[Rock × ___] A roundup of Japanese nu-metal/rap-rock bands [2026]
When you hear the term “mixture rock,” what kind of genre comes to mind?
True to the word “mixture,” in the 1990s Japan began using the genre name “mixture rock” to collectively describe bands that, influenced by contemporary Western music, incorporated a wide array of styles—metal, hardcore, and punk blended with rap and funk or reggae, electronic sounds, and more.
While the term “mixture” itself isn’t heard as often today, more and more bands have inherited the spirit of mixture rock and are crossing over an even broader range of genres such as EDM, funk, jazz, and R&B.
In this article, we’ll introduce mixture rock bands active in Japan, taking a broad view that includes the new generation as well!
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[Rock × ___] Compilation of Domestic Mixture Rock Bands [2026] (41–50)
STEAL!!SPARK!!SOUND!!SHOW!!
The four-piece band SPARK!!SOUND!!SHOW!! from Osaka is opening up a new frontier in mixture rock.
Seamlessly blending diverse genres such as indie rock, melodic hardcore, and J-hip hop into their own unique style, their music captivates listeners.
Yuki Tanaka’s distinctive vocals and the band’s hardcore sound form the core of their identity.
On stage, they never stop innovating, with Ichiro’s freestyle rapping and costume changes keeping things fresh.
In 2013, Takuma joined the band, pushing their sound toward greater weight and depth.
If you love music, you should definitely give them a listen.
[Rock × ___] A Roundup of Japanese Mixture Rock Bands [2026] (51–60)
Blow Back [House Of The Rising Funk]YKZ
![Blow Back [House Of The Rising Funk]YKZ](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N2GBfvoa6uA/sddefault.jpg)
Known as pioneers of Japanese nu-metal/mixture rock, YKZ has drawn attention since their formation in 1996 with a distinctive sound that fuses rapcore and funk.
They changed their name to “YKZ” in 1999 and made their major-label debut in the early 2000s.
Their songs are characterized by an energetic blend of aggressive slap bass, angular guitars, and funky drums topped with high-pitched rap.
They performed at major festivals such as Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Sonic, gaining popularity both in Japan and abroad.
A track included on their December 2002 album, “THE FIRE THAT BURNS WITHIN,” has been highly praised as a song that distills their musical identity.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully experience the appeal of mixture rock.
Rise in the higherMeloiksigN
MeloiksigN is a digital mixture band formed in 2008.
Their appeal lies in songs that incorporate a truly wide range of influences, including hardcore, metal, hip-hop, dub, and punk.
True to that profile, they’re a highly skilled band with a broad range, shifting notably depending on the song—from more rock-leaning to more hip-hop-leaning.
riskKroi
Kroi is gaining attention for their musical style rooted in Black music, blending a wide range of genres including R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop.
Formed in February 2018, they rose to prominence by winning an audition out of roughly 3,000 groups and performing at Summer Sonic, among other remarkable achievements.
They made their major debut with the album “LENS” in June 2021, and in January 2024 held a one-man show at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
Each member brings a different musical background, drawing influence from a wide array of artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
They’re a five-piece band perfect for music fans seeking a unique, genre-crossing mixture sound that transcends scene boundaries.
NAHAVANDNAHAVAND
NAHAVAND is a crossover band that fuses guitar rock and hip-hop.
When they formed in 2011, they performed as a duo, but after guitarist Tokisato left in 2021, it became vocalist Miyauchi’s solo project.
The songs have a simple structure that highlights his pleasantly understated, subtly inflected rap, while both the sense of groove and the guitar melodies are exquisite—making you want to listen again and again.
Enjoy a fresh, unprecedented take on mixture rock!
YEAHFINAL FRASH
FINAL FLASH is a band formed primarily by Matsumoto and Nagashima from the telephones, who regrettably went on an indefinite hiatus last year.
The band’s vocalist is DOTAMA, a rapper gaining attention for his appearances in the freestyle rap battle show Freestyle Dungeon.
It’s authentic mixture rock woven by a real band and a real rapper.
guillotineBugLug
Formed in 2010, BugLug is a visual kei band that delivers a fresh take on mixture rock.
They’re known for vocalist Issei’s sweet voice and colorful arrangements, and their second single, “Made in Mine.” released in August 2010, hit No.
1 on the Oricon Indie Singles chart.
In May 2016, Issei suffered a head injury that required emergency surgery, but the following year the band successfully headlined a solo show at Nippon Budokan.
They’ve continued to stay active, selling out their 2018 concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, among other milestones.
With poppy, catchy songs and powerful live performances, BugLug is recommended for music fans seeking a fusion of rock and pop.