Artist Spotlight: Hanabie

With a sound and aesthetic that would give a gatekeeping metalcore dudebro a stroke, Hanabie’s unique fusion of J-pop idol culture, metal, and hardcore is unlike anything you have ever heard. When I first discovered this group in 2021, their album Girl’s Reform Manifest immediately became one of my personal favorite releases of that year, and based on how much I have enjoyed their recent singles, I am eagerly awaiting my opportunity to hear what they have in store for us on July 26th when their upcoming album drops. Hanabie’s greatest strength is their ability to overcome the “gimmicky” qualities that come with combining two vastly disparate genres. They accomplish this by fully sending every aspect of their performance. Whether it be a cute, chirpy melody or a blistering guttural accompanying a violent breakdown, everything is delivered with such heartfelt gusto that you can’t help but fall in love with what you’re listening to. Be sure to catch them this fall on their US tour.