Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

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!

Classic Japanese metal tracks. Recommended popular songs (61–70)

the bloodthirsty princeGYZE

RYUJIN (GYZE) – The Bloodthirsty Prince 【Official Music Video】(Japanese metal)

the bloodthirsty princeGYZE

A three-piece melodic death metal band that is active not only in Japan but also overseas.

“the bloodthirsty prince” features intensely sorrowful melodies reminiscent of CHILDREN OF BODOM, and its melodic lines are exceptionally beautiful.

They are already signed to a major label, and even greater success is expected from them in the future.

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N.W.OKELLY SIMONZ’S BLIND FAITH

“N.W.O” – Kelly SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH (Feat:Yama-B)

N.W.OKELLY SIMONZ'S BLIND FAITH

A band led by the legendary guitar demon Kelly SIMONZ, famed for the “Super Guitarist Training Gips” series.

This track, N.W.O, is a high-speed tune that shows clear influences from Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen.

The rapid-fire shredding is incredible, but what really stands out is the stability of the vibrato and bending.

As expected, top-notch.

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S.D.ILOUDNESS

Loudness – S.D.I.

S.D.ILOUDNESS

LOUDNESS, formed around Akira Takasaki and Munetaka Higuchi after leaving Lazy, has been active on the world stage since the 1980s, still boasts a large fan base, and regularly performs overseas.

Their speed tune S.D.I.

stands out with the powerful drums featuring a single large-diameter bass drum and a memorable verse section played with tapping (right-hand technique).

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kaedit nos pestisSIGH

SIGH – “Kaedit Nos Pestis” (Official Video)

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.

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BOXER’S ROADYamaarashi

Yama Arashi “BOXER’S ROAD (SONPUB remix)” (from the album “YAMABIKO,” out on 8/31)

BOXER'S ROADYamaarashi

Yama-Arashi, a pioneering presence in Japan’s rap-metal scene.

Their heavy sound and bouncing rhythms feel great to listen to.

“BOXER’S ROAD” is included on their first album, Yama-Arashi, released in 1997.

Take your time and enjoy the raw energy of their early days.

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