When it comes to rock music, Japan is one of those countries that also boasts a treasure trove of musical acts that are globally known and are extremely great in terms of music. compositions, perofrmances and overall soundscapes. So we are here to give you a list of 10 J-rock artists and one song from each of their discography that you should definitely check out. Scroll down to know about these artists and songs.
Hanabie
If you are fond of metal songs that, besides being heavy, also have some of the most brutal breakdowns, then Bucchigiri Tokyo by Hanabie is the song that’s going to mark a permanent spot in your playlist. The title track of their second album that they released in December 2024, Bucchigiri Tokyo, is an out-and-out punk metal track that is sure to blow your mind with its sick riffs and powerhouse soundscape.
Atarashii Gakko!
An all-girl dance troupe and music group from Japan, Atarashii Gakko! brings what you may call the most promising kind of modern-day music for the listeners with a multi-genre blend in their compositions. Their songs boast a mix of musical elements from jazz, hip-hop, EDM, etc., and they perform these songs with acrobatics that are sure to leave you spellbound. Check out the outstanding music video of the song Tokyo Calling from their 2024 album AG! Calling.
Knosis
Make sure you warm up and get ready before you listen to and watch the official video of the latest single by Knosis, Fuhai. The brainchild of Japanese multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, Knosis makes music that encompasses everything that one can look for, starting from heavy, gutsy metal riffs to hardcore breakdowns. Here’s the song that will perhaps be your gateway to exploring this outstanding band.
Ado
A mind-blowing singer from Tokyo, Japan, Ado literally gives voice to youngsters as she captures the real emotions of the new generation in her songs, and her mesmerizing voice captivates the listeners in no time. Besides that, one of her remarkable milestones happens to be the fact that she is the singer of the world-famous anime film One Piece Film Red, where she holds the credit for a total of seven songs. She is an artist that you must check out, and we recommend that you start with her single, Elf, to know a bit about what awaits when you actually dig into her music.
Yoasobi
An electro-pop duo, Yoasobi, is a must-include when you are listing out some of the top J-rock groups because this duo makes music that is sure to stick with you due to the beautifully composed melodic lines and tight grooves. Check out their song Racing Into The Night, and you will know what it is that makes them an essential inclusion in the list.
Lovebites
Another all-female band that must have its place in the list of top 10 J-rock bands, Lovebites is a power metal outfit that heavily draws inspiration from the metal legends of the West in terms of songwriting and composition, so if you are also an ardent explorer and listener of metal bands, then the songs of Lovebites will surely become your favorites very soon. Check out their song, Soul Defender, so you get a flavor of what you can expect from them.
Asterism
For all the lovers of hard-hitting music, we urge you to check out this face-melting heavy metal trio, Asterism, and if you are curious, well, once you tune in to their music, keep yourself prepared because you are going to listen to and witness some hardcore technical skills as well as high-end passionate performances. Moreover, this trio aims to expand its reach to global audiences by introducing a new genre that they call ‘mass metal.’ Check out their song Friction.
Babymetal
Brace yourself before you tune in to the tracks of Babymetal, a hard-hitting metal band with some of the most sinister grooves and compositions, and if you are curious, well, when you listen to their music, you cannot help but headbang throughout the time your speakers blast their songs off. You can check out their song Gimme Chocolate to get a taste of what their other tracks may sound like.
Coldrain
A five-piece J-rock band, Coldrain is a group that brings you all that you want to listen to when it comes to pure classic and melodic rock music because their compositions offer a beautiful mix of melodies, grooves, riffs, and soundscapes that are sure to blow away the minds of listeners. So here is a song by them called Vengeance for you to check out.
Mad Jamie
If you are into hardcore punk rock, then Mad Jamie is the group that you must check out because you will instantly get some solid influences of legendary acts of this genre, such as Green Day, Sex Pistols, Ramones, and more. Listen to their song Fxxk You Very Much, and the rest will be clear to you.
Also read: A Journey Through Shadows and Soundscapes: The Evolution of Goth Music
