Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

Beautiful yet fierce! A recommendation of Japanese girls’ metal bands you should be listening to right now

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerTakashi Hoshino
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

When you think of metal bands, many people might associate them with men because of the loud and aggressive sound.

In truth, the world of metal is incredibly deep.

It ranges from music that single-mindedly pursues heaviness to symphonic, beautiful styles—far too broad to sum up in a single phrase.

Among them, all-female bands possess a delicacy distinct from their male counterparts, and some enjoy a cult-like following.

So this time, we’re introducing Japan’s proud girls’ metal bands!

We’ve selected a wide range—from traditional, straight-ahead acts to groups with highly refined concepts—so give this a look as your beginner’s guide.

Beautiful yet fierce! Recommended Japanese girls’ metal bands you should listen to now (11–20)

Speculative MythologyFairy Empire

[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku – Kuusou Mesorogiwi – Fairy Empire “Fantasy Mesorogiwi”

Kūsō Mesorogii Yōsei Teikoku

As their name suggests, Fairy Empire captivates listeners with a mysterious worldview that feels as if it leapt from another realm.

Since their formation in 1997, they have crafted a unique sound that weaves techno and gothic elements into metal.

The tracks on the album Metanoia, in particular, balance dynamism and delicacy, and they have not lost their luster even long after its 2010 release.

This work opened a new door for girls’ metal and won over many fans beyond genre boundaries.

It’s the perfect song for the theme.

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MazeDESTROSE

DESTROSE – Maze (FULL MV 480p)

MazeDESTROSE

DESTROSE, a highly skilled all-female metal band once dubbed the “female X JAPAN,” was formed in 2007 by guitarist Mina and her members.

They made their indie debut with a single in 2010 and continued to work energetically, delivering a powerful sound built on twin lead guitars and double-bass drums.

In 2013, their first album, DESTROSE, reached No.

7 on the Oricon indie chart, and that same year they made their presence felt with overseas shows in the United States.

Despite several lineup changes, they continued to captivate many fans with a blend of feminine delicacy and overwhelming musicianship.

Even after going on hiatus in July 2015, members went on to thrive in new bands such as LOVEBITES and FATE GEAR.

Spanning from traditional heavy metal to beautiful melodies, the world of DESTROSE is perfect for those who want to enjoy powerful female vocals and technical performances.

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VengeanceArk Royal

ArkRoyal – Vengeance【MV】

VengeanceArk Royal

Hailing from Sapporo, the girls’ metal band Ark Royal is known for their energetic music that captivates listeners in an instant.

In particular, “Limited Edition,” a track from their 2019 album ARISE, blends heavy guitar riffs with exhilarating melodies to stunning effect, leaving a powerful impression.

Their aggressive yet delicate expressiveness points to new possibilities for girls’ metal.

This song is perfect for anyone who wants to set themselves free through music!

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exe♡cuteSweet Guillotine

Sweet Guillotine / exe♡cute (Official Music Video)

Exe♡cute Sweet Guillotine

Sweet Guillotine burst onto the scene like a flash in March 2023, instantly drawing attention with their distinctive concept and polished sound.

Their debut single, “exe♡cute / Surgical Renaissance,” brilliantly fuses beauty and aggression—music that feels essential right now.

The band sprinkles cute vocals over a heavy metal foundation, captivating listeners.

This release brims with overwhelming energy that makes you forget everyday life, and it comes highly recommended for a wide audience—from young people riding the wave of momentum to adults looking to set their hearts free!

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The Sky PiratesFATE GEAR

The Sky Pirates – all-female steampunk metal band FATE GEAR

The Sky PiratesFATE GEAR

FATE GEAR is a standout all-girls band that unfolds a unique world with a heavy metal sound and dazzling stage costumes.

In particular, their 2017 album “OZ Rebellion” is highly praised among fans, packed with powerful tracks that epitomize girls’ metal.

On this record, the sharp bite of the guitar riffs and Nana’s clear vocals create a striking contrast.

It’s perfect not only for die-hard metal lovers but also for listeners seeking melodic songs.

If you want to experience the allure of FATE GEAR, this is the ideal album to start with!

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STRIKELittle Lilith

Little Lilith / STRIKE -Music Video-

STRIKELittle Lilith

The girls’ metal band Little Lilith captivates with LILLY’s soaring vocals and their versatile musicality.

In particular, their EP “Graffiti,” released in July 2022, is a must-hear.

It fuses the rhythmic, heavy guitars and bass—hallmarks of djent—with driving drum beats to electrify listeners.

This distinctive style is on full display again in their March 2023 EP “STRIKE,” making it recommended not only for metal fans but also for anyone seeking something fresh.

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Beautiful yet ferocious! A recommendation of Japanese girls’ metal bands you should be listening to now (21–30)

CRY OUTTRiDENT

TRiDENT『CRY OUT』

CRY OUTTRiDENT

A three-piece band that combines world-shaking power with delicate nuance is bringing a fresh breeze to today’s rock scene.

They began in 2013 during their light music club days, then relaunched as TRiDENT in May 2020—and in just three months achieved the milestone of over one million views on a music video.

While grounded in rock, hard rock, and heavy metal, they forge a distinctive sound that weaves in melodious and emotional elements.

They actively collaborate with seasoned artists such as Shota Horie of PENGUIN RESEARCH and Daisuke (DAIDAI) of Paledusk, continually pursuing innovative musicality.

Making their presence felt at rock festivals nationwide, their music videos have surpassed 17 million total views.

This is a band highly recommended for music fans who crave powerful yet beautiful melodies.

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