From neo-classical fireworks to anime-tinged speed metal, these eight Japanese bands prove the scene is deeper than X Japan. Cue them up and prepare for twin-guitar nirvana.
1 · Galneryus – Neo-Classical Legends
Veterans of the scene, Galneryus celebrated 20 years with the 2024 studio album The Stars Will Light the Way and a new 2-DVD live set in 2025. Expect Yama-B’s soaring tenor, Syu’s lightning arpeggios and JRPG-ready choruses. Start with ‘Angel of Salvation’ then dive into 2024 single ‘Run to the Edge’.
2 · LOVEBITES – Shredding with Teeth
Lovebites, the all-female quintet’s 2024 EP II and the double live album No More Tragedy prove they’ve lost none of the bite that won them Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods award. Mix Iron-Maiden gallops with speedy thrash and crystalline English-language vocals. Essential spin ‘Holy War’.
3 · NEMOPHILA – Groove-Laden Power for 2025
Fronted by the formidable Mayu, NEMOPHILA fuse modern groove with classic power-metal bravado. Their forthcoming album Apple of My Eye (out 22 Jan 2025) is already driving pre-orders worldwide. Queue up ‘REVIVE’ to sample their punch-and-polish production.
4 · Unlucky Morpheus – Violin-Laced Virtuosity
Affectionately called “Ankimo” by fans, Unlucky Morpheus blend shred guitar, twin female vocals and shredding violin. Their 2024 Touhou-inspired EPs and 2025 anime theme ‘Sakura Chevalier’ show off jaw-dropping musicianship without sacrificing hooks. Try ‘Black Pentagram’ first.
5 · BRIDEAR – Melodic Power Meets Modern Metal
BRIDEAR’s 2024 album Born Again pushed their sound into heavier territory while keeping the big choruses intact. Check the video for ‘Braver Words’ to see why their spring 2025 EU tour sold out in days.
6 · Concerto Moon – Japan’s Yngwie Disciples
A cult favourite since the ’90s, Concerto Moon returned in 2024 with their 14th album Back Beyond Time, packed with sweep-picked runs and classical flourishes. Gateway track: ‘Story of My Life’.
7 · Saber Tiger – Thrash-Edged Power
Hokkaido’s long-running Saber Tiger dropped Eliminated in September 2024—an album that slips thrash bite into traditional power-metal frameworks. Sample ‘The Moonlight Shines’ for harmonised leads and growl-ready riffs.
8 · Jupiter – Symphonic Grandeur Reforged
Formed by Versailles alumni, Jupiter rebooted in 2025 with new bassist Cero and single ‘Ecliptic’. Expect Baroque orchestration, power-metal speed and visual-kei theatrics in equal measure.
Quick-Add Playlist
- Galneryus – ‘Angel of Salvation’
- LOVEBITES – ‘Holy War (Live 2024)’
- NEMOPHILA – ‘REVIVE’
- Unlucky Morpheus – ‘Black Pentagram’
- BRIDEAR – ‘Braver Words’
- Concerto Moon – ‘Story of My Life’
- Saber Tiger – ‘The Moonlight Shines’
- Jupiter – ‘Ecliptic’
FAQs
Is Japanese power metal different from Euro power metal?
Yes – the Japanese scene leans heavily on neo-classical shredding, visual-kei theatrics and, often, bilingual lyrics. You’ll also hear more major-key melodies reminiscent of anime openings.
Where can I buy physical releases outside Japan?
Labels like JPU Records, Walküre Records and CD Japan ship worldwide. Many bands also sell limited editions during overseas tours.
Some others worth listening to are Versailles and matenrou opera