15 Korean Rock Bands You Need to Listen To

How about listening to a total headbanger jam?

Here are 15 (and some of the greatest) Japanese rock bands you need to listen to RIGHT NOW

Japanese rock, or more popularly known as J-Rock has been shaking the world since time immemorial

Its eclectic, futuristic, and experimental sound attracted millions of fans from all parts of the world

Celebrated group ONE OK ROCK has left impressive footprints of representing J-Rock across the world

The band’s sound versatility from alternative, and emo, to pop-rock, made them one of the most renowned Japanese rock icons

Under this award-winning band are their remarkable collaborations with All Time Low, Sum41, 5SOS, My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne, and Ed Sheeran

One Ok Rock has recently been hailed as “Artist of the Year” by Spaceshower Music Awards 2020

Sugoi!

Must Listen: The Beginning, Wherever You Are, Nobody’s Home, Clock Strikes and Pierce

Known as a band that transcends to all ages

RADWIMPS is a chart mainstay in Japan, scoring multiple Oricon number 1s since debut

The platinum-certified band is known for its striking lyrics and experimental rock sound

Their frontman, Yojiro Noda also debuted as a solo artist under the name “illion” and released two albums

RADWIMPS gained more global recognition by providing the soundtrack of the highest-grossing anime film of all time, “Your Name”

Must Listen: Sparkle, Iron Bible, Setsuna Rensa, DADA and IKIJIBIKI (Ft Taka of One Ok Rock)

A legendary group that provided a multitude of music for video games, movies, TV shows, and anime in Japan

BUMP OF CHICKEN has successfully charted in the Oricon’s top ten for their every release

Their major influence in pop culture in Japan been evident ever since

Must Listen: Ray, Tentai Kansoku, Zero, Good luck and Smile

One of the best-selling and most successful J-rock bands having 75 million record sales

They also hold the record for the most number 1 albums in the Oricon charts

Band fun fact: their fandom name is called Father & Mother

ALSO READ:  “Your Name” is coming to Netflix this July!Debut: 1992 (Major Debut) to Present | 28 years active

Must Listen: Himawari, Ashioto~Be Strong, Namonaki Uta, and Inori “Namida No Kidou”

BAND-MAID

How about listening to these maid café chic rockers?

Band-Maid’s submissive theme is a total contrast with their hard-hitting rock songs

Due to their uniqueness and vocal colors, they were awarded as Best Musical Act of 2020 by Neo Awards

Must Listen: Domination, Endless Story, Don’t You Tell Me, Freedom and The Non-fiction Days

Highschool buddies turned internationally-recognized all-female band

Aside from their pretty faces, the band is also critically-acclaimed for their talents

Scandal provided the hit soundtracks for the anime Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In 2019, Scandal announced that they will be creating their own private label

Must Listen: Scandal Baby, Shunkan Sentimental, Namida No Regret and Doll

Japanese fusion rock band consisting of five members

UVERworld was known for its works such as the opening theme of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Season 2 and Bleach

Their official fan club is called New Sound Wave, while the band’s staff are called Neo Sound Crew

Must Listen: Mixed Up, Kimi No Suki Na Uta, Core Pride and Impact

Previously known as SrvVinci, the band underwent major changes from label transfer and name

Thus, the conception of King Gnu This breakout Japanese band has been making waves for their raw and stellar discography

King Gnu is a billboard japan chart-topper since their major debut in January last year

They recently bagged the Best New Asian Artist – Japan award during the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)

To top it off, they’ve also won the Best Japanese Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards in the same year

ALSO READ:  I-POP U 2022 MANILA: A night to remember with Alice, Xdinary Heroes, Golden Child, WayV, and NCT DreamDebut: 2015 to Present | 5 years active

Must Listen:  Hakujitsu, Tokyo Rendezvous, Teenager Forever and Humor

Historic J-rock act, L’Arc~en~Ciel features a stunning 40 million records sales on their profile

Despite issues surrounding the band, the members continued and strive for success

Shortly after, the majority of their releases topped the Oricon charts

Following their notable achievement in Japan, they extended their promotion to the US market in early 2000

Europe debut followed a year after

Even now, L’Arc~en~Ciel proves to be a strong force in the Japanese rock scene

Must Listen: Winter Fall, Caress of Venus, Hitomi No Jyuunin and Bless

Hard rock band Man with A Mission is known for its eccentric concept and intriguing backstory

Each member wears distinctive wolf masks on all performances and music videos

Said to be artificially made android, created by a mad scientist, they were frozen in Antarctica for a long time while listening to all kinds of music

They were then able to escape and started a music career in Japan

Their songs have been used for numerous anime, live-action movies, and video games

Must Listen:  Fly Again, Don’t Loose Yourself, Emotions, and Get Off of My Way

CoEd band Mrs Green Apple originated from Tokyo, Japan

Their first album, “Twelve” immediately placed 10th on the Oricon charts

Instantly placing in the top 10 of the Oricon charts is considered a great feat for a Japanese rock band

Mrs Green Apple provided the ending theme for the anime series, Yu-Gi-Oh!

The band’s sound is as refreshing and good as their name echoes

Must Listen:  Inferno, Cheers, Ao To Natsu, and WanteD

BABY METAL

If you’re torn between idols and bands, Baby Metal is the answer to your struggle

Effectively combining the idol charm, and the band’s metal instrumentation

Baby Metal has been considered a success since their 2014 debut

The members were originally a sub-unit of an idol group Sakura Gakuin

Baby Metal became an official independent artist in 2013

Thus, they went on several tours around and outside Asia, furthermore proving their exceptional band appeal

ALSO READ:  RADWIMPS announces 15th Anniversary special concertMust Listen: Akatsuki, Road to Resistance, Headbanger, and Megitsune

Upon debut, My First Story recorded remarkable sales for their first and second album

It gathered massive attention from the public, scoring them gigs in some of the biggest music festivals in Japan

My First Story launched their fandom in 2016 called “Storyteller”

The band toured all 47 prefectures of Japan for their “We’re Just Waiting 4 You” Tour in the same year

Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active

Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active

Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active

Must Listen: The Story is My Life, Alone, Neurose and Second Limit

Originally known as “Champagne”, the band went to promote with the name for seven years

In 2018, they renamed to “Alexandros” due to the request of the Bureau of Champagne in Japan

Since formation, the band’s releases have constantly topped various Japanese music charts

Awards also came pouring to the band as Best Rock Artist, People’s Choice, and Best Group Artist from 2016 to 2019

Must Listen: Wataridori, Girl A, Swan and Snow Sound

Official HIGE DANdism, also known by the name “Higedan”, is Japan’s premiered pop and rock band to date

Formed in 2012, the band is now considered one of the fastest rising stars in Japan

The piano-pop band holds a striking record of 23 weeks in the billboard Japan top 10

Higedan’s sound can be described as rock with heavy influences on R&B and soul

Their song “Pretender” accumulated 100 million total streams in just a short span

“Pretender” also won Song of the Year for both Space Shower Music Awards 2019 and MTV Video Music Awards Japan

Indeed, chou sugoi!

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active

Must Listen: Pretender, No Doubt, Stand By You and Shukumei

Give these Japanese rock bands a listen if you need a playlist revamp or just in the mood to widen your music horizon

Is your favorite band included in the list?

Leave your comments below or share your feels!

Scroll to Top