It’s Friday so it’s time for music spotlight. This time I’m focusing on a record label with a host of amazing talent. Japan has one if not the best rock scene right now, something Metal hammer took notice of. Anyone who’s a fan of J-Rock will know how hard it can be to get a hold of albums from Japan. JPU Records however, make supporting J-Rock bands that much easier by releasing the albums to the UK and European markets.

They are the bridge between Japan and the west and here are some bands under their banner I think you should check out.

Aldious

Don’t be fooled by their look Aldious are as Metal as you can get. The all-female power metal band first formed in 2008 however, they didn’t release their first overseas album until 2017 with Radiant A. This was the bands fifth album which was followed by the double release of Unlimited Diffusion and We Are earlier this year.

Who are Aldious?

Aldious consist of five members who kick ass and they are – Yoshi and Toki both on guitar with Sawa on bass and Marina on drums. Re:NO completes the line-up providing the mesmerising vocals.

Radiant A, Unlimited Diffusion and We Are can be purchased on the JPU Records site and Aldious can be found on Twitter and Youtube.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkJT0rra-8[/embedyt]

BAND-MAID

Another all-female band that are set for world domination. Forming in 2013 BAND-MAID combine kick ass rock with maid aesthetic that adds another level to their awesomeness. Since forming they have released an album/EP every year starting with Maid in Japan and their latest release World Domination.

Who are BAND-MAID?

Hard rock power house BAND-MAID consist of five talented members. They are – Miku Kobato on rhythm guitar while Kanami Tōno’s on lead guitar. Akane Hirose takes names on drums while Misa (Stylised MISA) melts faces on Bass. Saiki Atsumi completes the band providing BAND-MAID’s unique vocals.

BRAND NEW MAID, Just Bring It, and World Domination are available through JPU Records. BAND-MAID’s other back catalogue can be found on Spotify and for more info BAND-MAID are on Twitter.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmxEuQXTHUU[/embedyt]

DOLL$BOXX

DOLL$BOXX are a super group made up of 90% of Gacharic Spin and Fuki from Unlucky Morpheus. They formed in 2012 and released their first album Dolls Apartment in December of the same year. Dolls Apartment was the bands only album however, all that changed when after three years they announced high $pec released June 2017.

Who are DOLL$DOXX?

The hard-rock, electric-pop DOLL$BOXX consist of five of the most talented musicians. They are – Fuki on lead vocals with Hana on drums and backing vocals. F Chopper Koga on bass while Tomo-zo shreds on guitar. Oreo Reona completes the band with her energy and insane keyboard skills.

High $pec is available through JPU Records and on Spotify. DOLL$BOXX, Gacharic Spin, and Fuki are on twitter.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClqWiPRU2Co[/embedyt]

Lovebites

Lovebites are the poster band for Japanese metal in the UK and America. Forming in 2016, they were kick out of the gates with their eponymous EP in the summer of 2017. This was followed up later in the same year with their debut full-length, Awakening from Abyss. Lovebites have seen themselves welcomed into the metal world being a confirmed act at this year’s Wacken Open Air, and nominated ‘best new band’ in the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards 2018.

June 6, 2018 will also see Lovebites release their follow-up to debut Awakening from Abyss with Battle Against Damnation.

Who are Lovebites?

Lovebites also known as Iron Maidens of Japan consist of five hardworking and passionate members. They are – Miho on bass and Haruna on drums. Midori and Mi-ya both on guitars with Mi-ya also providing Keyboards to their sounds. Asami completes this heavy metal quintet on vocals.

Lovebites EP and Awakening from Abyss are available through JPU Records and on Spotify. For more information on Lovebites checkout their official site and Twitter.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq-JZ6deYwM[/embedyt]

Scandal

The pop-rock all-female four-piece, took the world by storm in 2009 with Best Scandal. They formed in 2006 and have released eight albums so far with their latest Honey reaching #1 in nine European charts. Scandal grew their international fanbase performing the theme songs on several anime’s. These included Shōjo S and Harukaze for Bleach and Shunkan Sentimental for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Who are Scandal?

Scandal are an amazing four-piece producing fun, pop-rock. Scandal are – Haruna Ono on lead vocals and rhythm guitar while Mami Sasazaki takes lead guitar. Tomomi Ogawa provides the bass as Rina Suzuki kicks ass on drums.

Scandal’s Honey along with other albums off their discography can be found on JPU Records and Spotify. Scandal can be found on Twitter.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3JrcsbjSYM[/embedyt]

JPU Records do amazing work bring the amazing music from Japan to the shores of the UK, Europe and beyond. These are just a few of the amazing bands under JPU Records with many more to be discovered.