Japanese heavy metal stands tall in the global scene. From the early 1980s onward, a wide range of heavy sounds have emerged from the Land of the Rising Sun. Visual kei offers a unique take on the glam metal sound, experimental bands bring doom and depth, and Japanese musicians bring the noise like no one else. Heavy metal is more popular than ever in Asia, so we can expect more great Japanese music in the years to come.
The following 10 groups are the most influential of all Japanese metal bands, all for very different reasons.
#1
BABYMETAL
This kawaii band is the first introduction many people have to Japanese metal. Formed in 2010, the original lineup consisted of Su-metal or Suzuka Nakamoto, Moametal or Moa Kikuchi, and Momometal or Omoko Okazaki. Su-metal took care of the singing, with the other two members each tasked with screams and dance. Session musicians were employed for all instrumentation, with BABYMETAL best described as a novelty band. They’re also full of great songs, cute outfits, and vocal talent, however, in a genre that often takes itself too seriously.
BABYMETAL has released four albums since their debut in 2014, along with 12 live albums and 10 video albums. It was their second album, Metal Resistance, that saw them reach global fame. The band’s third album, Metal Galaxy, became the highest-charting Japanese language album in the history of Billboard. While BABYMETAL isn’t always appreciated by “real” heavy metal fans, they’re a unique and fun-filled cultural sensation.
#2
Hide
Hideto Matsumoto, also known as Hide, reached national fame as the lead guitarist of X Japan. He was a member of this band for a decade, and he also had a very successful solo career. As a talented guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Hide is an iconic figure in his native country.
The music and style of Hideto Matsumoto are linked with the visual kei movement, which was famous for its extravagant stage costumes. The term “visual kei” originated from X Japan, in their slogan “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock.” With over-the-top visuals and great tunes, he enjoyed a celebrated career and sold millions of records until his untimely death in 1998.
Along with making solo records and working with X Japan, Hideto Matsumoto also formed the supergroup Zilch in 1996. Based in the United States, this band also featured Ray McVeigh from The Professionals, Paul Raven from Killing Joke, Joey Castillo from Danzig and Queens of the Stone Age, and Kazuhiko “I.N.A.” Inada from Hide with Spread Beaver.
#3
Dir en Grey
This iconic Japanese metal band formed in 1997, and they’re still going strong. Dir en Grey has enjoyed a consistent lineup over this time, with drummer Shinya and bassist Toshiya laying down the groove for twin guitarists Kaoru and Die and vocalist Kyo. The name of the band means “Grey Silver Coin,” which presents a musical image beyond the duality of black and white.
Dir en Grey was originally a visual kei band, but they toughened up and became more “metal” over the years. They have embraced many influences over the years, including experimental and avant-garde sounds. The band even embraced elements of nu metal during its heyday before leaning into a rather mature progressive sound.
#4
X Japan
This famous Japanese band began when drummer and pianist Yoshiki teamed up with lead vocalist Toshi. They created a powerful speed metal sound with symphonic elements. X Japan placed an increased emphasis on ballads over the years, as their powerful sound slowed down and became more accessible. This band has been influential in Asia and across the world as one of the earliest pioneers of the visual kei genre.
From the early ’80s onward, X Japan defined what heavy metal was in Japan. As hair metal took the lead in America and England, they added a distinctly Asian flavor to the glamour. The album Blue Blood from 1989 is X Japan’s most acclaimed release, but there’s also lots of love for the 1991 album Jealousy and the 1993 album Art of Life.
#5
The Gazette
Formerly known as Gazette and often stylized as the GazettE, this Japanese band brought visual kei into the new millennium. Formed in Kanagawa in early 2002, The Gazette released 10 long-players over the course of two decades. Their first studio album, Disorder, received lots of positive attention, and their second album, Nil, brought success in Europe and beyond.
The name of this band is an intentional misspelling of “cassette.” Current members include Ruki on lead vocals and guitars, Uruha and Aoi on guitars and backing vocals, and Kai on drums and keyboards. Former members Yune and Reita passed away in 2022 and 2024, respectively, which brought huge challenges and a stylistic change in direction.
#6
Ningen Isu
When it comes to Japanese heavy metal, one band stands above the rest. Ningen Isu has been around since the late 1980s, formed by Hirosaki High School students Shinji Wajima and Ken-ichi Suzuki. These friends shared a deep love for heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums, and they wanted to be part of the emerging heavy music scene.
