RAG MusicHR-HM
Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs

If you’ve just started listening to so-called melodic speed metal or power metal, you’ve probably often come across unique phrases like “kusamero” or “kusai” used to describe works and songs.

Of course, it’s not talking about smell.

In Japanese, “kusai” is used to describe things like melodious, wistful tunes that suit Japanese tastes, fantastical worldbuilding, or songs with over-the-top, dramatic structures.

Heavy metal that features these elements is referred to in Japan as “Kusa Metal,” a uniquely Japanese subgenre.

This time, we’ll introduce a wide selection of quintessential Kusa Metal classics from around the world—from globally famous bands to beloved B-tier groups adored by devoted fans.

Playlist

[Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastEmerald SwordRhapsody
Emerald SwordRhapsodyplay_arrow
In the form of a concept album with a grand, epic story…
2eastThrough the Fire and FlamesDragonForce
Through the Fire and FlamesDragonForceplay_arrow
…from various places such as the United Kingdom and the United States…
3eastFlight Of The Sapphire DragonTwilight Force
Flight Of The Sapphire DragonTwilight Forceplay_arrow
Also referred to as “adventure metal”…
4eastAngel Of SalvationGALNERYUS
Angel Of SalvationGALNERYUSplay_arrow
High-pitched vocals and technical guitar...
5eastSan SebastianSonata Arctica
San SebastianSonata Arcticaplay_arrow
In Japan, it’s also sometimes referred to by the abbreviation “Sonata.”
6eastThe World Will be BetterHeavenly
The World Will be BetterHeavenlyplay_arrow
At the time of their formation, they had a melodic style that was rare for France…
7eastPrelude to OblivionViper
Prelude to OblivionViperplay_arrow
After multiple member changes and periods of hiatus...
8eastMaid Of OrleansDark Moor
Maid Of OrleansDark Moorplay_arrow
Various elements such as male vocals and female vocals…
9eastRecall of the ValkyrieSecret Sphere
Recall of the ValkyrieSecret Sphereplay_arrow
Meta-influenced by hard rock and classical music...
10eastDestiny CallsNocturnal Rites
Destiny CallsNocturnal Ritesplay_arrow
While having started out as a death metal band…
11eastThe Birth of EvilAncient Bards
The Birth of EvilAncient Bardsplay_arrow
While carrying on the tradition of orthodox metal, it is also drama—
12eastThe TriumphSkylark
The TriumphSkylarkplay_arrow
At the time of their debut, melodies in the neoclassical style...
13eastThe Land Of The WintersunInsania
The Land Of The WintersunInsaniaplay_arrow
Among metal fans, when it comes to 'kusa-melo' (cheesy melodies), it’s something to be avoided...
14eastFlower of WisdomMINSTRELIX
Flower of WisdomMINSTRELIXplay_arrow
While being based on the sound of Nordic metal...
15eastDark MasqueradeDRAGON GUARDIAN
Dark MasqueradeDRAGON GUARDIANplay_arrow
Anime songs and melodic speed meta...
16eastSunrise In The DreamlandAzrael
Sunrise In The DreamlandAzraelplay_arrow
Also active as the vocalist of Prophesia…
17eastThe Lord Of WolvesPathfinder
The Lord Of WolvesPathfinderplay_arrow
Featuring flashy guitar playing…
18eastMajesty of the Mithril MountainsDragonland
Majesty of the Mithril MountainsDragonlandplay_arrow
In the Nordic metal scene since 2000...
19eastSpirits of SkywardHeimdall
Spirits of SkywardHeimdallplay_arrow
Well-known among lovers of cheesy melodies, hailing from Italy…
20eastScream Out LoudEmerald Sun
Scream Out LoudEmerald Sunplay_arrow
Formed in 1998, the Greek melodic…