JAPANESE BANDS A-Z LIST: A

Genre: Visual kei metalcore / rock
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
Formed: 2017

Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:
ACME is a four-piece Japanese visual kei metalcore band from Tokyo, formed in 2017. Known for their high-energy sound and colourful oshare-influenced visuals, the band blends heavy riffs with melodic hooks and theatrical presentation.

Key Facts:

• Members: CHISA (vocals), SHOGO (guitar), RIKITO (bass), HAL (drums)
• Style / Image: Colourful visual kei with oshare fashion elements
• Notable Release: Zesshou Ouka (2018)
• Meaning of Name: “ACME” refers to the vertex or peak of evolution.

Online:
Web: acme-official.com

Store: acme.base.shop

Twitter (X): @ACMEOFFICIALJP

Instagram: @acmeofficialjp

YouTube: @acmejapan

MUSIC:
Popular: Rotten Orange
We also like: Paradox

Tokyo Noizu Spotify: ACME Playlist

Genre: Rock

Origin: Hiroshima, Japan

Formed: 2016

Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:

AINSEL is a Japanese rock band from Hiroshima, formed in 2016. The band is known for energetic live performances and a straightforward rock sound that blends melody with emotional intensity.

Key Facts:

• Members: RiKu. (vocals), Hiro (guitar), You (drums)
• Style / Image: Modern Japanese rock with a strong live-house presence
• Notable Release: Will — debut 6-track EP (2018)
• Lineup History: Former bassist YuJi departed the band following an official announcement made via the band’s website and social media.

Online:

Web: ainseljapan.ryzm.jp

Twitter (X): @ainsel_official

YouTube: ainselofficialyoutubechann4064

Instagram: ainsel_official

TikTok: @ainsel_official

MUSIC:
Popular: One Limit
We also like: For Tomorrow  

Genre: Heavy metal / power metal

Origin: Osaka, Japan

Formed: 2008

Status: Indefinite hiatus (2025)

Bitesize Overview:

Aldious is a pioneering all-female Japanese heavy metal band from Osaka that formed in 2008. They helped ignite Japan’s “Girls Metal Band Boom” with energetic riffs, melodic power metal influences, and a strong visual presence that blends heaviness with style. 

Key Facts:

• Members: Originally formed by vocalist Rami and guitarist Yoshi; the lineup has changed over the years with several singers and musicians contributing. 
• Style / Image: Metal with strong melodies and technical guitar work, part of the modern Japanese metal movement. 
• Notable Release: Their first full album Deep Exceed came out in 2010 and charted in the Oricon top 15. 
• Vocalists Over Time: The band has featured several vocalists, including Rami (founding singer), Re:NO, and R!N at various points in their history.

Online:

Web: aldious.net

Twitter (X): @Aldious_info

YouTube: aldiousofficial

Facebook: Aldious.officialpage

MUSIC:

Popular: We Are

We also like: Absolute

Tokyo Noizu Spotify: Aldious Playlist

Genre: Symphonic metal / melodic metal

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Formed: 2002

Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:

Ancient Myth is a Tokyo-based Japanese symphonic metal band known for blending orchestral grandeur with heavy metal intensity. Formed in 2002, the group has gone through many lineup changes, and today it continues under the leadership of female vocalist Michal, who joined in 2008 and remains the longest-serving member.

No original members are currently in the band. Ancient Myth has released several albums and EPs, toured internationally, and earned recognition for mixing dramatic melodies with powerful metal arrangements.

Key Facts:

• Members: Fronted by vocalist/bandleader Michal (joined 2008). Current lineup also includes keyboardist Hal, drummer Shibuki, and guitarist kaya as of 2024.
• Style / Image: Their sound fuses symphonic and gothic metal with melodic and dramatic metal elements, often noted for cinematic arrangements and a strong visual presence.
• Notable Releases: Albums like Astrolabe in Your Heart (2010), Akashic (2012), and ArcheoNyx (2021) showcase their evolving symphonic metal sound. They’ve also released mini-albums such as Antibes (2005) and Ambrosian Blood (2021). 
• International Activity: After their best-of re-recorded album Aberration in 2016, Ancient Myth toured in Europe and played abroad including in Belgium, China, and South Korea. 
• Legacy: Though lineup changes have been frequent, Michal’s long tenure has helped maintain the band’s identity and artistic direction through nearly two decades of activity.

