If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not Japanese—and that’s okay. Hanabie is. That cultural gap might seem daunting, but their new EP Bucchigiri Tokyo proves one thing loud and clear: music transcends language. With a wild blend of alternative metal, pop, and vocals that break every rule in the Western playbook, Hanabie’s sound is pure, chaotic joy.
What Is Hanabie? A Genre-Defying Storm
Hanabie isn’t your typical metal band, and that’s exactly why they’re worth your time. Their music smashes together crushing riffs, bubblegum pop hooks, death growls, and high-pitched vocals that flirt with the edges of J-pop and rap. Think BABYMETAL meets Poppy, with a pinch of Bring Me the Horizon’s genre-hopping energy. It’s metal, but it’s also… something entirely its own.
The EP kicks off with the title track, a breakneck assault of double bass pedals, guttural screams, and catchy choruses. From there, Bucchigiri Tokyo becomes an unpredictable rollercoaster. “OTAKU Lovely Densetsu” leans into a smoother, more melodic blend of metal, while “GAMBLER” throws electronic textures into the mix. By the time you hit “Ito Okashi My Type,” with its thunderous riffs and intricate vocal interplay, you’re left breathless. The closer, “Bonus Guilty Time,” is more of a soft landing—a sweet afterthought to the madness.
Breaking the Mold with Vocal Fireworks
What sets Hanabie apart from the pack? The vocals. Yukina leads the charge, but every band member contributes, creating a kaleidoscope of sound. One moment, you’re hit with guttural growls; the next, there’s a sugar-sweet, almost childlike wail. Then, out of nowhere, a rap-like flow cuts through. It’s frenetic, fearless, and unapologetically weird. Tracks like “Metamorphose” showcase this vocal chaos perfectly, with fast shifts in pitch and style that feel like flipping through a glitchy anime soundtrack.
It’s not just the music that’s curated to perfection. Hanabie’s aesthetic—manga-inspired art, bold outfits, and a playful energy—feels deliberately crafted. If you don’t speak Japanese, you’re left vibing with the energy and visuals, which honestly works. This isn’t music for overthinking; it’s music for feeling.
A Sonic Playground That Works Against the Odds
Mixing metal with sugary pop hooks and video game vibes could easily end up sounding like a hot mess. But Bucchigiri Tokyo pulls it off with precision. The EP’s production is tight, keeping the chaos cohesive. Despite the genre-hopping, it’s thoughtfully constructed to guide listeners through its twists and turns.
Why Bucchigiri Tokyo Matters
Hanabie’s music challenges Western perceptions of what metal can be. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t have borders, and neither should your playlist. Sure, the vocals might sound different, and the cultural references might not land if you didn’t grow up watching anime or reading manga. But none of that matters when the riffs hit and the energy takes over.
Bucchigiri Tokyo isn’t just an EP—it’s an experience. It’s a bold, unapologetic celebration of chaos, joy, and unrelenting creativity. If you’ve got even an ounce of punk rock rebellion in your soul, give it a spin. Hanabie is here to shake things up, and they’re doing it with a grin.
