The genre of metal has become an expansive branch of music, growing with each passing year. As new bands emerge and seasoned ones evolve, we as listeners are treated to exciting new music that we get to discover and fall in love with. While we may all know the “Big Four” bands and other classic titans of the genre who have paved the way and influenced countless other artists, like Metallica and Iron Maiden, there are many more who also deserve to be highlighted for their talent and cultural significance.
Among those bands that have grown this genre of music, Japanese metal bands have certainly made their mark, though sometimes they might not receive the notoriety that they deserve. Whether you are a lifelong metal fan or looking for new bands to discover in a genre you’ve never tried, these Japanese metal bands deserve to be recognized for their contribution to the genre and the art that they have worked hard to create.
10
Boris
Sludge Metal
Formed in 1992, the band Boris took their name from an album by rock band the Melvins. Originally a group of four, their drummer, Nagata, left in 1996. Their lead vocalist, Atsuo, now handles percussion and vocals for the band. They have also collaborated with other artists over the years, such as Coaltar Of The Deepers, a Japanese alternative rock band, on their most recent project, “hello there”, or Sunn O))) on 2006’s Altar. On April 12, 2025, they will be performing at the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo-based music festival, SYNCHRONICITY.
Boris falls into the category of “sludge metal,” with their sound being more mellow and slowed down. However, do not let their slow tracks deceive you. They are also capable of producing high-energy and guitar-forward tracks. Their 2003 album Akuma No Uta balances fast and heavy tracks like “Ibitsu” before slowing down for the 12-minute long “Naki Kyoku.” Their early 2000s works are a great place to start. With a discography of almost 30 studio albums and additional EPs and live records, there is much to explore about this band.
9
MAXIMUM THE HORMONE
Nu-Metal
With intense energy and intimidating vocals, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE is a force to be reckoned with. They have song titles whose length could make even Fall Out Boy blush, and their sound is just as unique. The band formed in 1998 and have put out an EP as recently as 2022. They also went through some shifts as the original guitarist and bassist left after the release of their EP in 2001, but became a quartet again after recruiting new members.
With intense energy and intimidating vocals, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE is a force to be reckoned with.
Blending elements of grunge, rock, and heavy metal, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE is considered a nu-metal band. Their sound and style are all their own, and they have been able to remain constant in the scene in the last few decades. I would recommend starting with their 2007 album, Bu-ikikaesu, as it features songs like “Zetsubou Billy” that highlight the stunning vocals and instruments that make this band a fantastic listening experience.
8
SiM (Silence iz Mine)
Alternative Metal
If you are an anime fan, you actually might recognize this band, even if you don’t realize it. SiM’s song “The Rumbling” was featured in Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2. The song quickly hit the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs. Formed in 2004, SiM has a sound reminiscent of early 2000s punk and alternative rock. It is easy to hear the punk influences on the band’s music, but also the orchestral flair that makes them unique.
“The Rumbling” interpolates “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” composed in 1875 by Edvard Grieg.
Even if you aren’t an Attack on Titan fan, there is something to love about SiM for any metal music lover. On their 2008 album, Silence iz Mine, they have a fantastic cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” that highlights their unique sound while still paying respect to the original. “UNDER THE TREE” is a track off of their most recent 2024 album, PLAYDEAD, that also feels like a song played during the climatic ending battle. Their discography is also a great starting point for beginners of the heavy metal genre, but also exciting for any long-time listener.
7
Ningen Isu
Heavy Metal
Though they were formed in 1988, Ningen Isu has released an album as recently as 2023. All three of the members are songwriters and vocalists, contributing to their metal and rock-inspired sound. On stage, the three members each have their own persona, with the guitarist dressing as a scholar from the Japanese Meiji era, the bass player a Buddhist monk, and the drummer as a Yakuza gangster. Their name, Ningen Isu, translates to “the human chair” in English.
The sound that Ningen Isu has perfected is timeless and classic, perfect for any seasoned fan of metal or a complete beginner. Their stage presence and powerhouse vocals are what set them apart from other bands, whether from their early days or more recently. They are a true testament to the ability of bands to shift with the times and continue to release albums over several decades.
