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 Allure of Intense Riffs + Alpha: A Roundup of Domestic Loud Rock Bands (41–50)
SAMURAI GIRLCANTOY
Formed a predecessor band in 2004 and renamed to the current band name in 2007, simultaneously overhauling their musical style.
Within an ultra-heavy loud rock foundation, digital elements and vibrant melodies burst forth.
Their live shows are pure freedom—amid relentless mosh pits and stage dives, they might suddenly start handing out drinks to the audience.
[The Appeal of Intense Riffs + α] Roundup of Japanese Loud Rock Bands (51–60)
GLEANINGMISTY
A four-piece rock band that began performing in Nagoya in 2006.
The very smart and refreshing vocals are soothing to the soul.
Their band sound, which connects directly to power pop, is a great match and results in a sound full of openness.
RepunitNYF
A track by NYF, who are based in Fukuoka and known as a “musician’s musicians.” It’s a masterpiece where complex phrasing reminiscent of TOOL meshes beautifully with vocalist AJ’s robust melodies.
The overwhelming groove born from their assured musicianship feels anything but typically Japanese.
1.2.3.RIZING 2 END
A loud rock band born from Osaka’s Amerikamura street scene.
Their hallmark is emotionally driven melodies and a loud rock sound with each part resonating dynamically.
While the lineup is simple, the arrangements are dense, delivering songs brimming with speed.
Recently, after experimenting with incorporating Japanese lyrics, they’ve been performing actively at live houses, mainly around the Kansai area.
HIGH FIVE!!ROACH
Formed in Okinawa in 2003.
Despite performing twice at the Nippon Budokan and appearing at SUMMER SONIC, they operated only within Okinawa for a while.
In 2011, they fully resumed activities on the mainland, later moving their base to Tokyo, and have been consistently releasing new recordings every year.
Not only are their releases acclaimed, but their live shows—where the energy builds together with the floor—are highly regarded, captivating audiences and steadily creating repeat attendees.
Why I’m meRIZE
RIZE, key players during the heyday of mixture rock.
JESSE was, unbelievably, still in his teens at the time.
No one would doubt that his formidable talent continues to shine even now.
It’s amazing how the appeal of these songs hasn’t faded even after more than a decade.
Black OutA Barking Dog Never Bites
This band epitomizes the current loud rock scene.
The aggressive guitars, hefty drums, shouts, and the crisp, soaring cleans in the chorus are all so satisfying.
I saw them once at an outdoor festival—there was a small stage set up along part of a walkway.
At first there weren’t many people, but as the show went on, more and more gathered, and by the end a big crowd had formed a circle and was running around.
The way they captured people’s hearts in an instant was truly breathtaking.