Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
When you hear the word “metal,” what kind of image comes to mind?
If you don’t usually listen to it, you might think it’s “noisy” or “scary,” and maybe even feel that it’s “hard to listen to.”
Of course, metal does have those aspects in its musical style and themes—but that’s not all there is to it.
From beautifully composed songs with clear classical influences to tracks with comedic lyrics, there’s a wide variety of music, especially in Japan.
So this time, we’d like to introduce some classic masterpieces of Japanese metal!
- [2026] Classic Japanese hard rock songs: A roundup of must-listen hits
- A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene.
- [Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs
- Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [BABYMETAL] A curated selection of their globally acclaimed masterpieces and fan favorites
- Japanese metal bands. From classic to unique, popular bands in Japan’s metal scene.
- A masterpiece of Japanese mix-genre music. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] A roundup of popular Japanese hard rock bands, including those famous overseas
- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- [Hidden Gem] Japanese Songs You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now
- [For Beginners] Classic LA Metal Anthems: A Roundup of the Most Popular Standards
- Romantic masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] A Must-See for Western Metal Fans! A Roundup of the Latest Popular and Notable Tracks
Classic Japanese metal tracks. Recommended popular songs (61–70)
Brother BishopChurch Of Misery
This is a song by Church Of Misery, a doom metal band from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.
It’s included on the album “Thy Kingdom Scum,” released in 2013.
The heavily distorted guitar sound really unsettles the heart.
SAVIOR NEVER CRYConcerto Moon
The high-speed guitar riffs and the weight of the double bass drums are quintessential metal.
This is the lead track from Concerto Moon’s ninth album, “SAVIOR NEVER CRY,” released in 2011.
The piercing high-tone vocals are utterly captivating.
between life and deathConcerto Moon
A band formed around Norifumi Shima, often hailed as the Japanese Yngwie.
This track also clearly shows Yngwie’s influence.
In the guitar solo’s technical section, the rapid-fire playing interwoven with successive sweep picking is nothing short of impressive—an onslaught of tear-jerking high-speed phrases.
rock the nationDED CHAPLIN
A band formed by Minoru Niihara after leaving LOUDNESS.
With the renowned fusion virtuoso and fretless bassist Toshimi Nagai, along with the “King of Fills” Kozo Suganuma—both masters of technical performance—their playing is absolutely overwhelming.
Enjoy the unrelenting flood of sound that leaves no room to relax from start to finish.
frontierDELUHI
A band formed by LEDA, who used to play bass in GALNERYUS.
They may look like a visual-kei group, but their songs are pure heavy metal.
The lineup is filled with members from metal backgrounds, and the performance level is very high.
The vocalist switches between growls and clean tones, which suits their melodic songs extremely well.
still can’t the deadDOOM
A hardcore metal band also known for having featured Kou Morota, who played a fretless bass with distinctive lines that reflected jazz and prog influences.
His bass work left a profound impact on later generations and is still spoken of as legendary today.
The band had ceased activity due to Morota’s sudden passing, but they made a comeback in 2014.
This track was recorded with the new lineup, and you can expect to savor some truly avant-garde metal.
ANGEL OF SALVATIONGALNERYUS
This piece features Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op.
35.
It’s the title track from ANGEL OF SALVATION, an album released in 2012 by GALNERYUS, a metal band from Osaka Prefecture.
The song sings about the importance of believing in yourself.
It’s classic, straight-ahead metal.