[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 (41–50)
OH！SHISHAMO
The three-piece girls’ band SHISHAMO has continued to release cute, pop rock tunes and has become popular especially among the younger generation.
While girls’ bands are often thought to have mostly male fans, SHISHAMO is known for having many young female fans.
Many listeners relate to their lyrics, which are written from a uniquely female perspective!
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.
undiscoveredDoes It Escape Again
Does It Escape Again captivates with a sound that fuses passionate melodies and lyrical sonic textures.
They are a band rooted in emo and post-hardcore.
In June 2014 they released the EP “CODA,” followed by their first full-length album “meniscus” the next year.
Although they disbanded in 2017, they reunited once in 2020 to release their first career-spanning best-of compilation, “ONE AND ONLY ART.” Their emotionally charged Japanese rock, transcending the bounds of metalcore, will resonate deeply with listeners seeking that sound.
ScarfaceEACH OF THE DAYS
EACH OF THE DAYS is a metalcore band formed in Nagoya in 2007.
Brought together at the invitation of vocalist Norio, they began performing with a distinctive six-member lineup that includes a female drummer and a percussionist.
In 2009, they drew major attention when their demo track was selected for the soundtrack of the worldwide horror film SAW VI.
In 2011, they released the album Sweet Carrion.
Their appeal lies in a technical sound that blends intensity with lyricism.
They’re a must-listen for anyone seeking a band that can stand shoulder to shoulder with overseas heavy music acts.
RONOVEGIVEN BY THE FLAMES
GIVEN BY THE FLAMES, a Japanese gothic metalcore band formed in 2013, captivates with a worldview that beckons listeners into the darkness.
They have established a distinctive style that fuses heavy sound with dark, majestic melodies.
Notable tracks include “RONOVE” and “PURGING NIGHT,” and in 2020 they released their first full-length album, “13.” Their intense yet beautiful, dramatic sound is perfect for listeners who want to immerse themselves in a weighty, atmospheric world.
The Rectitude PulsationSOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
SOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS is a five-piece melodic metalcore band where passionate shouts intersect with refined melodies.
They began their career around 2016, briefly changed their name to Eversolitude around 2020, and later returned to performing as SOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.
They have continued to release music independently, and their EP “Beyond Causality” received high praise from overseas media.
If you’re a fan of bands like August Burns Red, you’ll likely be captivated by their technical sound.
STAY TUNESuchmos
Formed in 2013 by six friends.
The band’s name comes from the nickname of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, Satchmo.
Many listeners are hooked by their airy sound and the pleasing flow of their lyrics.
Their popularity took off with STAY TUNE, which was featured in a commercial.