Online:

Web: ancient-myth.com

YouTube: @ANCIENTMYTHofficial

Instagram: ancientmyth_official

Facebook: ANCIENTMYTHofficial

Twitter (X): @ancientmyth

MUSIC:

Popular: Ambrosian Blood

We also like: Aerial Memories: False

Genre: Heavy metal / traditional heavy metal
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
Formed: 1981
Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:
Anthem is a pioneering Japanese heavy metal band that formed in Tokyo in the early 1980s and helped shape Japan’s traditional metal scene alongside peers like Loudness and Earthshaker. They released their major label debut album Anthem in 1985, establishing themselves with a classic heavy metal sound and strong riffs. After a break in the 1990s, the band re-formed in 2000 and has continued evolving their music into the 21st century. 

In 2019 Anthem signed with Germany’s Nuclear Blast Records, marking one of the first major European label deals for a Japanese metal act and broadening their international reach with the re-recorded greatest-hits album Nucleus.

Key Facts:

• Members: Founded by bassist Naoto Shibata with several lineup changes over the years, including notable vocalists Eizo Sakamoto and Yukio Morikawa. The band’s current lineup remains active in recording and touring.
   
• Style / Image: Anthem’s music is rooted in traditional heavy metal, featuring powerful vocals, galloping rhythms, and melodic guitar work that reflects both classic metal influences and later power metal tendencies.
   
• Notable Releases:
  • Anthem (1985) – debut studio album
  • Tightrope (1986) and Bound to Break (1987) – key 1980s albums
  • Heavy Metal Anthem (2000) – comeback album with English lyrics featuring guest vocalist Graham Bonnet
  • Nucleus (2019) – greatest-hits collection re-recorded in English under Nuclear Blast Records, helping expand their global presence.
     
• International Recognition: Their deal with Nuclear Blast Records for Nucleus made Anthem one of the first Japanese metal bands on the long-established German metal label, boosting their profile outside Japan.

Online:

Web: heavymetalanthem.com

Twitter (X): @anthem_official

Instagram: @heavymetal_anthem

YouTube: @ANTHEMOFFICIALChannel 

Facebook: heavymetalanthem

MUSIC:

Popular:  Black Empire
We also like: Wild Anthem

Tokyo Noizu Spotify: ANTHEM Playlist

Genre: Visual kei / rock
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
Formed: 2013
Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:
ARLEQUIN is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in Tokyo in October 2013. Known for their vivid visual style and emotionally intense music, they quickly drew attention in the visual kei scene with their theatrical stage presence and melodic rock sound. 

From early on, the band described themselves as part of a “next generation Nagoya kei” movement, linking their aesthetic and sound to the darker, edgy subculture that grew from the 1990s Nagoya visual kei scene.

Key Facts:

• Members: Vocalist Aki, guitarists Kuruto and Nao, and bassist Shohei have formed the core line-up since 2013. Drummer Tamon was part of the band until his departure in 2023.
   
• Style / Image: ARLEQUIN blend visual kei’s dramatic visuals with rock and melodic elements, often combining expressive lyrics with elaborate costumes and makeup. Their “next generation Nagoya kei” label reflects influence from earlier Nagoya visual kei pioneers while pushing a modern, polished sound.
   
• Notable Releases: Their debut single Arlequin (2013) drew early buzz, followed by albums such as Near Equal (2014), Utopia (2016), Bless (2018), The Laughing Man (2020), and Monster (2022), along with compilations like Pieces and Anthology.
   
• Scene Impact: ARLEQUIN quickly became known for sold-out shows and strong fan support, with critics and scene commentators highlighting them (along with peers like DEZERT) as leading acts in visual kei’s newer generation.

Online:

Twitter: @Arlequin_offi

Instagram: @arlequin_offi

YouTube:  アルルカン official

MUSIC:

Popular: Dameningen

We Also Like: Pictures

Genre: Metalcore / heavy metal
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
Formed: 2020
Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:
ASK I FALL is a Tokyo‑based international metalcore band formed in 2020 by members from different countries who united through a shared passion for heavy music and Japanese culture. 

Their sound blends Japanese and Western metalcore influences with melodic hooks, intense breakdowns, and atmospheric elements. Since their debut, the group has also launched their own metal event in Tokyo called Moshin’ Tokyo, which mixes live bands, DJs, and performance art to build a more connected metal scene.

Key Facts:

• Members & Lineup: ASK I FALL’s line-up has evolved over time. The current line-up centers around vocalist Fabio (who Tokyo Noizu interviewed in 2025), with Yuu officially joining as their new guitarist. Jun supporting on Bass, with Smith on Drums.
   
• Style / Image: The band’s music combines metalcore aggression with melodic and emotional songwriting, influenced by Japanese metal and international acts, creating a dynamic and diverse sound. Their live shows often feature high energy and a mix of metal performance with artistic elements.
   
• Moshin’ Tokyo: Beyond their own music, ASK I FALL organizes Moshin’ Tokyo, a recurring metal event in Tokyo that brings together underground metalcore bands, DJs, pole dancers, and fans to create an international metal community and party‑style showcase.
   