Shinji was learning to play guitar at the time, and Ken-ichi both sang and played bass. They joined forces with drummer Noriyoshi Kamidate in 1987, with each member taking part in the songwriting process. Somewhat influenced by Kiss, each bandmate had a different stage persona. Wajima was the Meiji-era literary master, Suzuki was a Buddhist monk, and Nakajima was a Yakuza-style gangster.
The band’s music references everything from classical Japanese literature to modern science fiction and Friedrich Nietzsche. They deal with an array of deep topics, from heaven and hell to Buddhism, samurai culture, and the shape of the universe. Ningen Isu has released tons of great music over the years, from Ougon no Yoake in 1992 to Nijusseiki Sousoukyoku in 1999, Ijigen Kara No Houkou in 2017, and Kuraku in 2021. Ningen Isu is a great band with a strong influence on the heavy metal scene, both within Japan and far beyond.
#7
Boris
This iconic Japanese band sits somewhere between metal and sludge, with a little noise and psychedelia thrown in for good measure. Truly original in sound and vibe, they make a unique racket that moves people across the world. Boris was formed in 1992, emerging from the bustling Tokyo heavy music scene. Despite the massive noise they make, there are just three members in the band. Drummer Atsuo sets the foundations, guitarist/bassist Takeshi lays down the grooves, and guitarist/keyboardist Wata brings in unique musical surprises.
Boris has been incredibly prolific over the years, having released 29 studio albums and lots of collaborations. They have worked repeatedly with other artists, including doom metal giants Sunn O))), uncompromising noise-maker Merzbow, and talented guitarist Michio Kurihara. Boris had four members when they started, with drummer Nagata leaving in 1996.
Their musical style varies considerably between albums, with fans often having a favorite record or period. Some of their most popular long-players include Pink from 2005, Feedbacker from 2003, Amplifier Worship from 1998, and Akuma no Uta from 2003. They continue to perform across the world and release great music, with Bright New Disease coming out in 2023 and Hello There released in 2024.
#8
Loudness
Loudness is an influential band formed in the metal heyday of the early ’80s. Started by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, they released a massive 26 albums. The two original members were joined by bassist Hiroyuki Tanaka and singer Minoru Niihara, who was plucked from the existing band Earthshaker. The first half of the 1980s saw Loudness develop a strong local following before they attempted to tackle the lucrative US market. Along with making great music, this iconic band is famous as the first Japanese metal act to sign to a major US label.
Some of the band’s best early releases include The Law of Devil’s Land (third album), Lightning Strikes (sixth album), and Hurricane Eyes (seventh album). Loudness released Heavy Metal Hippies in 1994, with this transitional album bringing in elements of grunge and even world music. As the millennium ticked over, they continued to merge genres with their established heavy metal sound.
#9
Sigh
Japanese band Sigh delivers a highly original take on black metal. With experimental influences pushing them into avant-garde territory, they bring new sounds into the scene. Sigh was formed as a black metal outfit in 1989, with its three members merging raw musical material with subterranean atmospherics. They were somewhat unique for having a female singer, with Mirai Kawashima also taking care of bass and keyboards. Other members included Satoshi Fujinami on guitars and Kazuki on the drums.
Sigh released their debut album, Scorn Defeat, in 1993, which was praised globally for its unique combination of black metal and symphonic elements. They went on to release 12 long-players, three live albums, and several EPs. Most of their albums had obvious Western classical influences, but Heir to Despair from 2018 featured traditional Japanese sounds, and Shiki from 2022 saw an even wider range of instrumentation.
#10
Gallhammer
Last but certainly not least, Gallhammer was a beloved extreme metal outfit with a punk rock soul. Formed in Tokyo in 2003, they embraced a crusty sound without giving up their black metal roots. Vivian Slaughter played bass, and Risa Reaper played drums, with both members shouting, screaming, and making much noise. Guitarist Mika Penetrator was a member until 2011, with only their last album recorded and performed as a duo.
The band released just three studio albums: Gloomy Lights in 2003, Ill Innocence in 2007, and The End in 2011. There were also lots of demos and live albums along the way, many of which showcased the band’s diverse influences. From the classic metal sound of Judas Priest and Napalm Death to techno, krautrock, and Kraftwerk, Gallhammer made a raw sound influenced by a wide range of musical genres.
Final Thoughts
From kawaii styling to visual kei, experimental doom, and black metal, the Japanese heavy metal scene has it all. The 10 bands featured in this article may have been influenced by the West, but they offer a highly unique take on heavy music. If you want to hear great new sounds delivered with boundless energy, the heavy music of Japan is a great place to start.