Kawaii Metal: A roundup of metal-style idol groups
Do you know any idols who sing songs that incorporate intense rock, like metal?
Idols who perform metal are popularly known under the genre “kawaii metal,” and among them, the globally famous group is BABYMETAL.
However, in Japan there are other groups besides them that embody kawaii metal!
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of metal-style idols active in the kawaii metal genre all at once.
Get ready to be captivated by the contrast between their cuteness and their coolness!
[Kawaii Metal] Metal-Style Idol Group Roundup (1–10)
Gimme Chocolate!!BABYMETAL
A female duo metal-dance unit often regarded as the most successful among groups that fuse idols and metal.
Their blend of idol-style catchy, pop melodies with a metal sound performed by the “Kami Band,” a backing band of top-tier metal musicians, has captured attention not only in Japan but worldwide.
The fusion of idol culture—consistently popular in the J-POP scene across eras—and metal, which rarely gets the spotlight in Japan, has captivated not only fans of each genre but a wide range of listeners.
Although it was announced that they would effectively suspend live activities as of 2021, their 10th anniversary, they are an idol group whose return is highly anticipated.
SPARK IGNITIONPassCode
A loud-rock idol group that champions a musical style called “Pikorimo,” a blend of chiptune bleeps and screamo, characterized by shouted and effect-heavy vocals and songs that shift rapidly and dramatically.
Though an idol group, they fire up fans with a live-first approach—sharing bills with rock bands and actively appearing at rock festivals.
Their fusion of fast-paced metal and synth sounds will crank up your energy; they’re an idol group worth checking out even if you’re not already into idols or metal.
The bell of reversal tollsBroken By The Scream
A four-member idol group known by the abbreviation BBTS, they debuted in 2017 under the banner of a metal-style screaming idol group.
With high-pitched screams and low growls that stand up to aggressive metal sounds, alongside clean, idol-like vocals, their diverse expressiveness showcases each member’s individuality and creates a unique synergy that goes beyond simply fusing idol and band sounds.
Actively incorporating next-generation metal styles like metalcore and djent, they’re a must-watch metal idol group with rising expectations for what’s to come.
Graduation Girl – Future Painting –DESURABBITS
An idol group that began activities in 2013 as a spin-off unit from the idol group usa☆usa Shoujo Club and disbanded in 2021.
Their songs, which blend a robust metal sound with airy synthesizers and layer them with pop, idol-style vocals, exhibit a uniquely creative pop sensibility.
The rapidly shifting sections within a single track have elements in common with progressive metal, and the way the distinctly Japanese musicality of idol songs is woven into these complex compositions is another part of their appeal.
23 -twenty three-IRONBUNNY
A hard rock unit featuring the super cyborg guitar hero Ediee Ironbunny, who has come from the year 2300, and a female vocalist.
True to their concept of protecting rock music from the brink of extinction in the age of digital music, they deliver metal tunes with a thick, full-band sound and technical guitar work, while the vocalist’s powerhouse singing—beyond typical idol boundaries—drives up the energy.
With highly polished songs and catchy melodies that impress rock fans, this idol group conveys the greatness and potential of rock music.
RITUALNECRONOMIDOL
An idol group whose catchphrase is “I’ll stop your breathing!” Based in Tokyo and performing overseas as well, they embrace a dark-idol concept centered on horror and black metal.
Their sound—black metal, post-black, darkwave, and NWOBHM—genres not often heard in the J-pop scene, gives them a truly unique presence.
Despite the gloomy worldview, their idol-like, cute vocals paradoxically heighten the sense of fear, further evolving a uniquely Japanese fusion of idols and metal.
Nippon ManjuLADYBABY
An idol group formed as a PR unit for Clearstone, a major Japanese costume maker, with the catchphrase “Japan’s ultimate, farthest-edge, rule-breaking new-sensation idols.” Characterized by the music genre “Kawaii-Death,” which fuses female vocals with death growls, they shocked the scene with a concept that seemed to exist in a different timeline from other idol groups.
Although their activities were suspended after a short run from 2015 to 2019, they were an idol group that presented new possibilities for Japan’s metal scene.