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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Masterpiece songs of Japanese metal. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
LONERSLY
SLY is a band formed by members from groups like LOUDNESS and EARTHSHAKER.
“LONER” is included on their second album, “DREAMS OF DUST,” released in 1995.
Its lively, Latin music-like rhythm really sticks in your ears.
Premeditated revengeMakishimamu Za Horumon
It’s a song packed with comedy, momentum, and sheer coolness.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the four-piece band Maximum the Hormone.
It’s included as the first track on their 2013 album “Yoshu Fukushu.” For the younger generation, they might just be the face of metal.
TraceDEXCORE
A song that powerfully questions the value of one’s existence and the importance of memory was released in May 2025 alongside the album WE WERE HERE.
Built on a foundation of metalcore and deathcore, DEXCORE weaves heavy guitar riffs and dynamically shifting melodies into an exquisitely balanced piece.
Within its aggressive progression breathes delicate emotional expression, and the contrast between ferocious shouts and clean vocals resonates deeply.
The track carries a message of a soul’s cry—expressing a strong will to overcome inner conflict and the sense of loss over what’s slipping away, while holding hope for the future.
To celebrate the release of WE WERE HERE, a collaboration event will be held at ROCKAHOLIC in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from May 20 to 26.
It’s a song for those who connect with the profound humanity hidden within intense music and for listeners seeking a new frontier in heavy music.
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!
shine onANTHEM
A veteran Japanese heavy metal band.
They’ve gone through many lineup changes; the vocalists, in particular, have alternated between Eizo Sakamoto and Yukio Morikawa, making for a complex rotation.
This song is from the 2014 Yukio Morikawa era and showcases Morikawa’s powerful vocals.
The exceptional stability that only veterans possess is truly impressive.
ROAD RACERLOUDNESS
LOUDNESS, also known for being the first Japanese artists to perform on the stage of Madison Square Garden, released “ROAD RACER” as their third single in 1983.
It teaches the importance of following the path you believe in.
S.D.ILOUDNESS
LOUDNESS, formed around Akira Takasaki and Munetaka Higuchi after leaving Lazy, has been active on the world stage since the 1980s, still boasts a large fan base, and regularly performs overseas.
Their speed tune S.D.I.
stands out with the powerful drums featuring a single large-diameter bass drum and a memorable verse section played with tapping (right-hand technique).