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)
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.
Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
kingdom comeSLY
A band formed mainly by Minoru Niihara and Munetaka Higuchi, who had temporarily left LOUDNESS.
While keeping the same musical style, the album maintains a high level of tension throughout, resulting in a heavy and serious atmosphere.
“kingdom come” is a speed tune where the rough guitar and the weight of the bass and drums feel great.
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.
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.
Empty VesselsGraupel
Graupel is gaining attention as a heavy metal band poised to lead the next generation.
Formed in 2015, they passed an audition in 2017 and made their debut.
Since then, they’ve been active, including embarking on a nationwide tour.
On Empty Vessels, beneath the intensity, you can also feel a cool, emotional edge.
CrossfaithMoNoLith
An electrifying shock of a track inspired by the monolith that triggered apes’ evolution into intelligent life, seamlessly fusing Crossfaith’s weighty message with electronica.
It portrays the protagonist’s inner turmoil—lost in life and struggling through deep despair—through powerful shouts and a destructive sound.
Released in June 2012 as the opener of the mini-album “ZION EP,” it’s known as a work that symbolizes the band’s musical evolution.
Their legendary 2014 performance on the main stage of the UK’s Download Festival, which drove roughly 20,000 fans into a frenzy, is still talked about today.
A gem that resonates with every soul yearning to break out of its shell while confronting inner conflict.
MA-G-MAAION
AION is a heavy metal band from Osaka Prefecture.
Their popularity at the time was such that people said, “X in the East, AION in the West.” “MA-G-MA” is included on the mini-album of the same name released in 1990.
The energetic sound is wonderful.
