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)
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.
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.
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.
Two MessesCRAZY N’ SANE
A fusion of shouts and rap metal from seven rabbit-masked members.
Released in March 2020, this work channels inner turmoil through fierce guitar riffs and multilayered vocal work.
Having relaunched, CRAZY N’ SANE poured their intent into a song title that signifies dual chaos, embedding psychological themes open to diverse interpretations—from social division to personal conflict.
Featured on the album “TWO / TWO,” it unleashes a highly distinctive hybrid sound that skillfully weaves nu metal and hip-hop.
A track that resonates with those grappling with inner struggles or a sense of alienation—one we strongly recommend.
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.”
Masterpiece songs of Japanese metal. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
from me to u feat. PoppyBABYMETAL
A quintessential BABYMETAL track that weaves sweet melodies into a heavy metal sound, released in April 2025 and included on the album “METAL FORTH.” Its collaboration with singer Poppy drew a lot of attention.
The passionate lyric “Charge forward, fueled by anger” leaves a strong impression.
With its powerful beat perfectly balanced by pop sensibilities, this song is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.
INCOMPLETEcoldrain
coldrain, the “melodious loud rock” band that Nagoya proudly presents to the world.
Since forming in 2007, they’ve been active not only in Japan but overseas as well, consistently leading the scene for years with a truly world-class sound—no introduction needed.
Their track INCOMPLETE, released in March 2025, is a quintessentially aggressive yet melodic number in their signature style.
Drummer Katsuma’s performance—sometimes supporting, sometimes driving the ensemble as it fluidly shifts between breakneck passages and melodic sections—is nothing short of superb.
The tight playing in the intro crafts a unique tension and stokes the listener’s anticipation, and it’s seriously cool.
There’s also a Drum Cam video of this track on his official YouTube channel, so be sure to check that out too!
