From high school music club to the main stage of Lollapalooza
In short: Formed by four friends in a Tokyo school club, Hanabie. has redefined the metalcore genre. By blending abrasive riffs with Harajuku-inspired pop and electronica, they have transitioned from a Maximum the Hormone cover band to a major-label force making history on the global festival circuit.
Hanabie. represents a distinct evolution in the Japanese heavy music scene. Formed in July 2015 by high school friends Yukina, Matsuri, Hettsu, and Kaede, the group began as a cover band for Maximum the Hormone during their light music club activities. Their self-described 'Harajuku-core' style is a complex fusion of metalcore, hardcore punk, and nu metal, heavily influenced by electronica, J-pop, and the contemporary culture of Tokyo's Harajuku district. The band's name refers to the sudden return of winter cold during spring. This name was originally suggested by their drummer, Kaede.
The band's ascent has been marked by significant milestones and structural shifts. Following their time operating independently, they joined Epic Records Japan, a Sony Music Japan branch, during 2023. This transition coincided with the release of their second album, Reborn Superstar!, which reached number 24 on Billboard Japan's weekly album charts. Their success has since expanded beyond Japan, leading to invitations to perform at major international festivals such as MetalDays and Aftershock. Their musical journey has included various drummer changes, including the departure of Sae. Currently, Chika serves as the group's permanent drummer.
In 2024, Hanabie. achieved a historic breakthrough, becoming the first all-female Japanese band—and the first Japanese band since X Japan—to perform on the main stage at Lollapalooza. While their music is characterized by heavy power chord-based riffs and breakdowns, it often eschews traditional guitar solos, with 'Envy' and 'Be the GAL' serving as rare exceptions. This genre-defying approach has earned them comparisons to artists like Bring Me the Horizon and Maximum the Hormone. The group's discography includes the EP Bucchigiri Tokyo. They have also contributed themes to the anime series Momentary Lily.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hanabie.
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