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!
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Masterpieces of Japanese metal music. Recommended popular songs (71–80)
Flower of WisdomMINSTRELIX
A melodic speed metal band formed by guitarist TAKAO.
Their beautiful melodies reflect the influence of their past activities in the visual-kei scene.
The guitar work is top-tier and highly acclaimed.
This track is a fast, technical tune that epitomizes MINSTRELIX.
The keyboard and guitar battle in the middle is a must-hear.
my final dayOutrage
A veteran thrash metal band that debuted in 1987.
This track has a straightforward feel that shows Metallica’s influence, and the vocal style also seems to be modeled after Metallica.
For thrash metal, the vocal melody line is quite clear, making it a very accessible song.
Metal SaberSABBRABELLS
This song features striking lyrics reminiscent of medieval battles.
It’s a track by SABBRABELLS, a heavy metal band active in the 1980s.
It was included on their 1985 mini-album “DOG FIGHT.” Their stage costumes also frequently drew attention during live performances.
The Tangerine SongSEX MACHINEGUNS
Isn’t this a song that’s particularly well-known in Ehime Prefecture? It was released in 1999 by the metal band SEX MACHINEGUNS.
As the title and lyrics suggest, it’s about Ehime’s specialty, mikan (mandarin oranges).
However, the sound is genuinely hardcore.
Mistress 28SEX MACHINEGUNS
SEX MACHINEGUNS, a band that has gone through numerous lineup changes.
This song is from the period when the most technically skilled members were together.
In particular, the high-speed phrases in the guitar solo played by Panther are a must-hear.
Aside from anchang, the vocalist-guitarist, the members from this period later formed CYCLE.
The Transfiguration FearSIGH
Sigh is a Japanese black metal band that originated in Japan and is well-known overseas, especially in Europe.
The song in the video is included on their 2012 album In Somniphobia.
Just when you think it’s an epic-sounding track, reggae elements make an appearance, and there are also phrases incorporating brass instruments—its wide-ranging musicality is truly impressive.
kaedit nos pestisSIGH
An avant-garde metal band that has repeatedly changed its musical style.
Their sound is so complex and enigmatic that it defies the boundaries of metal.
The whirlwind-like shifts in their song structures grow more impressive the more you listen.
They began performing overseas quite early and earned recognition there.
Their saxophonist, Dr.
Mikannibal, has an unusual background as a PhD holder and researcher from the University of Tokyo.