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 (31–40)
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.
The Dazzle of the EndHeaven in Her Arms
As the intro with its catastrophic riffs and screeches suggests, the composition’s dark tone is the very embodiment of “the end.” It’s no exaggeration to say their ability to give form to an abstract, conceptual world through sound has reached a one-and-only level.
A track to listen to quietly in your room at night, as if it could wash away all the bad things.
Build Your Dreams On My Shattered HopesRemembering Sensation
A classic by Remembering Sensation, led by the genius vocalist Isam.
This track exemplifies screamo with its high level of craftsmanship, and while it enjoyed fervent support mainly among die-hard fans, the band disbanded at the end of 2013 after Isam’s departure, unable to find a replacement vocalist.
The clean vocals evoked a Nordic vibe, and the varied death vocals truly stood out.
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.
DESPERATENOCTURNAL BLOODLUST
Formed in Tokyo in 2009, NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST is a band rooted in metalcore and deathcore, known for its unique style that fuses the aesthetic sensibilities of the visual kei scene.
They launched full-scale activities in 2011 with a two-part single and went on to produce works such as the album “THE OMNIGOD.” A key attraction is their varied approach from release to release, even incorporating elements of nu metal and jazz.
In 2016, they embarked on a European tour and earned international acclaim.
Immerse yourself in their technical performances and beautiful melodies that shine amid their intense sound.
Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo and Post-Hardcore Bands (41–50)
The Ark Sailing Over TruthASHLEY SCARED THE SKY
The final work of ASHLEY SCARED THE SKY, the predecessor to MAKE MY DAY.
At that time, they made strongly pop-oriented songs, with Kentaro’s shouted vocals as an accent and guitarist-vocalist Julian delivering clean vocals.
MAKE MY DAY continues to be active today with Isam, who left Remembering Sensation, joining the band.
ScarfaceEACH OF THE DAYS
A metalcore band from Nagoya known for crafting a wide-ranging sound, including incorporating percussion among its members.
While their vocal style makes extensive use of shouts, it also carries a certain melancholy in the melodies.
Their loud, metalcore-typical performance and sound are accented with elements like twin-lead guitars, creating a style that sets them apart from other bands.
Although they announced a hiatus in 2018, they are an artist who has achieved popularity beyond Japan, including a U.S.
debut and releases in South Korea.
In conclusion
We’ve put together and introduced Japanese screamo bands under a fairly broad definition.
Among them, there are bands leaning more toward metalcore, emo, or hardcore, each with its own distinct flavor.
In recent years, it’s also common to group the bands featured here under the umbrella of post-hardcore, which makes drawing clear lines increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, treat these genre labels as guidelines, and enjoy exploring the many songs from many different bands!