If you thought K-pop was all bubblegum and dance moves, think again. Korean metal bands have brought back the 80s distorted guitar sound back into mainstream.
Babymetal may be best known internationally, but they aren’t alone! Below are several other Korean metal acts you should know about.
Noeazy
South Korean band K-Oasy offers everything from screaming riffs and roof-raising vocals, to their self-deprecating music videos that don’t take themselves too seriously, to tight live sets that have been featured on Mnet’s Kingdom: Legendary War series. Their latest full-length album NOEASY showcases their signature blend of metalcore with an edge of djent.
Formation began in 2015 and today the band has four members from diverse musical backgrounds – bassist Shin Woo-seok from Critical Mass and Turn For Our, drummer Kang Su-ji from Eighteen April, guitarist Jo Min-young from In Your Face, and vocalist Song Myeong-seop of Noeazy. Since their creation they’ve released two albums featuring both Korean and English songs with influences ranging from deathcore, punk and post-grunge music as well as lyrics that address youth struggles as well as personal experiences.
Their latest single, SSICK, is an ode to their hard work and determination, and a reminder not to lose faith in oneself despite all the criticism you receive. Listening to it may just give you courage to fight back for what matters in life!
As well as their catchy riffs, this band’s music draws on traditional Korean musical influences, including pansori (Korean musical storytelling) and trap/EDM styles that have made them immensely popular amongst fans worldwide.
K-rock may not be as heavy as some other genres on this list, but it still makes for an excellent heavier alternative to mainstream music. K-rock bands can often be recognized by their aggressive guitar riffs and powerful vocals, often singing about human struggle as well as political issues through this genre.
If you’re feeling in the mood for something with more of an edge, check out this playlist of heavy metal Kpop songs – it may just introduce you to some new favorites!
End These Days
“This Is Ours,” from South Korean rock band End These Days is one of the great hardcore anthems out there. End These Days’s hardcore and metalcore group have made waves in South Korean rock music scene; their music was heavily influenced by metalcore bands such as Architects, The Ghost Inside and Northlane; and were featured at Busan Rock Festival which is an important music event in Korea. Their vocalist, Yul, uses screaming style vocal performance which recalls American metalcore groups. You can check out more songs by End These Days by searching Genius or by searching other songs by artist!
Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher stands out as an expert of dark K-pop. Their seven-member group combines catchy pop melodies with more aggressive rock and metal instrumentation for an alluring combination that is sure to attract rock and K-pop fans alike. Furthermore, this captivating ensemble offers impressive visual style; including smooth choreography and outfits depicting each of them as anything from mischievous spirits to mysterious forest dwellers.
Dreamcatcher first debuted as Minx in 2014 but rebranded under their current name in 2017 to introduce two new members Handong and Gahyeon, earning them recognition as K-pop’s goth queens with music that marries intense rock sounds with dark fantasy aesthetics to create something truly distinctive from other acts in their genre.
Dreamcatcher is an intriguing group, because they stand out by not adhering to any of the more conventional cute concepts or romantic romance tropes found among other K-Pop groups. Instead, their music focuses on fantastical and horror themes which other mainstream groups have yet to explore.
Dreamcatcher have quickly earned themselves a loyal following despite their darker image, and are one of the world’s most buzzed-about acts. At KCON 2018 Los Angeles they showcased their formidable stage presence by performing high-energy sets that included Camila Cabello’s “Havana.”
As K-pop becomes an increasingly crowded genre, new boy bands and girl groups appear on an almost daily basis, it is essential for every group to create its own distinctive identity that sets it apart from its competition. Dreamcatcher has accomplished just this through their ambitious concept; making them stand out amongst all others in K-pop scene.