Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo/Post-Hardcore Bands
Screamo is said to be a music genre that emerged in the 1990s as a derivative of emo and hardcore.
The term itself is thought to blend “scream,” meaning to shout, with “emo,” which refers to emotional elements.
In other words, broadly speaking, screamo is music that adds shouted vocals—such as shouts and growls—to melodies often described as emotional or “emo.” However, today it has closely intertwined and overlapped with metalcore and post-hardcore, making the boundaries difficult to define.
In this article, we’ll introduce bands that are classified as screamo in a broad sense, including those often discussed within the context of these neighboring genres.
Savor the unique appeal of each band—whether it’s the raw power of intense shouts or the poignant beauty of clean vocals woven into that intensity.
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Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo/Post-Hardcore Bands (11–20)
Cinderella syndromehisuterikku panikku
A four-piece rock band formed in 2012, affectionately known as Hispani.
Based in Nagoya—conveniently located for easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka—they’re active across the country at festivals and joint shows.
While their trademarks include shout vocals such as gutturals and growls—often heard in loud rock—and a heavy band sound, their poppy, catchy songs and lyrics laced with wordplay are addictive, making them a standout artist that even non–loud rock fans can enjoy.
BAKEMONOHER NAME IN BLOOD
A five-piece metalcore band formed in 2007 that made its major-label debut in 2015.
With ear-catching guitar riffs delivered over a loud sound, bass and drums that underpin the band with a heavy, tight beat, and vocals that are hard-hitting yet emotional, their songs are packed with elements irresistible to fans of loud music, captivating a wide audience.
Beyond their tough appearance and aggressive sound, their comedic music videos and musicality that hints at a broad background give them a depth that shows they’re more than just hard and heavy—a rock band with real range.
BRAIN WASHTHREE LIGHTS DOWN KINGS
A rock band from Aichi Prefecture that fuses digital sounds like electro and EDM with a robust, full-bodied band sound at a high level.
Their catchy melodies—driven by the lead vocalist’s easy-to-listen-to voice—are contrasted by death-voice choruses that add tension as an accent.
With a musical style that is neither merely catchy nor simply heavy, they’ve become so popular that people say, “When you think Nagoya, you think San-El,” and they’re an artist that suggests new possibilities for pop punk.
Dancing FieldARTEMA
A metalcore band that championed their unique musical style called KIRA☆CORE, fusing programmed digital sounds with a loud band sound.
Their song structures and sonics—where digital and band elements intertwine—set them apart from traditional metalcore, and their songs are highly polished, featuring catchy melodies with a J-pop sensibility that stick in your head.
Although they sadly disbanded in 2016, they are a rock band that left a broad influence on the next generation.
Inside of MeMy limit the universe
This is the Yokohama-based screamo band My limit the universe.
Vocalist Kaito’s fluent, flowing English fits the music so well you might mistake it for Western rock—and it feels great to listen to! Then he hits you with guttural screams as if he’s pouring everything out.
The performance is tender and expressive when it needs to be, and ferocious enough to stir the listener’s emotions when it gets heavy—the contrast between calm and intensity is superb.
A highly recommended band that’s perfect for fans of loud rock who want to go wild in the breakdowns!
KiLLiNG MESiM
A killer tune by SiM, a top artist who appears at festivals nationwide and is now known by everyone.
Rooted in metal, punk, and reggae, the track is crafted into a cool, danceable number.
The moment the intro kicks in, the energy at the festival grounds instantly surges to its peak.
Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo/Post-Hardcore Bands (21–30)
Premeditated revengeMakishimamu Za Horumon
It’s very difficult to categorize their music by genre, but it’s certain that their metal-tinged sound and melody lines incorporating growls and screeches influenced the screamo scene.
At first it sounds like English, but their distinctive lyrics—full of phrases that make you chuckle when you look at the lyric sheet—are still alive and well.