Ever since I got into anime over a decade ago, I've had a growing interest in Japanese music. I started out just listening to different anime OPs, but as time went on I broadened my horizons and began to find new artists. I listen to a lot of different genres, but metal is my favorite, so let's get into it!
Unlucky Morpheus
Unlucky Morpheus started out as a Doujin Circle, creating metal arrangements of music from the Touhou Series in 2008. They currently have 3 original albums released titled Vampir, Unaffected, and 劇情テノール. The lead vocalist Fuki Commune is a goddess. She's released a solo album, and has been the lead vocalist in Doll$Boxx and Light Bringer. I love her voice.
BABYMETAL
BABYMETAL is easily the most well known group in this list. They have reached mainstream success across the globe, which is quite impressive for a Japanese metal act. Many metal elitists do not consider BABYMETAL to be real metal due to the catchy J-Pop vocals and melodies, but BABYMETAL's millions of fans suggest otherwise.
Dir En Grey
Dir En Grey is easily the strangest band I have ever listened to. Lead vocalist Kyo has an insane voice, he has the widest range of vocals I have ever heard. They have been around since 1997, and nearly every release of theirs has a unique sound. To be honest, it is very hard to put this band in one specific sub-genre of metal, because of how all over the place they are. They rock a pretty scary Visuel Kei style too, which makes for some great MV's. My favorite album by them is Uroboros.
Nocturnal Bloodlust
This is another group with a very impressive lead vocalist with an absolutely ridiculous range. In my opinion, they are the most talented Japanese Metalcore/Deathcore/Nu-Metal band currently making music. While their first few EP's and albums were meh, they really struck gold with The Omnigod, and have consistently released great music since.
girugamesh
You may recognize this groups name because of Final Fantasy, or because of the meme that spawned from the Sakura-Con 2009 cringe filled advert. All memes aside, this is a solid band with great music. Just stay away from the album Now!...
Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
This band is a perfect example of Electronicore. Very heavy on the EDM/Dubstep with heavily synthesized/autotuned vocals. Very fun to listen to. They've had many songs featured in anime OP's and ED's, such as Hunter X Hunter, Parasyte, and Gokukoku no Brynhildr.
Yousei Teikoku
Yousei Teikoku is most well known for their song "Kūsō Mythology" being the OP for the popular anime Mirai Nikki. They incorporate gothic metal, classical metal, and electronic all into one which makes for some interesting music.
Foreground Eclipse
Foreground Eclipse is the most famous Touhou Doujin Circle, to the point where people who don't even know of the Touhou Series have listened to and enjoyed their music. These guys are without a doubt my favorite group of all time. Sadly, they disbanded in 2013. Lead vocalist Meramipop is well known for being involved in many different Circles such as Barrage Am Ring, Shinigiwa Satellite, and dozens more.
Draw the Emotional
Another Touhou Doujin Circle! These guys sound a lot like Foreground Eclipse with less cutesy vocals. In fact, they've even done a collaboration album with them! Brilliant Post-hardcore/Metalcore with amazing breakdowns.
BLOOD STAIN CHILD
A delicious mixture of Trance and Melodic Death Metal. Sadly these guys have struggled with keeping a line-up as members are constantly joining and leaving. Founding member Ryu recently left the band, which may signal the end of it all :(.
So, there's my Top 10. There are quite a few other bands I listen to, such as coldrain, Crossfaith, BAND-MAID, etc. But usually its only a handful of songs; not full albums. I made sure to pick my very favorites!
Do you listen to any Japanese music or metal? What are your favorite bands? Let me know in the comments, maybe you can introduce me to something new!