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)
grasshopperCOCOBAT
A veteran band centered around bassist TAKESHIT.
The band’s defining trait is TAKESHIT’s snarling, free-roaming, undulating bass.
This track bounces in slap from start to finish.
The drums and guitar lock in tightly, weaving a tense groove.
A signature song that represents the band.
INSANEREACTION
This is a song that can be called both the origin and the very essence of REACTION, the band that made its name roar across the ’80s metal scene.
The raw shouts that hurl inward-swirling passion and the breathless drive of the performance pushed to its limits leave a fierce impression.
The storm-like, raging rhythm section fuses with razor-sharp guitar riffs to shake the listener’s emotions to the core.
This track appears on the indie classic INSANE, released in July 1985; some may know the anecdote that, despite being the label’s very first release, it sold over ten thousand copies.
When you’re seized by inescapable frustration or a sense of stagnation, this pure destructive impulse will blow away the murk in your heart.
Masterpieces of Japanese metal. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
Next Is The Best!Seikima II
The heavy riffs and piercing vocals make you clench your fist without even thinking! This track by Seikima-II is a blast of heavy metal powered by a seven-string guitar, delivering an aggressive sound, and lyrics themed around confidence and challenge that give listeners a powerful push forward.
Demon Kakka’s commanding vocals and the band’s cohesion feel like a declaration of “This is Seikima-II!” The piece was released in June 2025.
If you’re looking for the courage to face difficulties, by the time it ends your spirit will surely be stirred.
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.
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.
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.
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.