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!
- [2026] A roundup of Japanese female music groups: from idols to vocal groups
- A Japanese heavy metal band. A popular band in the Japanese metal scene.
- [2026] Summary of Idol Groups from Nagoya
- The Profound World of Western Gothic Metal: Best and Popular Songs [2026]
- Who's your oshi? A roundup of popular underground and live idols
- Popular female vocal band [2026]
- [Told by a Female Singer-Songwriter] The Difference Between Idols and Bands (Part 1)
- [Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs
- An upbeat song sung by an idol. A recommended track that will lift your spirits when you listen to it.
- Love songs sung by idols: from heart-wrenching tracks to ones that make your heart skip a beat!
- An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days
- An emotional song sung by an idol—tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of feelings.
- Beautiful yet fierce! A recommendation of Japanese girls’ metal bands you should be listening to right now
[Kawaii Metal] Metal-Style Idol Group Roundup (1–10)
Hello from JapanBABYBEARD
A three-member pop metal idol unit led by Ladybeard, an Australian cross-dressing performer formerly of LADYBABY.
Founded with the concept of delivering Japanese pop culture to the world beyond language barriers, the unit’s unique “kawaii metal” fuses cute female vocals with powerful death growls for a one-of-a-kind appeal.
They are already gaining buzz overseas, particularly in countries like the United States and Spain, and are drawing attention as an idol group that can showcase the breadth and fun of Japan’s metal scene both domestically and internationally.
Moon Rabbit – Disappear –FRUITPOCHETTE
A female rock duo formed as a sister project to idol groups based in Ehime Prefecture—such as Hime Kyun Fruit Can, nanoRider, AiCune, and Narasakiuri.
They are known for songs with a metal-rooted rock sound composed by Genki Endo, a former member of the Ehime screamo band When My Life is Over, as well as for the strong support they’ve garnered through their high-level vocal and dance skills layered over that sound.
In 2014, they also pulled off a nearly two-person nationwide tour with minimal accompaniment from agency staff, making them an idol duo whose vitality is nothing short of astonishing.
Secret closetMellows
Mellows, attracting attention as a rising star in kawaii metal, captivates with a unique style that fuses cute elements with a heavy metal sound.
They debuted in 2024 with the album “alloy,” and their single “Rabbit Love it!” reached No.
1 on iTunes’ Metal Top Songs.
With former PASSPO☆ member Mio on vocals, and guitarists Sally and GINA forming a trio, the members’ personalities also stand out—ranging from a love of zombie films to an affection for Showa-era culture.
On June 6, they successfully held their first headlining show at Shibuya Chelsea Hotel, and they’re expected to make great strides in the girls’ metal scene.
[Kawaii Metal] Roundup of Metal-Style Idol Groups (11–20)
Curse of bloodborneRirikku Horikku Nowāru
Lyricholic Noir is a two-member idol unit consisting of Shiorin à la Mode and noa.
In contrast to their delicate visuals, their songs are characterized by aggressive, heavy guitar sounds dancing over beats marked by relentless double-kick bass drums.
These sonically massive tracks even feature not only clean female vocals but also intense death growls, which leave a strong impact.
Their music videos, with their violent imagery, add to the striking contrast, making them highly recommended for those seeking even heavier kawaii metal.
BullySatanic Punish
An idol group that sings lyrics with strong messages about the absurdities of the world, fleeting moments, and irrationality over band-based tracks.
Their heavy sounds—metalcore, killer core, trancecore, and deathcore—are highly regarded overseas; they were selected by the American metal site MetalSucks as one of the “15 Heaviest Kawaii Metal Groups in Japan,” earning recognition on par with major acts like BABYMETAL and PassCode.
The juxtaposition of idol-like clean-melody parts with the unexpected heft of death growls, shouts, and growls creates an addictive depth, making them an idol group that’s truly compelling to listen to.
LovelessGenesis Girl
Genesis Girl is gaining attention as a cyber-metal idol group, captivating listeners with their unique sound that fuses rock, heavy metal, and orchestral elements.
Demonstrating steady prowess, they achieved eight consecutive No.
1s on the iTunes Metal chart with “Loveless” in December 2023.
Under the concept of an “otherworldly fantasy idol,” they create not only music but also illustrations and novels, presenting a new vision of what idols can be.
They’re the perfect group for anyone who wants to revel in the intoxicating gap between cuteness and coolness.
Super☆StraightKamen Joshi
A large idol group consisting of four units—Alice Juban, Steamgirls, Armor Girls, and Easter Girls—affiliated with Alice Project.
Despite being idols, they’re known for performing live in hockey masks, and their popularity even without showing their faces suggests that many fans are drawn more to their characters and music than to their looks.
Their metal-tinged arrangements paired with catchy melodies and pop-oriented chord progressions make their songs easy to listen to even for those who aren’t metal fans.
Calling themselves the strongest underground idols feels fitting—their unwavering, concept-driven style makes them a very cool idol group.