Everybody knows Babymetal.
But there are tons of other Japanese Metal Girl Bands.
Groups where every member is female, not only the singers.
And they don’t all play up the “kawaii” factor like Babymetal does.
Babymetal got the attention, but they led to listeners discovering several other incredible bands.
Far better bands than Babymetal, in my opinion.
Keep reading for some incredible all-girl metal bands from Japan. Yes, Babymetal obviously made the list, but check out some of the other bands, if you haven’t already.
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Japanese Metal Girl Bands
As mentioned, I had no choice but to include Babymetal. And I put them first. But they are actually my least favorite of the female metal bands from Japan listed below. Not bad, but nowhere near as impressive as the rest. And not really all female either.
Babymetal
Of course, I had to put Babymetal first, but that does not mean they are my favorite Japanese female metal band, or the best one. In fact, they are not technically a female band, since the musicians are all male and only the singers/dancers are female.
Nevertheless, they are arguably the biggest Japanese metal girl band. They have been meshing elements of cute “Japanese Idol” style of music with heavy and power metal genres for over a decade now.
All of the female members have a “metal” suffix in their nicknames: Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto), Moametal (Moa Kikuchi), and Momometal (Momoko Okazaki).
Flamboyant dancing choreography, heavily polished heavy metal tones, and “kawaii” vocals are not unique to Babymetal, but they’re among the best currently doing it.
Thematically, this Japanese metal band has made huge leaps from comical, almost childish topics (as evident in songs like Gimme Chocolate!) and classic old-school ambients.
One of their most controversial tunes is Babymetal Death (see video above), featuring death metal growls, earth-shattering distortion, and even a skit resembling a crucifixion in the official video.
Ultimately, Babymetal is different from its peers because they consistently continue to explore and push the boundaries of originality and innovation by jumping between genres. There really is no other musical act like Babymetal.
Aldious
I consider Aldious the polar opposite of Babymetal in all things but one: they’re both all-female Japanese metal groups. While the latter group keep changing their style (and occasionally members), Aldious retains its power metal roots and has a keen, serious approach to their music.
Rami originally formed the band, but left in 2012. The current Aldious lineup includes the other co-founder Yoshi, Toki on guitars, and Sawa on bass. The trio tours heavily across all compass points with multiple support members, including Nana-A on drums, Narumi on guitars, and Maki & Saki on backup vocals.
Aldious has climbed the ladder with exceptionally strong music, potent lyrics, and exemplary live performances. In my humble opinion, their live performance of We Are from the Dominator promo tour perfectly showcases every ounce of the band’s potential and why throngs of fans worldwide love Aldious so much.
Lovebites
Of all Japanese girl-fronted metal bands that experienced rapid growth, Lovebites takes the cake. Just when I thought that all unique visuals, themes, and riffs had been explored in the vast world of heavy metal, I discovered this band and was proved otherwise.
Lovebites formed in 2016 and they’ve been steadily climbing the upper echelons of the global heavy metal scene. With fast, surgically accurate licks, brutal shredding, and gorgeous melodies, they’ve shown time and time again that metal is alive and well in the eastern parts of the globe.
My first introduction to this band was The Hammer of Wrath, performed live in Tokyo in 2023. I had not seen a band so tight-knit and symbiotic in a while. To me, it felt like they’d been playing together forever, since every little detail was executed with utmost perfection.
Band-Maid
When I first saw Band-Maid, I rolled my eyes. The maid outfit gimmick just didn’t do it for me. But once I heard them play, everything changed.
These ladies are incredibly talented and they rock hard! Sure, they are more hard rock than heavy metal, but they blend a variety of different styles across their catalog.
The band was formed in 2013 and consists of five members: Saiki Atsumi brings the lead vocals, Miku Kobato on rhythm guitar and vocals, Kanami Tōno on lead guitar, Akane Hirose on drums, and Misa on bass.
Each member adopts the maid image, but they do so in very different ways. Miku and Akane continue to stick with more traditional maid outfits, while the other 3 members have gone darker with their clothing choices (though Kanami hung on for a while). But even the darker outfits are still somewhat cutesy.
However, their music is anything but cutesy and docile. Band-Maid’s sound is a powerful blend of hard rock and metal with a touch of pop sensibility, creating songs that are both catchy and heavy.
Their musicianship is top-notch, with intricate guitar solos, pounding drum beats, and driving bass lines that showcase each member’s technical prowess. Songs like Thrill and Domination have resonated with fans worldwide, propelling Band-Maid to international recognition.