• Notable Releases: They released their debut EP Chroma in 2021 and continued with singles like The Storyteller, Industry Paradox, and the full‑length Between Worlds in 2025, helping establish their presence in the metalcore genre.
   
• Scene Impact: ASK I FALL positions itself as a bridge between Japanese and Western metalcore, promoting cross‑cultural collaboration and expanding the genre’s reach through both music and live events.

Online:

Web: moshintokyo.com

Twitter (X): @ask_i_fall

YouTube: @ASKIFALL

Instagram: askifall_official

Facebook: askifall

TikTok: askifall

MUSIC:
Popular: 社畜 Shachiku
We also like: Lead Phantoms 

Genre: Post-black metal / blackgaze / experimental metal
Origin: Tokyo (Taitō), Japan
Formed: 2014
Status: Active

Bitesize Overview:
ASUNOJOKEI is a Tokyo-based post-black metal and blackgaze band formed in 2014. Known for fusing intense black metal with shoegaze, post-hardcore, and J-pop-influenced melodies, they’ve carved out a unique sound in Japan’s heavy music scene. 

Early in their career the band self-released an EP and quickly began touring in Asia, playing in Taiwan in 2016 and a multi-city tour across China in 2018. Their dynamic live shows and genre-blending recordings have helped them stand out both at home and abroad.

Key Facts:

• Members: Daiki Nuno (vocals), Kei Toriki (guitar), Takuya Seki (bass), Seiya Saito (drums) — consistent line-up since formation.
   
• Meaning of Name: Asunojokei translates roughly to “Scenery of Tomorrow” in English.
   
• Musical Style: Their music blends black metal’s intensity with shoegaze textures and emotional melodic elements, drawing on influences across metal, post-rock, and Japanese literary themes.

Notable Releases & Career Highlights:

• 2016 – A Bird in the Fault (EP) marks their first official release.
• 2018 – Awakening, their debut full-length album, followed by shows in five Chinese cities.
• 2022 – Island, their acclaimed second album.
• 2024 – Live Album: Island in Full, documenting standout performances.
• 2025 – Think of You, a third full-length with atmosphere-driven writing and visuals.

Touring & International Presence: ASUNOJOKEI have consistently performed outside Japan since early in their career. They played shows in Taiwan (2016) and China (2018), and in May–June 2023 supported legendary Japanese band Boris on a UK/EU tour — their first major European headline appearances.

Interesting Fact: ASUNOJOKEI also contributed to the NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… project, providing an arrangement for the special “Weiss Edition” soundtrack associated with the 2021 remake of the game. 

Online:

Web: asunojokei.com

Twitter: @asunojokei

Instagram: @asunojokei

YouTube: Asunojokei

MUSIC:

Popular: Heavenward

We also like: Spring Of Passion

Genre: Dance-rock / Metal / Hard rock fusion
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
Years Active: 2013/2014 – 2021
Status: Disbanded

Bitesize Overview:
ASURA was a Tokyo-based band known for blending heavy rock and metal with dance elements and stage performance. Formed in the mid-2010s, the group built a distinct identity around powerful female vocals, strong rock musicianship, and onstage dancers as full members—creating a theatrical fusion of sound and movement that stood out in Japan’s independent scene. 

Over eight years they released several EPs and albums and performed regularly in Tokyo before concluding their activities with a final concert in December 2021.

Key Facts:

• Fusion Style: ASURA mixed heavy rock/metal instrumentation with dance, J-POP, and visual elements as part of their core concept.
   
• Releases: Early works include the debut HELP! and SHOCK!, followed by BLAST! and full-length album Eternal, then A.M.S.S.P.A. in 2020.
   
• Final Show: Their 8th Anniversary final performance took place in Tokyo on December 5, 2021.
   
• Online Presence: Many official web and social links have since become inactive, though music remains discoverable via streaming and music databases. (Verified by searches on Japanese music sites and release platforms.)

Members & Performance:
Although the line-up changed over time, typical contributors included:

• AKINA – Vocals
• M – Guitar
• SHØGO – Bass
• PePe – Drums
• SAYAKA / AOI (etc.) – Dance & onstage performance roles (not just backing dancers)
   

Notable Feature:
Unlike standard rock bands, ASURA integrated trained dancers as permanent members to visually express themes from their lyrics, adding another dimension to live shows and media.

Online: 

Web: Currently out of action

Twitter: @Asura2033

Instagram: @asura_official2014

MUSIC:

Popular:  Empress
We also like: Luv My Rule

Video Credit to Japan's Team A'Thrash who shot the live show.