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 (21–30)
Drift ApartSailing Before The Wind
Sailing Before The Wind operates in a unique style centered around bassist Bitoku, with vocals, guitar, and drums performed by live members.
Perhaps thanks to this approach, their songs are marked by a relentless commitment to structural beauty.
From technically intricate guitar riffs meticulously crafted down to the stereo panning, to bass drum patterns that suggest djent-like complexity without ever becoming mechanical, their compositions exude an almost aesthetic philosophy—one listen is enough to get many listeners hooked.
Broken Toys in AtticHONE YOUR SENSE
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.
Japanese metalcore bands. A roundup of uniquely evolved Japanese metalcore bands (31–40)
Mind HavenMAKE MY DAY
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!
DIVE TO THE GROUNDFOAD
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.
BrothersssEDGE OF SPIRIT
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.
Face To FaceBreak Your Fist
A metalcore band based in Tokyo, formed in 2007.
They perform aggressive metal and are well known for their melodic guitar sound.
Blending elements of metal and hardcore, their songwriting is crafted to a high standard.
Last FaithJILUKA
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.