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)
Kon! Kon! feat. BloodywoodBABYMETAL
This is a powerful collaborative track by two cross-border acts: Japan’s BABYMETAL and Indian metal band Bloodywood.
It’s an overwhelming fusion of BABYMETAL’s signature catchiness with a heavy sound infused with Indian folk music.
The lyrics—rapidly weaving through Japanese, English, and Hindi—embody their determination to break down cultural barriers and move forward together into the future.
This track will be included on the album “METAL FORTH,” slated for release in August 2025.
The feverish energy born from this intercultural chemistry may very well give you goosebumps.
Start Our JourneyHAGANE
A harmonic metal number that belts out the spirit of chasing dreams over a rush-filled sound.
It’s a track by the all-female heavy metal band HAGANE, released digitally in December 2024.
Composed by guitarist Sakura and written by vocalist Nagiki, the lyrics—expressing a strong resolve to “protect what matters” and the bonds with loved ones—leave a lasting impression.
It’s a must-listen not only for fans of heavy music but also for anyone who wants to look ahead and keep pushing forward.
Masterpieces of Japanese metal. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
We AreAldious
This is a song by Aldious, a rare girls’ metal band in Japan.
It’s the title track of their 2017 mini-album “We Are.” It’s a classic sound in metal music.
The clear, pure vocals of Re:NO are truly moving.
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.
Don’t Bite The DustLOVEBITES
The highly addictive guitar riff is cool.
It’s a song by the girls’ metal band LOVEBITES.
It’s included on their 2017 mini-album “THE LOVEBITES EP.” The energetic vocals are deeply moving.
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.
I am a storm.SHOW-YA
SHOW-YA, a pioneering presence among Japanese girl bands.
Their song “Watashi wa Arashi” (“I Am a Storm”) was released in 1989 as their ninth single.
The vocals strike a great balance of power and femininity.
It gained attention after being featured in a commercial.