense yet beautiful, dramatic sound is perfect for listeners who want to immerse themselves in a weighty, atmospheric world.
RepulsionUNWAVERING
UNWAVERING, based in Nagoya, is a metalcore band formed in 2018 around vocalist Yosuke.
The members are twin guitarists Hayate and H.Y.T, bassist Kazz, and support drummer Kakeru.
They began their activities in 2019 with the EP “Departure,” and have since steadily released works such as the album “DAWN” and the single “TRAUMA.” Their musical style has been described as “etched into the soul.” Their intense yet emotional sound hints at new possibilities for Japan’s metalcore scene.
BereavementGraupel
Answering the question “What kind of music is so-called ‘metalcore’?” is quite difficult, and that very ambiguity is part of what makes the genre so fascinating and expansive.
In that context, Graupel may be the band delivering the purest form of metalcore in the Japanese scene.
Since their formation in 2014, they’ve remained a leading band of the current generation, consistently producing solid, muscular metalcore while incorporating elements of djent and hardcore.
9 SMILESPaledusk
Formed in 2015, Paledusk is a band from Fukuoka.
Despite being a young act, they’ve remained at the forefront of the domestic scene with a powerful metalcore sound rooted in hardcore.
While openly expressing respect for leading bands like Crossfaith and coldrain, they’re defined by modern, solid guitar riffs that go beyond those influences.
The tightness of their breakdowns and the visceral heaviness—more than just low tuning—demonstrate the ferocity of their attack and their technical prowess.
Japanese metalcore bands. A roundup of uniquely evolved Japanese metalcore bands (21–30)
EmbersSable Hills
Sable Hills is a band whose solid, straight-down-the-line sound makes you want to shout, “This is metalcore!” and they’ve earned high praise across the metal scene.
With melodic riffs reminiscent of early Scandinavian melodic death metal and exquisitely crafted songs that stay modern and polished without losing their forward drive, it’s no exaggeration to say their tracks are packed with the fire that today’s younger metal bands bring.
Even for listeners unfamiliar with metalcore, they’re a band we hope you’ll check out simply as “cool, contemporary metal.”