Hagane (band)

HAGANE is a Japanese all-female heavy metal band formed in Tokyo in 2018. The band has released multiple recordings and has performed nationwide tours in Japan following lineup changes in 2023 and 2024. Their releases have charted on the Oricon charts, and their activities have been covered by Japanese rock and metal media including Billboard Japan, BURRN!, and BARKS.

HAGANE was formed on June 23, 2018 in Tokyo by guitarist Sakura, who recruited members through an online musician networking platform.^[1] The original lineup consisted of Sakura (guitar), Chiemi (vocals), Mayto. (guitar), and Kanako (drums).^[2]

In January 2019, Sayaka joined as bassist. Vocalist Chiemi departed in March of the same year, and Uyu joined as her replacement in November.^[3] The members initially connected through online platforms prior to forming the band.^[4]

The band name "HAGANE", meaning "steel" in Japanese, was chosen to represent strength developed through repeated challenges.^[5]

The band has been introduced in Japanese heavy metal media as part of the emerging generation of melodic metal acts, with publications noting their technical musicianship and live performance activity.^[6]

In February 2023, it was announced that Uyu, Mayto., and Kanako would leave the band following a final performance scheduled for May 26 at Shinjuku ReNY.^[7] After the departures, Sakura and Sayaka continued activities while searching for new members.^[8]

In April 2024, vocalist Nagi and drummer JUNNA were announced as new members, marking the start of a new lineup.^[9] According to interviews, Nagi was selected through an audition process, which was her first time auditioning for a rock band as a sole vocalist applicant.^[10] She later stated that, having joined through an audition, she initially did not know the other members personally prior to joining.^[11] Drummer JUNNA joined the band after being approached by guitarist Sakura, with whom she had previously worked on another project.^[12]

The band released the digital EP Life Goes On! on May 29, 2024, followed by a relaunch concert at Shibuya ReX in Tokyo on June 27.^[13][14]

From September to December 2024, HAGANE conducted the "Phoenix Journey 2024" tour across major Japanese cities, concluding with a performance in Tokyo.^[15][16]

On April 30, 2025, the band released their first full-length album with the new lineup, Top of the Tower.^[17] A nationwide tour in support of the album followed, concluding with a performance at Zepp Shinjuku in December 2025.^[18][19]

In February 2025, the band launched its official fan club titled "Kenshi no Quest", offering member-exclusive content and ticket pre-sale opportunities.^{[20] [21]} The fan club marked its first anniversary with a commemorative online event held in February 2026.^[22]

HAGANE's music has been described as melodic metal and power metal, characterized by fast tempos, harmonized guitar work, and technically demanding performances.^[23] The band has referred to their style as "harmonic metal", emphasizing melodic composition alongside aggressive instrumentation.^[24]

Critics have noted the group's increasing emphasis on melodic speed metal elements in later releases, with more intense drumming and rapid arrangements compared to earlier material.^[25] Their sound has also been associated with the broader tradition of Japanese melodic metal while incorporating influences from European-style power metal.^[26]

In interviews, the members have cited influences from artists such as Helloween, Rhapsody of Fire, DragonForce, X Japan, and Dream Theater.^[27]

HAGANE has received coverage in multiple Japanese music media outlets, particularly within the rock and heavy metal press. The band was featured on the cover of the heavy metal magazine Metallion (Vol.81), a special publication of BURRN!, in 2025 in connection with the release of their album Top of the Tower.^[28]

Specialized metal media have also introduced the band as part of a new generation of Japanese melodic metal acts, noting their technical musicianship and stylistic approach.^[29]

Music news outlet BARKS has reported on the group’s lineup changes and activities, including the announcement of new members in 2024 and the band’s subsequent relaunch.^[30]

Live performances and tours by the band have been covered by Billboard Japan, including reports on major concerts such as the finale of their nationwide tour at Zepp Shinjuku in 2025.^[31]

International coverage has also appeared in overseas metal media. For example, the band was reported by BraveWords in connection with their performance and releases, indicating attention from audiences outside Japan.^[32]

After leaving the band, Mayto. and Uyu later joined the band Mana Diagram.^[33]

• Official website