Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands

Twist of FateBad Lieutenant

Bad Lieutenant – “Twist of Fate”

It’s the new band formed by Bernard Sumner, the vocalist of New Order.

They’re not very famous, but if you like UK rock, you should know this band too.

Their songwriting is excellent, and the fusion of rock and dance music is superb.

LudensBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – Ludens (Official Video)

Hailing from Sheffield in Yorkshire, England, Bring Me The Horizon have grown into one of the most influential and important bands of the 2020s.

Formed in 2004 by teenage boys, they first drew attention with a style known as deathcore—an even more extreme, heavier take on metalcore—but they continued to evolve their sound with each release.

Their fifth album, That’s the Spirit, featured more sung melodies than shouts and actively incorporated elements from a variety of genres such as alternative rock and electronica, reaching No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

In both name and reality, they became a globally popular rock band.

Released in 2019, amo pursued an even broader musical palette and delivered a superb crossover sound, and in October 2020 they put out an EP featuring none other than BABYMETAL—proof that their creativity shows no sign of slowing down.

If you’re looking for Western rock that isn’t too heavy but still loud and modern with electronic elements and strong melodies, we highly recommend Bring Me The Horizon’s recent work.

Of course, their early, ferocious deathcore era is also insanely cool, so once you’ve gotten used to heavier sounds, give it a try.

Sea DragonCovet

Covet – Ares [Official Music Video]

This is Covet, the band of Yvette Young, who’s famous as an insanely skilled guitarist.

It’s a really great song packed with the best of post-rock and math rock.

Even though the whole band fires off one complex phrase after another, it doesn’t feel that way—probably because each phrase is so incredibly catchy and cool.

And the non-guitar instruments are insanely good too.

Enter SandmanMetallica

Metallica: Enter Sandman (Official Music Video)

Metallica easily transcends the narrow label of being merely a pioneering presence in the heavy metal subgenre known as thrash metal; it’s no exaggeration to call them one of the most popular rock bands in the world.

Formed on the U.

S.

West Coast in 1981, they rose through the underground by forging thrash metal—an even more intense style that incorporated elements of hardcore punk into traditional heavy metal—and gradually broadened their musical range.

In the 1990s, they moved closer to the then-sweeping alternative rock movement, creating songs that didn’t hinge on speed, producing a wealth of magnificent classics that left their mark not only on metal but on rock history, while achieving overwhelming commercial success.

Their influence extends beyond heavy metal bands; artists and groups from other genres openly profess their love for Metallica.

In Japan as well, many bands cite Metallica as an influence.

For those who don’t often listen to heavy sounds, diving straight into Metallica might be a challenge, but if you’re looking to explore Western rock—or take your first step into metal—why not start with Metallica?

ThunderstruckAC/DC

AC/DC – Thunderstruck (Official Video)

AC/DC is a rock band that represents Australia.

Centered around brothers Angus Young on lead guitar and Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, the band was formed in 1973.

Their 1980 album Back in Black became a massive hit, catapulting them to worldwide attention.

Although their steadfast devotion to a blues-rock style has not been as widely embraced in Japan as it has elsewhere, leading to a different reception compared to their global acclaim, the two guitarist brothers are still recognized as model players and frequently featured in guitar magazines.

LongshotCatfish&the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Longshot

Catfish and the Bottlemen are an indie rock band from Wales, UK, formed in 2007.

The band’s name comes from when member Van once saw a street performer in Australia called Catfish The Bottleman; Van later reunited with that performer via a radio show.

Their album Balcony was released in the United States on January 6, 2015, and the very next day they achieved the feat of performing on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Despite hardships such as the departure of their lead guitarist, they’re a band we hope will keep pushing forward!

BurnDeep Purple

Burn (2002 Remaster)

Alongside Led Zeppelin, the British band Deep Purple is hailed as a group that helped cement hard rock as a genre.

Since their formation in 1968, they’ve undergone numerous lineup changes, but the band has featured many key figures in rock: legendary vocalists such as Ian Gillan and David Coverdale, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who delivered countless iconic performances, and organist Jon Lord, the cornerstone of their sound.

There’s no end to the recommended albums and famous songs, but there’s no question they’re a legendary band you absolutely should experience.