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Top 10 most metal anime theme songs, ranked

As anime becomes increasingly popular worldwide, attention needs to be paid not only to the shows themselves, but to their soundtracks. While there are plenty of wonderful anime theme songs of various genres, there is a notable metal presence. Unlike most domestic TV shows, the Japanese don’t shy away from screams, growls and rampaging guitar solos. Here is a countdown of 10 must-listen metal theme songs.

Read more: 11 songs to get you into metalcore

10. Deadman Wonderland’s “One Reason” by D.W.B. feat. Fade

Deadman Wonderland is a kind of futuristic gladiator story wherein prison inmates fight to the death for Tokyo’s entertainment. Needless to say, they’ve got a brutal theme song to match.

9. Nobunagun’s “Respect For The Dead Man” by Pay Money To My Pain

This theme song is pretty straightforward, but it’s a good one, nonetheless. If you’re an Atreyu fan, this sound is relatively similar.

8. Souten Kouro’s “909” by Tribal Chair

 

“909” has some hardcore beats, with riffing worthy of any metalhead.

7. Akagi’s “Silent This Side” by Animals

This theme song is a fusion of metal and ska that is equal parts heavy and fun. It harkens back to the gruff vocals of ’80s punk and metal.

6. Rainbow’s “We’re Not Alone” by Coldrain

Coldrain aren’t just popular in Japan; they’ve become a well-known name in the U.S., even playing Vans Warped Tour 2016.

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5. Brynhildr In The Darkness’ “Virtue And Vice” by Fear, And Loathing In Las Vegas

The band Fear, And Loathing In Las Vegas are all over anime. Their songs have been themes for more than a handful of shows, and there’s a reason why: This song is a metal dance party. It’s the perfect balance of electronica (which is very popular amongst anime themes) and metal.

4. Parasyte’s “Let Me Hear” by Fear, And Loathing In Las Vegas

If you weren’t convinced about this band, just recognize the fact that this music video has over 15.5 million views.

3. Berserk’s “Inferno” by 9mm Parabellum Bullet

Berserk is one of the most popular animes in America. That being said, it’s no wonder this show has such a standout theme song. This is the song to listen to if you want some shredding.

2. Watamote’s “Watashi Ga Motenai No Wa Dou Kangaete Mo Omaera Ga Warui” by Kiba Of Akiba (“No Matter How You Look At It, It’s Your Guys’ Fault I’m Not Popular”)

Watamote’s theme song is essentially the epitome of what an anime theme song should be. It’s hard, it’s catchy, it has both male and female clean vocals, and even some electronica and jazz thrown in there. Most importantly, the lead guitarist totally owns this song.  

1. Death Note’s “What’s Up, People?” by Maximum The Hormone

This most definitely was not a surprise. It’s pretty much impossible to beat Death Note at anything, including its theme song. “What’s Up, People?” is a rager.

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments.