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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Classic Japanese metal tracks. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Ready to RockBAND-MAID
An irresistible track with a powerful hard rock sound! Released in April 2025 by BAND-MAID, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Rock Is a Lady’s Refinement.” This energetic number fuses forceful guitar riffs with driving drum beats to create a stunning sonic experience.
You can also enjoy the synergy between the lyrics—centered on self-realization and passion—and the music.
In producing the anime, the band members themselves handled the motion capture, faithfully recreating realistic performance scenes, which became a hot topic.
Give it a listen when you want to recharge your energy or push forward toward a new goal!
IKIZAMAEast Of Eden
A powerful message that leads you toward a positive way of life resonates deeply.
It’s a track from East Of Eden’s first full album, “The First Eden – Seeds Of Hope,” released in March 2025.
Co-produced by MEG, known for writing songs for BABYMETAL, and Hayato Yamamoto, who has also worked on arrangements for DECO*27.
A bold venture into Japanese-style progressive metalcore! You’ll be drawn into its unique sound where guitar riffs intertwine with violin.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to reconsider the importance of living true to themselves!
ScarfaceEACH OF THE DAYS
This is a song by Each Of The Days, a metalcore band from Aichi Prefecture.
It’s included on their first album, SWEET CARRION, released in 2011.
The song’s momentum conveys a strong sense of emotion.
el doradoSeikima II
Seikima-II, made famous in living rooms across Japan through Demon Kogure’s persona, is in fact a thoroughly orthodox metal band, quite different from that image.
On “el dorado,” the technical rhythm section interlocks with twin guitars, and Demon Kogure’s richly expressive vocals are a major highlight.
Even those who think they won’t like it should give it a listen.
Wax MuseumSeikima II
When people are asked about Japanese metal bands, many probably think of them.
The representative song of Seikima-II, led by His Excellency Demon, is “House of Wax.” The line “Shall I turn you into a wax doll too?!” is famous, and the song itself has a heavy, cool sound.
The Kouga Ninja ScrollsOnmyoza
This song became a hot topic after being chosen as the opening theme for the anime Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls.
It was released as a single in 2005 by Onmyo-za, a band with a Japanese-style metal sound that enjoys strong popularity overseas.
The soaring vocals pierce the heart.
kamikazeNoGoD
Would this be considered visual kei, I wonder? A technique-driven band centered around their white-painted vocalist, the leader, featuring multi-string guitars and bass.
An uptempo track that becomes a highlight at their live shows.
The chorus after the break is especially superb—it really makes you want to shout along.