Japanese death metal/hardcore band Kruelty released their killer Profane Usurpation EP on Closed Casket Activities last week (read our review), and in conjunction with the release, vocalist/guitarist Zuma has told us about his 10 favorite Japanese aggressive bands. The list includes a few bands that also have a strong presence among American heavy music fans, and a handful that might be a little more unfamiliar to Western readers. I think it’s a safe bet to say you’ll find something new to love from this list, and you can check out Zuma’s picks (in alphabetical order) and what he had to say, below.
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Zuma’s (of Kruelty) 10 Favorite Japanese Aggressive Bands (in alphabetical order)
Blunt Force Trauma
No other brutal death metal bands can be more moshy than these guys. Real shit.
Coffins
One of the best crusty and doomy death metal bands from here. They’ve been around for almost 30 years. Goated.
Corrupted
Are you into doom or sludge and don’t care Corrupted? Fuck you.
Dyingrace
My goal is writing a single better song than what they’ve done and this is impossible.
Edge of Spirit
My example of “Hardcore isn’t about music. It’s about attitude.”
Framtid
I wish more of newer hardcore kids listened to bands like these guys. Fast, flithy, and noisy.
Intestine Baalism
Our melodeath is more melodeath than what westerners can ever create.
Palm
Grinding, experimental and also moshy. Perfect band.
Red
Japan has been the best grindcore country for years. Here’s the reason for you.
Transgressor
Definitely they should be THE death metal pioneers in Japan. Brutal.