japan

Though dungeon synth isn’t huge in Japan (or arguably, anywhere?), it could be: the country has an interesting history of globally-inspired ambient music. This in-depth article digs into that history and how dungeon synth interlaces with ambient music overall.

Check out a live session video from the Japanese doom band, recorded at London’s Reservoir Studio.

Here’s three fuzz-focused records that were released in the last few days.

This new column examines crucial demo releases that proved to be the peak of their creators’ discographies, whether due to a decline in quality or poor later reception. We start off with Funeral Rites, a sinister, theatrical black metal band from Japan.

We spoke to Mirai Kawashima of the legendary Japanese avant-garde band about their upcoming record “Shiki.”

The Japanese and Danish death metal bands released a split back in 2017, but return this year with a new 12″ one full of morbid fun. Stream it here and check out an interview with Undergang’s David Torturdød and Anatomia’s Takashi Tanaka.

Read a review of eternally genre-defiant Boris’ latest album, “W,” and check out a new video that’s out today for the track “Beyond Good and Evil”.

Read an interview with Mono guitarist Takaakira “Taka” Goto about their 11th full-length album and how they recorded it within the pandemic, plus their upcoming tour plans.

Check out an interview with legendary Japanese death metal artist Takashi Tanaka, discussing the history of Anatomia and their upcoming album “Corporeal Torment”.

Editors Jon Rosenthal and Ted Nubel sat down to talk with Japanese pop-metal group Babybeard, the newest project from the charismatic Ladybeard (Deadlift Lolita, Ladybaby), discussing the group’s upcoming singles, how COVID-era Japan is handling live music, and the unusual/polarizing appeal of “kawaii metal”.