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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Masterpieces of Japanese metal. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
Color from Outer Spaceningen ishi
The suspicious, alluring tone and the literary, pure-fiction-style lyrics are really cool.
It’s a track by the three-piece band Ningen Isu.
It’s included on their best-of album “This World Is a Dream: 25th Anniversary Best Album,” released in 2014.
It’s a metal song brimming with Japanese character.
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.
Song 3BABYMETAL x Slaughter To Prevail
This track, “Song 3,” which blends Japan-born Kawaii metal with Russia-born deathcore, was released in May 2025.
It’s a concept piece built around the number “3,” letting you experience a rush of humor and coolness at the same time.
The heavy deathcore sound meshes perfectly with catchy melodies, making it seriously addictive.
It’s featured on both BABYMETAL’s album “METAL FORTH” and Slaughter To Prevail’s album “GRIZZLY.”
No Standing Still44MAGNUM
A powerful yet melodious track that effortlessly leaps across the boundary between hard rock and metal.
Its razor-sharp guitar riffs and thunderous drumming fuse brilliantly, whipping listeners into a frenzy.
The compelling vocals ring out like an anthem for those pursuing their dreams.
Known as one of the band’s signature songs, it was included on the 1983 album “DANGER.” It can be said to embody the very core of 44MAGNUM’s musical identity.
A must-listen for anyone harboring burning passion or seeking the courage to keep moving forward.
LOTUSDIR EN GREY
Although they have a strong image as a visual kei band, their sound is pure metal music.
DIR EN GREY is a five-member band from Osaka Prefecture.
“LOTUS” was released in 2011 as their 26th single.
The sweet, whisper-like vocals are sultry and wonderful.
Masterpiece songs of Japanese metal. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
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.
The Transfiguration FearSIGH
Sigh is a Japanese black metal band that originated in Japan and is well-known overseas, especially in Europe.
The song in the video is included on their 2012 album In Somniphobia.
Just when you think it’s an epic-sounding track, reggae elements make an appearance, and there are also phrases incorporating brass instruments—its wide-ranging musicality is truly impressive.