Band-Maid’s stage presence is a spectacle in and of itself. They deliver high-energy performances without compromising on precision or flair.
Their dedication to their craft is evident in their tight live shows, which are a significant draw for their growing fan base, affectionately known as “masters” and “princesses.”
The band has also been prolific in terms of releases, with several albums and EPs that have charted well in Japan. Their music videos often go viral among rock and metal enthusiasts, further cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
Band-Maid is a refreshing and exhilarating act in the Japanese metal scene, subverting expectations with their maid aesthetic and delivering a hard-hitting musical experience that transcends cultural barriers. They are a testament to the fact that appearances can be deceiving, and they continue to win over fans with their relentless energy and rock prowess.
Exist Trace
Exist Trace is a band that stands out in the Japanese visual kei scene, not only for their music but also for their distinction as one of the genre’s all-female bands.
Visual kei is a movement among Japanese musicians that is characterized by the use of varying levels of makeup, elaborate hair styles, and flamboyant costumes. While the scene is predominantly male, Exist Trace has carved out a significant place for themselves since their formation in 2003.
The band consists of Jyou on vocals, Miko on guitar and vocals, Omi on guitar, Naoto on bass, and Mally on drums. Together, they create a sound that is a dynamic fusion of heavy metal, rock, and other musical elements that defy simple categorization.
Their music ranges from aggressive and fast-paced tracks to more melodic and emotionally charged songs, showcasing their versatility and skill as musicians.
Exist Trace’s aesthetic is as compelling as their sound, often incorporating gothic and androgynous elements that play with gender norms and expectations, a hallmark of the visual kei style. Their look is not just for show. It’s an integral part of their identity as a band and serves to enhance the thematic content of their music.
Lyrically, Exist Trace’s songs often explore complex themes such as self-identity, societal expectations, and personal struggles, resonating with fans who find solace and empowerment in their music. The band has a strong and loyal international fanbase, which they’ve cultivated through tours, including performances in the United States and Europe.
Albums like Virgin, World Maker and Royal Straight Magic showcase the band’s evolution over the years, as they continue to experiment with their sound and image.
Exist Trace is a band that defies convention and embodies the spirit of visual kei with their unique blend of music, fashion, and performance. They continue to challenge norms and inspire a diverse audience with their artistry and dedication to their craft.
Nemophila
Nemophila, not to be confused with the flowering plant of the same name, is a rising all-female heavy metal band from Japan, making waves in the music scene with their powerful performances and technical prowess.
Formed in 2019, the band quickly gained attention for their energetic music and the members’ impressive musicianship.
The lineup consists of Mayu on vocals, Saki on guitar, Hazuki on bass, Murata Tamu on drums, and Tsukasa on guitar. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous bands and projects, which is evident in Nemophila’s cohesive and explosive sound.
Nemophila’s music is characterized by a blend of heavy metal, hard rock, and elements of thrash and power metal, creating a sound that is both aggressive and melodic.
Mayu’s vocals range from clean singing to powerful screams, showcasing her versatility and adding depth to the band’s sound. The dual guitar work of Saki and Tsukasa delivers intricate riffs and harmonies, while Hazuki and Murata Tamu provide a solid rhythmic foundation that drives their songs forward.
Despite being relatively new to the scene, Nemophila has already released a series of singles and an EP, which have been well-received by fans and critics alike.
Their song Oiran showcases their ability to merge traditional Japanese music elements with heavy metal, resulting in a unique and captivating sound.
Nemophila’s live performances are a testament to their skills and stage presence, with each member contributing to an intense and memorable show. Their energy and enthusiasm on stage, coupled with their musical abilities, make their concerts a must-see for metal enthusiasts.
Nemophila is a band that brings fresh energy and talent to the heavy metal scene. Their combination of skillful instrumentation, powerful vocals, and a captivating stage presence has quickly earned them a place among the notable up-and-coming metal acts, and their potential for further growth and success seems boundless.
Hanabie
Hanabie is an all-female metalcore band hailing from Japan, known for their vibrant and theatrical approach to the genre. Formed in June 2015, the band has created a new genre for themselves that they call Harajuku-core. It is basically a combination of hard, heavy music with Harajuku-style kawaii visuals.
The band’s lineup includes Yukina on harsh and clean vocals, Matsuri on guitar, Hettsu on bass and Chika on the drums. Hanabie’s music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, breakdowns typical of metalcore, and a blend of harsh screams and melodic singing that creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
The name “Hanabie” has a unique meaning in Japanese. It is a term that refers to the cold weather during the early spring, particularly when flowers are blooming.