Kawaii Metal
An all-women metal group, BABYMETAL’s signature is their flashy and stylish stage presence. Their impressive costumes and dance moves may not seem like something a typical metal band would do, but their music has a classic metal vibe. Each member has their own metal-inspired name that is a twist on their real one. One member, known as Yuimetal, left the group in 2018, and was replaced by Momometal, a former backup dancer for the band, in 2023.
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BABYMETAL’s discography is filled with hard-hitting and gritty metal tracks, perfectly contrasted by the higher pitch of their voices. They are able to achieve harmonies that blend well with each other and the backing instruments. Songs like “RATATATA” and “KARATE” highlight the impressive capabilities of the members’ vocals. BABYMETAL is one of the many amazing bands that are making space for women in the metal genre.
5
Paledusk
Nu-Metal And Metalcore
Paledusk burst onto the scene in 2020 with the release of their first EP, Happy Talk, expertly combining elements of punk and EDM with classic metal. Though they are a fairly new band, they have done a great job at establishing themselves within the industry, as they have connections with Australian bands to expand their reach.
Though they are a fairly new band, they have done a great job at establishing themselves within the industry.
Paledusk is able to marry their unique tracks with their hard and rough vocals, creating something new and exciting in the metal scene. Songs like “RUMBLE” take you on a journey, switching up the tempo and style quicker than you realize what just happened. They are not slowing down anytime soon, as they continue to tour and plan to take over more of the metal scene in the future.
4
Coldrain
Metalcore And Rock
Formed in 2007, coldrain did not release their debut album until the following year. They have built their fan base in recent years by signing with an international record label and going on European-based tours. Their sound is heavily influenced by punk, which makes them the perfect transition band for someone just starting to get into the metal genre.
This band’s sound is a new take on something familiar, and they have proved to be a force in the industry. Their latest single, “INCOMPLETE,” was released on March 20, 2025, perhaps hinting at something more, like an album, coming in the future. I would also recommend giving songs like “Pretty Little Liar” from their 2016 album, VENA II, a listen to start off in their impressive discography.
3
HANABIE.
Metalcore
Though their aesthetic leans into the Japanese culture of kawaii or cuteness, HANABIE’s musical sound directly contrasts their outward appearance. It must be fun for the band to completely subvert any expectations new listeners might have just based on their outfits. The lead singer, Yukina, has a powerful vocal scream that sounds intense and controlled, clearly honed over years of practice.
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HANABIE takes inspiration from Japanese idol culture and from anime, evident in their music, style, and even album cover art. Though they are relatively new, having formed in 2015, they are making their mark on the metal scene by being able to surprise their listeners. Songs like “We love sweets” show off the band’s impressive vocal range and composition, and solidify them as a game-changer in the metal genre.
2
Lovebites
Heavy Metal
With soaring vocals and intense guitars and drums, Lovebites is a group that takes elements of rock and combines them with metal for an otherworldly sound. Formed in 2016, the women that make up this band have some incredible talent that sets them apart. Their bassist left in August 2021, but current bassist Fami was recruited to fill the open spot before they released their fourth album, Judgement Day, in February 2023.
Lovebites is a group that takes elements of rock and combines them with metal for an otherworldly sound.
Lovebites’ lyrics and image tie into the feel of going to war for something you believe in. They have an angelic stage presence as they can be seen wearing all white, and their high-energy metal and punk-inspired sound is a perfect contrast. “EMPTY DAYDREAM” is a high-stakes anthem about finding yourself in hard times, and “Holy War” feels like the theme of heroes getting ready to take on the villain.
1
ANTHEM
Heavy Metal
Created in 1981 in Tokyo, ANTHEM is still a constant force in the world of metal. They have released a single as recently as March 2025 and have been putting out albums since the middle of the 1980s. Though the band split in 1992, the members reunited in 2001 to continue creating the hard-hitting and intense metal music that their fans have always loved.
The sound that ANTHEM has is indicative of their early 1980s metal roots. Their vocals are powerful and have that classic metal edge to them while also sounding melodic mixed with the intensity of their instruments. “BOUND TO BREAK” is a great place to start with them. You can see how their style builds upon itself when you get to newer albums and songs like “Wheels Of Fire.” Their talent and creativity clearly show why they have survived for so long in this scene and will continue to thrive in it.
AloJapan.com