10 Best Japanese Rock & Metal Bands You Need To Listen To
6. L'Arc-En-Ciel
Transitioning over to alternative rock for this next one. L'Arc-en-Ciel, French for Rainbow, are one of the most successful musical acts to ever emerge from Japan. Throughout their career, they have sold around 40 million copies, and very deservedly so.
Initially formed in 1991, the band underwent several lineup changes before releasing their debut album on an independent label. They continued to climb the indie charts, before making their major label debut on Sony Music Japan. Unfortunately they soon entered a major crisis and almost got their careers ruined when frontman Sakura was arrested for drug possession.
However, the remaining members were able to rally following Sakura’s removal and eventually got back to releasing music. That is when they hit their peak. The single Winter Fall became their first to reach number 1 on the Oricon charts.
They gained further mainstream exposure by providing one of the tracks for the Godzilla movie, as well as becoming the first Japanese artists to release simultaneous albums in multiple countries.
The band has continued going strong since then, including making their US and European live debuts in the years that followed.
Songs to get you started include Brilliant Years, Anantano Tameni, Sayounara, and I’m So Happy.