This juxtaposition of beauty and harshness is reflected in the band’s music, which often combines the aggressiveness of metalcore with elements of pop and electronic music, resulting in a sound that is both intense and catchy.
Hanabie has gained attention not only for their music but also for their distinctive image. Their style often incorporates colorful and elaborate costumes. When combined with their high-energy performances, their looks make their live shows a spectacle in the truest sense.
With songs that feature themes ranging from personal struggles to more whimsical and fantastical narratives, Hanabie’s lyrics resonate with a diverse audience.
In a relatively short amount of time, Hanabie has made a significant impact on the metalcore scene, both within Japan and internationally. Their fusion of metalcore with vibrant aesthetics and pop sensibilities makes them a unique presence in the music world, and their continued evolution as artists promises more exciting developments in the future.
Mary’s Blood
Mary’s Blood has a special place in my heart. This all-female band from Tokyo is as heavy as a wet bag of bricks, and they’ve been dishing out single after single ever since 2009.
Saki, one of the band’s founders and the guitarist, said they play “straight heavy metal”, which is a notion I completely agree with. Just listen to the first few riffs of Marionette and you’ll understand that Mary’s Blood is all about heavy licks.
I adore the fact that this band looks, feels, and sounds natural, which stands in stark contrast to the flamboyant aesthetics of most Japanese bands.
When you’re listening to Mary’s Blood, you won’t get distracted by flashy lights or intricate dance moves. They play metal hard and fast, and their proficiency remains undisputed.
Yellow Machinegun
Yellow Machinegun is possibly the first female-fronted metal hardcore (crossover) band to surface in Japan. Founded in 1993, they released five studio albums and introduced a brand-new wave of heaviness to the local music scene.
Their rise to fame is well documented:: Yellow Machinegun played with some of the biggest heavy metal bands out there, including Slayer and Motorhead.
Heavy metal purists wouldn’t call Yellow Machinegun “metal” per se, mainly because the band’s style is heavily dripped in hardcore punk, but both their stage presence and riffs say otherwise.
I’d like to take you back to the late 2000s with Heartache, a song that I believe fully embodies Yellow Machinegun’s motto and aesthetic. Loud, energetic, and bigger than life, this tune tells us that Kaori, Kyoko, and Tamami write, play, and perform with a fiery passion.
Sadly, they slowed the pace of playing and recording in 2006, but they did have several live appearances throughout 2017.
Bridear
I think this list wouldn’t be complete without a bit of “core” in Japanese female heavy metal. Bridear is dissimilar to most bands I’ve heard in that they sing in English, have thick metalcore riffs, and a healthy dose of electronic harmonies layered as a cherry on top.
The “kawaii” aesthetic is one of the crucial elements of this band, but they are all but forcing it. With Bridear, everything is about accurate shredding, powerful & memorable riffs, and singable lyrics.
My favorite Bridear tune is one of their most recently released works. Eyes of Doubt is a melodic masterpiece with power metal grit and sheer, undiluted strength of heavy metal.
Gacharic Spin
And last, but certainly not least: all Dragon Ball fans will know that one of the most iconic anime openings comes from none other than Gacharic Spin, a crossover metal band from Tokyo.
It would be extremely difficult to define the style of this band. They tend to seamlessly jump from one genre to another in almost all of their works, and the only thread connecting their pieces is that they’re masters of playing fusion, jazz, and heavy metal.
If you’re new to this type of music, I warmly recommend BakuBaku (see the video above). It showcases how beautiful and diverse metal can be.
Gacharic Spin also has plenty of funky songs that most metalheads wouldn’t necessarily call metal. For example, their Kachi-Kachi Yama is more of a sweetened RHCP-style tune, but the sheer intensity and dynamics of the band are just some of the many reasons I love them.
All-Female Metal Bands From Japan
There is a reason huge bands like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin looked toward other countries for inspiration. There is so much creativity outside the western world that is easy to miss if you don’t look for it.
The world of Japanese music is very different from the west. Of course, there is J-pop. It, along with K-pop, has become more and more popular. But the most impressive music from other countries is rarely their pop music.
Highly skilled and technical Japanese metal girl bands, like the ones listed above, are one of Japan’s more recent exports to find ever-increasing popularity here in the west. And for good reason.
These bands not only make incredible music, they do so with a unique style and angle. More importantly, every band member is amazing at their respective instrument, vocals included. They are not just gimmicks. It is obvious they have worked very long and hard to get where they are.
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