[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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- A masterpiece of Japanese rock. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
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- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
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[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (151–160)
ZessoMr.FanTastiC
Formed in June 2018, the band Mr.FanTastiC made a remarkably quick major debut just one year later, in June 2019.
The vocalist, Megatera Zero, was already known as a utaite active mainly in the “sang it” category on Nico Nico Douga.
Their songs center on an intense rock sound, making them the perfect band for when you want to get pumped up.
advantageOGRE YOU ASSHOLE
A four-piece guitar rock and alternative rock band formed in 2001.
Their uniquely immersive world is highly addictive.
The wonderfully strange lyrics and the distinctive high-toned voice of vocalist Deto are guaranteed to get under your skin.
This song is incredibly striking from the intro and will stick in your head.
PICTURESPay money To my Pain
PTP, a band beloved as a legend in the loud rock scene.
In 2012, their vocalist K suddenly passed away, and the band went on hiatus afterward.
Since then, bassist T$UYO$HI and drummer ZAX have been active in THE BONEZ, and guitarist PABLO has been energetically working as a support guitarist for popular artists like Hyde and LiSA—so many people may know them from those activities.
With a heavy, intense sound, powerful beats, K’s fierce shouts contrasted by beautiful clean tones, and songs ranging from hard-hitting tracks to ballads, they’re a band full of highlights.
It’s still fresh in our memories that they performed at BLARE FEST 2020 with guest vocalists.
That’s Fantastic!Polysics
POLYSICS is known for their electrifying live performances.
This track is the title song from their 2017 album “That’s Fantastic!”.
It incorporates a variety of sounds, and as you listen, you can’t help but start to feel uplifted and have fun.
EternitySALTY DOG
A heavy band sound supports the catchy, approachable melody lines.
The cute female vocals that ride on top with perfect finesse make this band irresistibly cool.
The singer from Norway left due to visa issues.
I wonder what kind of vocalist will join next.
FoodSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI, affectionately known as “SekaOwa,” became popular among younger generations for their fantastical worldview.
Their concerts feature massive stage sets that bring SekaOwa’s fantastic world to life.
The four members are said to live together in a shared house called the “SekaOwa House,” and they’re also known for having many stories that show how close they are.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (161–170)
Mushroom Cat License PlateSHAKALABBITS
At the height of their popularity, they were a charismatic band for young people, drawing the full support of stylish, sensitive band kids.
Although they lacked buzz for a period, they’ve recently been back in the spotlight, with vocalist UKI releasing music videos that they directed.