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 J-metal masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (81–90)

Mistress 28SEX MACHINEGUNS

SEX MACHINEGUNS – Mistress 28

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

LONERSLY

LONER (PV) – SLY

LONERSLY

SLY is a band formed by members from groups like LOUDNESS and EARTHSHAKER.

“LONER” is included on their second album, “DREAMS OF DUST,” released in 1995.

Its lively, Latin music-like rhythm really sticks in your ears.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

kingdom comeSLY

Sly Kingdom Come

kingdom comeSLY

A band formed mainly by Minoru Niihara and Munetaka Higuchi, who had temporarily left LOUDNESS.

While keeping the same musical style, the album maintains a high level of tension throughout, resulting in a heavy and serious atmosphere.

“kingdom come” is a speed tune where the rough guitar and the weight of the bass and drums feel great.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

aristocrat’s symphonyVersailles

Versailles / Aristocrat’s Symphony [Official Music Video]

aristocrat's symphonyVersailles

A band formed by KAMIJO, who used to be a roadie for MALICE MIZER.

Like MALICE MIZER, they pursue a meticulous visual concept, recreating the image of 18th-century France.

The music is speed symphonic metal, and the fast twin-guitar harmonies feel great.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

San FranciscoKinniku Shoujo Tai

Muscle Girl Band – San Francisco

San FranciscoKinniku Shoujo Tai

A heavy metal band led by Kenji Otsuki, who’s well known for his activities outside the band.

Coming from Nagomu Records, they generally occupy something of a novelty/oddity position, but this song is a masterpiece where you can fully savor Fumihiko Kitsutaka’s soulful, weeping guitar and Satoshi Mishiba’s keyboards.

Be sure to listen closely to Kenji Otsuki’s profound lyrics as well.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem