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.
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.
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!
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.”
The Revelationcoldrain
Coldrain’s sound—melodic yet ferocious wall-of-guitar tones, powerful rhythms, and emotionally charged shouted vocals—crystallizes brilliantly in the title track of the album “THE REVELATION.” It’s a hybrid approach that traverses genres from post-hardcore to metalcore, while still boasting catchy melodies and an accessible song structure.
Released in April 2013, “THE REVELATION” was the band’s first simultaneously released worldwide album and debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon charts.
The track was also featured in the official trailer for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, drawing attention both domestically and internationally.
Its energetic, powerful sound makes it a perfect fit for listeners seeking the visceral experience of live houses and festivals.
Masterpiece songs of Japanese metal. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
CALLINGcoldrain
A searing sonic world where heavy, hard-hitting rock intertwines with emotional melodies.
Featured on their seventh album, “Nonnegative,” released in April 2022, this track was created to commemorate coldrain’s 15th anniversary.
Infused with the band’s journey so far and their gratitude to fans, this soulful song showcases Masato’s overwhelming vocal power and shouts that strike straight to the heart.
It has earned high international acclaim, reaching No.
7 on Germany’s Rock Airplay Chart.
Its live debut at VIVA LA ROCK 2022 in Saitama Super Arena sent the venue into a frenzy.
It’s the perfect anthem to push you forward with strength and passion when you need a powerful boost.
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.