Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
There are so many genres of music performed in a band format! Of course, there’s rock and jazz, and plenty of music that has branched out from them as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular songs performed by bands, organized by genre.
It might be a chance to discover music that shares various roots and has influenced one another along the way.
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Recommendations of classic songs by hardcore punk bands (1–10)
Leave Me AloneSOB
S.O.B.
is a hardcore punk band that Japan can proudly present to the world, also known for its massive influence on globally renowned bands like NAPALM DEATH and BRUTAL TRUTH in the genre commonly called grindcore.
Their 7-inch EP Leave Me Alone, released in 1986 after the early lineup solidified and the band was ready to strike, is a crucial record that put their name on the map.
It’s an insanely intense work—nine tracks in under ten minutes—and while it might be more appropriate to take it in as a single piece of music, I’ll dare to highlight the title track here.
In just under 50 seconds, not only do you get ferocious blast beats and vocals that keep pace with the speed, but there’s also a proper guitar solo packed in—absolutely badass!
Recommended iconic songs by heavy metal bands (1–10)
Heavy yet fast, manly metal!
When you think of heavy metal, you picture distorted guitars, thundering double-bass drums, and vocals that unleash growls and shouts—a sound that’s incredibly dense and intense. It might feel intimidating for metal beginners, but there’s no doubt it’s undeniably cool. Even among Japanese rock bands, quite a few have incorporated metal elements. Here, we’ll introduce some classic heavy metal tracks that shaped their roots.
ParanoidBlack Sabbath
A living encyclopedic figure in the proud history of British rock, and an early masterpiece and signature song from the Ozzy Osbourne era.
Released in 1970, it appears on the band’s second album, Paranoid.
Tony Iommi’s genius riff is simple yet undeniably cool and stylish.
It’s a track with a charm that not only heavy metal fans but anyone who loves rock should listen to at least once.
Fear of the DarkIron Maiden
One of the most famous bands in heavy metal history, Iron Maiden.
This track is the title song from their ninth album, Fear of the Dark, released in 1992.
The guitar phrase in the intro alone makes you want to start humming and throw your fist in the air.
The dramatic shift from a calm verse into a full-on gallop is quintessential Iron Maiden!
Master of PuppetsMetallica
No explanation needed—among the many masterpieces Metallica has created, this is a quintessential early track.
Included on their third album, Master of Puppets, released in 1986, it can truly be called one of the greatest songs in metal history, right alongside the album itself.
Its odd-meter riffs, the lyrical and melodic development in the middle section, and the thrilling plunge into a relentless guitar solo make for an exhilarating ride.
Even at over 8 minutes and 30 seconds, its structure never grows tiresome, inspiring countless bands and exerting a profound influence.
Angel of DeathSLAYER
Among the Big Four of thrash metal, this is a signature song by Slayer, the band with the most evil sound.
It also serves as the opening number of their legendary 1986 masterpiece, Reign in Blood.
Beyond the intricately interwoven guitar riffs, the drums that create an overwhelming sense of speed, and the masterful shift in direction midway through, the lyrics by guitarist Jeff Hanneman are nothing short of ferocious.
(sic)Slipknot
A ferocious number that opens the landmark debut album Slipknot by the ultimate masked collective, Slipknot! It’s no exaggeration to say this track encapsulates all of their early chaotic appeal.
The sheer density of information is staggering, yet the thrilling progression—held together by a superb band ensemble that somehow avoids collapsing at the last second—is irresistible.
Recommended classic songs by a melodic hardcore/punk band (1–10)
Catchy, fast, and cool!
Speaking of melodic punk (melocore), it’s a genre that has been popular in Japan since the 1990s thanks to bands like Hi-STANDARD and HUSKING BEE. Fast tempos and English lyrics, yet the melodies are catchy and cool! Let me introduce some classic melocore tracks that are still energizing the rock scene today!
SupermanSee You Smile
See You Smile is a rock band based in Tokyo.
Formed in 2016 around guitarist Ayato, they’ve been active under the banner of “TOKYO POP PUNK.” They debuted in 2017 with the single “Stay Right Where You Are,” and released their first nationwide EP, “WILD,” in 2019.
In 2020, they hosted their first festival, “YOU VS FEST 2020,” at Yokohama’s 1000CLUB, earning attention for their contributions to the scene.
Highly recommended for fans of fast, high-energy pop punk.