A roundup of Japanese loud rock bands: the appeal of ferocious riffs + more
As the name suggests, “loud rock” is a term used as a catch-all for rock that features heavy, intense riffs and phrases, and it began gaining popularity mainly from the late ’90s into the 2000s.
In addition to aggressive riffs and phrases, loud rock often incorporates vocals like death growls and harsh screams, as well as rap.
At the same time, it’s not uncommon to have choruses with beautiful clean tones and approachable melodies; the coexistence of calm and intensity is one of loud rock’s key appeals.
Because of this breadth, loud rock is considered difficult to define, but in this article we’ll take a broader view of the genre and introduce a bunch of recommended bands!
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The Appeal of Intense Riffs + α: A Roundup of Domestic Loud Rock Bands (31–40)
VENGEANCEcoldrain
coldrain is a five-piece rock band from Nagoya.
Since forming in 2007, they’ve drawn attention with songs that fuse fierce riffs and beautiful melodies.
Since their 2008 debut, they’ve continued to release music energetically and have earned high praise both in Japan and abroad.
Their appeal lies in a unique sound rooted in post-hardcore and metalcore, while also incorporating elements of alternative and pop punk.
Masato’s vocals in English are also distinctive.
In 2014, they made a full-fledged overseas expansion and performed at major music festivals around the world.
In 2020, they successfully held their first self-produced festival, BLARE FEST.2020, and their momentum shows no sign of slowing.
They’re a band you should definitely check out if you’re drawn to music that’s both intense and beautiful!
Bad Boys SerenadeAIR SWELL
AIR SWELL is a three-piece band from Shikoku.
Their song “Bad Boys Serenade” is incredibly cool, with its distinctive vocal style and slightly dark vibe.
The music video is shot like a film, so I thought it was a theme song for a movie, but apparently it’s not at all.
Haha.
It’s a very captivating MV.
Also, I absolutely love AIR SWELL’s china cymbal sound—it’s so beautiful.
Last wordChased by Ghost of HYDEPARK
Formed in 2013, the band adopted its current lineup in April 2015 and began performing mainly in the Kansai region.
Since then, they have been gaining attention, advancing to the final round of Sound Shock 2015 and winning an award at RO69JACK 2015.
In addition to their uptempo, loud tracks, their candid, all-English lyrics paired with emotive melodies suggest new possibilities as a listenable form of loud rock.
in my noiz factoryCONCEPTION COMPLEX
Formed in 2005 around MZK, the masked guitarist formerly of GUNDOG.
Amid their aggressively forward-driving live shows rooted in loud music, suddenly catchy phrases that linger in your ears, melodies carried by heavy riffs that speak to the heart, and shouts wrung from deep within the body seize the audience and refuse to let go.
RemainsEACH OF THE DAYS
EACH OF THE DAYS is a metallic hardcore band from Nagoya.
With songwriting sensibilities and musicianship on par with overseas metalcore bands, they’ve continued to evolve steadily while overcoming numerous hardships.
Their appeal lies in tough screams and a remarkably thick, non-typical-for-Japanese melodic sense.
The Allure of Intense Riffs + Alpha: A Roundup of Domestic Loud Rock Bands (41–50)
EsperantoWHEEL OF DOOM
This is a classic by WHEEL OF DOOM, a band that could be called a living legend in Japan’s loud rock scene.
They have had an enormous influence on many younger bands and are still active today.
Their lyrical sense of harmony combined with explosive live performances makes them truly one of a kind.
PorcupineYamaarashi
A signature song by Yama-Arashi, who helped define the golden era of Japanese nu-metal.
With a heavy, groovy sound that could be called the best of both KoRn and Limp Bizkit, its aggressive edge captured the hearts of young people at the time.
It remains a timeless classic that still shines today.