The surge of all-girl metal bands coming out of East and Southeast Asia in recent years has been thrilling to watch, and it clearly isn’t stopping any time soon. Japan’s Hanabie are such a band, and on second album Reborn Superstar! they delve further
into exploring their ‘Harajuku-core’ sound.
Blending bouncy, hyperactive J-pop with the melody and brutality of late-2000s metalcore (think Enter Shikari fronted by Babymetal), they also bring a tongue-in-cheek kawaii image. But unlike their peers in Babymetal with their flawless choreography and uber-polished production, Hanabie are, endearingly, a little rougher around the edges. Founding member and guitarist Matsuri writes all of their songs, while singer Yukina can emit some truly impressive and disgusting (in the best way) screams, as on the thunderous Neet Game and single Run Away.
