[2026] Essential Japanese Loud Rock Anthems for Beginners
Although it falls under the category of so-called “wasei-eigo,” the term “loud rock” is widely used in today’s music scene.
As the name suggests, it’s a genre centered on loud, intense guitar sounds while encompassing a broad range of elements.
A disc guide themed around “loud rock” was already published back in 1999, so its history is surprisingly long.
But for music fans who’ve only recently gotten into loud rock and are thinking, “I kind of get the image of what loud rock is, but where should I start listening?”, this piece introduces a curated selection of essential classic tracks from the Japanese loud rock scene.
From legendary bands to up-and-coming acts making waves in recent years, be sure to check out these standout tracks representing the many shades of “loud rock.”
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[2026] Essential Japanese Loud Rock Masterpieces for Beginners (11–20)
SUPER NATURAL HIGH (feat. Tsubaki)Paledusk
Paledusk, who soared from Fukuoka’s electrifying scene to the world stage.
This track, included on their highly anticipated self-titled album PALEDUSK released in November 2025, is a striking hybrid number featuring Okinawa-born rapper Tsubaki.
It was also used as an insert song for the TV anime Gachiakuta, and its intense yet heartrending sound—mirroring the story’s heat—hits you right in the heart.
The lyrics, which convey a strong resolve to shake off the surrounding noise and choose your own future with your own steps, are especially memorable.
The section where KAITO’s screams intersect with Tsubaki’s skillful rap is pure adrenaline, sending your heart rate soaring just by listening.
Put this on when you want to break through your limits or ignite your fighting spirit.
A Fact Of LifeFACT
A renowned Japanese Noh-mask band that regretfully disbanded.
While on an overseas tour, they were involved in a car accident and faced many other misfortunes, overcoming numerous hardships as a band.
During live performances, they remove their Noh masks.
Their guitar playing is characterized by the use of a Whammy pedal.
found & lostSurvive Said The Prophet
Survive Said The Prophet has been gaining attention at home and abroad for their sound, which fuses diverse musical styles around a post-hardcore core.
Their emotional songs—driven by powerful guitar riffs and a bilingual vocal that deftly shifts between English and Japanese—embody the very essence of loud rock.
Written as the opening theme for the TV anime BANANA FISH, which aired starting in July 2018, this track captivated many listeners with a sound that perfectly synced with the anime’s world.
Included on the album s p a c e [ s ], the song marked an important step toward their major-label debut.
Blending intensity with melodic elements, it’s an ideal entry point for music fans newly interested in loud rock, as well as those looking to explore post-hardcore sounds from Japan.
THE NEW ERANOISEMAKER
A leading loud-mixture band from Hokkaido.
Having risen from the indie scene, they boast solid talent.
With strong shades of grunge and punk, their good melodies—woven by vocalist AG’s clear, translucent voice—never fail to captivate listeners.
WIND BACKPaledusk
PALEDUSK is a loud rock band born in Fukuoka.
They started in 2014 and first drew attention as a young metalcore band, but now they’re a cutting-edge group pushing into new musical territory beyond genres.
Their latest loud rock always surprises with its fresh, forward-looking sound while keeping the intensity and heaviness intact.
Recently, they’ve been sharing stages with melodic hardcore bands and drawing new attention from a variety of scenes.
Their distinctive members are another reason for their popularity.
Be sure to check them out on social media and YouTube!
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
A band that first drew attention for having an idol—former NEWS vocalist Taka—front a group playing intense rock.
Since 2013, their original albums have boasted top-tier sales for rock, a genre that’s not very prevalent in the modern era.
[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces in Japanese Loud Rock [Must-Listen for Beginners] (21–30)
Until You Die OutFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
This track, released by the Kobe-born electrocore band Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas as the ending theme for the anime Ninja to Gokudou, features an intense sound where synth textures and screams collide.
The interplay of clean vocals and shouts is quintessentially their style.
The lyrics, themed around life and death, express the resolve of those living the harsh fates of ninjas and gangsters.
It was released digitally in October 2025, with the music video dropping alongside the anime’s broadcast.
A must-listen for fans of heavy music.