Every metal fan has heard of bands like Metallica , Iron Maiden , Megadeth , Slipknot , Black Sabbath , Gojira , and many others. The musical genre is largely centered in the West, especially in the United States and Europe.
Bands like Deep Purple , Black Sabbath, KISS , Helloween , and even Viper influenced the metal scene in Japan. From there, Japanese musicians drew inspiration, blending their culture with the music, creating a unique sound with original melodies that can only be heard in bands from that country. Some bands use traditional instruments such as the shamisen, a 3-stringed instrument similar in shape to a guitar or banjo. Another instrument used is the koto, which has 13 strings.
Not all bands pursue this more folk-oriented element, but oriental melodies are present in all the songs, from the guitar arrangements and song structure to the vocals. A very common characteristic of Japanese metal is its speed and precision; the musicians' dedication makes them almost like human metronomes, giving the feeling of listening to true virtuosos.
To expand the repertoire of our readers and metal fans, we've compiled a list of 10 Japanese metal bands you need to know.
1 – Versailles
Versailles is a symphonic power metal band formed in 2007. Its main characteristics are rococo-style costumes, dueling guitars, and heavy yet melodic arrangements.
2 – Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas , also known as FALILV, is an eletronicore band that blends elements of metalcore with electronic music. Their music has appeared in various media, such as the football video game PES 2012 with the track "Jump Around". The group has also appeared in several anime series, including Kaiji , Hunter x Hunter , and Parasyte , among others.
3 – Galneryus
The power metal band Galneryus was formed in 2001 by guitarist Syu . Highly acclaimed by both fans and artists in the genre, the group was invited by Dragonland to play with them on their next Japanese tour after participating in the Melodic Metal Festival in 2003. Galneryus also received other invitations, such as recording two songs for cover albums: "Black Diamond" by Stratovarius and "Soldiers of Fortune" by the Japanese band Loudness .
4 – Ningen Isu
Ningen Isu is a heavy metal band formed in 1987. What distinguishes them sonically are the catchy riffs, powerful bass lines, and energizing beats. Each member embodies a character on stage, thus embracing various aspects of Japanese culture and tradition: the lead vocalist and guitarist, Washima , plays a literature master from the Meiji era. On bass, Suzuki plays the role of a Buddhist monk, and drummer Nakajima dresses as a member of the Yakuza , a transnational criminal organization originating in Japan.
5 – Hanabie.
Hanabie. is a band that blends metalcore with nu metal, electronic music, and elements of hip-hop. Formed in 2015 by a quartet of high school students, the group is an excellent option for fans of more modern metal.
6 – Devilloof
Like Versailles, Deviloof is a visual kei band, also known as vkei. The Japanese movement and culture is characterized by exuberant costumes and androgynous style; however, the group chooses to play extreme metal. In an interview with JRN , vocalist Keisuke describes the songs as "the most violent, brutal, and fast!"
7 – Phantom Excalibur
Formed in 2011, Phantom Excaliver is a power metal band that blends elements of melodic death metal into their music. Although relatively unknown, the group has already performed at Wacken , the largest metal festival. Their aim is purely to entertain the audience with their visuals and stage presence.
8 – Unlucky Morpheus
Unlucky Morpheus , or Ankimo, is a power metal and neoclassical band formed in 2008. Having made a song in homage to André Matos , a Brazilian musician and conductor, the group incorporates elements of classical music into their tracks.
9 – Maximum The Hormone
Maximum The Hormone is one of the most famous Japanese bands, with an innovative sound often compared to System of a Down . One of the factors that made the band more well-known in the West was performing the second opening theme for the acclaimed anime Death Note .
10 – X JAPAN
X Japan was the band that solidified visual kei in Japan and is also one of the most famous metal groups in the country. In the documentary We Are X , in which Gene Simmons , bassist of KISS, participated, he said that if the band "had been born in America or England and sang in English, they could have been the biggest band in the world."
READ ALSO: Unlucky Morpheus: A Japanese power metal powerhouse to discover
