Japanese metalcore bands. A roundup of J-metalcore bands that have undergone unique evolution.

Dark cageA Ghost Of Flare

A Ghost of Flare – Dark cage | Official Music Video

A Ghost Of Flare is a metalcore band formed in 2009.

Despite numerous lineup changes since their formation, they have pursued a unique brand of metalcore that strongly evokes elements of melodic hardcore—melodic yet never losing its aggression.

In addition to a diverse range of vocal styles, their guitar riffs combine technicality with relentless drive and are a must-hear.

Strings are also used effectively throughout their songs, showcasing their strong songwriting sensibilities.

DIVE TO THE GROUNDFOAD

FOAD / DIVE TO THE GROUND (official music video)

While rooted in post-hardcore, FOAD from Yokohama is a band I’d like to introduce for the metallic edge you can feel in their tight rhythms.

Even overseas, metalcore that leans metal and metalcore that leans hardcore are often discussed in slightly different scenes, but FOAD could be called a rare act that bridges that gap.

In 2019, they faced their first member departure since forming and temporarily paused live activities, but in 2020 they made their long-awaited return.

Broken Toys in AtticHONE YOUR SENSE

HONE YOUR SENSE『Broken Toys in Attic』MUSIC VIDEO

Metal Battle, held in countries around the world, is a competition for a spot at the globally renowned German metal festival Wacken Open Air.

In 2012, HONE YOUR SENSE won the inaugural Metal Battle Japan—the first ever held in the country—and took the stage at Wacken Open Air.

While their sound is a modern deathcore armed with harmony riffs rooted in melodic death metal, they also develop a new generation of metal through a unique approach, incorporating elements like shuffle beats in certain songs.

BrothersssEDGE OF SPIRIT

EDGE OF SPIRIT – Brothersss

Formed in 1997 in Kobe, this band has released albums on Sony Music.

With melodious electric guitar sounds, aggressive drums, and powerful vocals, they whip their live audiences into a frenzy.

Last FaithJILUKA

JILUKA – Last Faith (Official Music Video)

It’s well known that many bona fide metal bands have emerged from the visual kei scene, and among them, the metalcore band drawing attention is JILUKA, formed in 2015.

Their metalcore sound, with melodies carried by clean vocals, actually feels refreshingly novel when heard today.

In addition to the vivid, shredding guitar work, pay attention to the drumming, which adds dynamic contrast to the songs with tight bass drum patterns reminiscent of modern extreme metal.

Mortal PredictionVictim of Deception

Victim of Deception – Mortal Prediction [Official Music Video]

Victim of Deception, a leading force in Japan’s deathcore scene, was formed in 2014.

Armed with blisteringly fast blast beats and razor-sharp guitar riffs that are modern yet at times imbued with hardcore elements, their brutal deathcore sound can be considered one of the genre’s pinnacles in Japan.

Despite the tragedy of their vocalist passing away suddenly due to illness in 2017, they made a comeback in 2018 with a new vocalist.

Mind HavenMAKE MY DAY

MAKE MY DAY – Mind Haven

MAKE MY DAY is a band formed in 2014.

After the vocalist left in 2013, ASHLEY SCARED THE SKY brought their activities to a close and restarted under the new name.

While shifting somewhat from their previous band’s sound—which included electronic elements—they deliver a straightforward, gutsy, classic metalcore sound centered on powerful shout vocals.

At the same time, their melodic parts have a striking freshness that even evokes melodic punk.

If you like loud music, you’ll definitely find yourself nodding along!