[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands
In Japan, large-scale rock festivals keep increasing, and the popularity of rock bands is really on the rise! On subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music, band tracks frequently appear in playlists and rankings, so I’m sure many of you listen to them regularly.
As opportunities to encounter rock bands grow like this, I bet more and more people are getting interested in the domestic rock scene.
That said, there are so many rock bands out there that you might be thinking, “I don’t even know where to start listening…” That’s why in this article, I’ll introduce rock bands you should definitely check out, in recommended order! Start by listening to the bands introduced at the beginning of this article!
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[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (61–70)
Make it crisp!Gacharic Spin
Among Japanese girl bands, perhaps they’re the most deserving of being called the real powerhouse.
Their performance and technique are so strong that talking about male versus female feels pointless—each of them is skilled enough to release their own instructional video.
EMOTION POTIONTHE BAWDIES
Formed on January 1, 2004.
This four-piece band has been gaining popularity with songs rooted in rock ’n’ roll and their fiery live performances.
The vocalist ROY’s unbelievably thick, powerful voice—hard to believe he’s Japanese—is full of appeal! Combined with the heavy instrumentation, it makes for a truly cool track.
Ego Search & DestroyDoresukōzu
This is a track included on the 2017 album “Heibon” (“Ordinary”).
It has an easy-listening pop sound, but the lyrics carry a lot of depth, making you reflect on the word “heibon,” the album’s title.
The clever, twisty music video is also a must-see.
Dreams, Bach, and CaffeineThe Birthday
A four-piece rock band formed around Yusuke Chiba, formerly of Thee Michelle Gun Elephant.
Chiba’s insanely cool raspy voice is one of a kind.
With its languid, laid-back vibe, striking guitar work, and Chiba’s vocals, this track is just unbelievably cool!
HypocrisyC-GATE
Based in Tokyo, C-GATE is a post-metalcore band formed in Nagano in 2012.
The members are vocalist NaShun, guitarist/vocalist Ryo Sakura, bassist Johnny, and drummer/vocalist Hiroki.
Their hallmark is a heavy, technical sound that ferociously fuses elements of death metal and hardcore.
After self-releasing their album “void” in 2016, they overcame lineup changes and accelerated their activities.
In March 2022, their track “Eat ’em all” topped Japan’s metal top songs chart, solidifying their credentials.
Their sound, which marries uncompromising aggression with architectural precision, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners seeking true metalcore.
Self-HatredDEXCORE
DEXCORE is a visual-kei metalcore band based in Nagoya.
Formed in October 2016, they launched their career that December with the digital single “The Dead Sea.” Their distinctive “DEX sound,” which fuses the ferocity of metalcore and deathcore with the dramatic melodies characteristic of visual kei, quickly drew attention.
In 2020, they released their first full-length album, [METEMPSYCHOSIS.], earning acclaim within the scene.
Let vocalist Kagami’s beastly shouts and contrastingly sweet, delicate clean vocals capture your heart!
MAGENTADevil’s Inlay
Centered around guitarist MON, Devil’s Inlay is a metalcore band formed in Osaka in 2013, known for their powerful, hard-hitting sound.
They released the EP “EVOKE” in August 2015 and followed up with the mini-album “DIARY OF A CROW” in 2017.
With thrashy guitar riffs, a heavyweight rhythm section, and roar-based vocals fused together, they embody a classic, straight-down-the-line style.
They’re the perfect band for anyone who wants to fully experience the pure, aggressive appeal of metalcore.