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!

Masterpieces of Japanese metal music. Recommended popular songs (71–80)

destroyGARGOYLE

Gargoyle – Destroy (G-Manual Version)

destroyGARGOYLE

A veteran thrash band known for their outlandish costumes and cohesive concept.

This track, “destroy,” is a high-speed tune that showcases GARGOYLE’s signature style.

The repeated chants of “destroy” in the chorus are sure to fire up the crowd at shows.

KIBA’s persona and raspy growl give him a one-of-a-kind presence even within the Japanese metal scene.

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The One To BreakHead Phones President

HEAD PHONES PRESIDENT / The One To Break (OFFICIAL)

The One To BreakHead Phones President

This track features a catchy four-on-the-floor rhythm, a heavy, weighty guitar tone, and the clear, transparent vocals of ANZA.

It’s included on the Tokyo-born band HEAD PHONES PRESIDENT’s 2014 album “Disillusion.” A dynamic, melodic metal number.

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Flower of WisdomMINSTRELIX

MinstreliX Wisdom Blossom MV -full ver.- (Official) from album “CHRONOSTRINGS”

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.

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my final dayOutrage

OUTRAGE – MY FINAL DAY(XXX Edit)

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.

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Metal SaberSABBRABELLS

SABBRABELLS-Metal Sabel

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.

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