JRock News – PULSE Vol. 1 -10th Anniversary-
Shinjuku ANTIKNOCK – September 13, 2025
Live Report by Molly Coggshall
JROCK NEWS went all out on September 13, celebrating their 10th anniversary with their first live concert event titled “PULSE Vol. 1 -10th Anniversary-“. This special show was held at Shinjuku ANTIKNOCK in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan and showcased six different bands featuring more than four hours of heavy metal spectacular. The concert was also streamed live across the world, so those who couldn’t attend in person didn’t have to miss a moment of this significant milestone.
Shinjuku ANTIKNOCK was packed; the intimate venue was a perfect setting for fans of the six Japanese metal, rock, and punk bands, giving them an opportunity to get close to the musicians. The headliner for the evening was NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST, but they would be preceded by MAD JAMIE, Mellows, Dimrays, SLOTHREAT, and GUNGIRE. The venue darkened and strobe lights started to flash, signaling the beginning of the evening, and the crowd began to hum with energy in response.
Punk rock idol Akubi, vocalist of MAD JAMIE, pranced on stage. She sported an asymmetrical frilled outfit that gave her a fun but edgy look and was fitting for her alternative image. A high energy performance from Akubi got the crowd bouncing up and down with her catchy tunes and infectious lyrics and at times a crowd surfer could be seen floating by the stage. MAD JAMIE invigorated the audience, bringing in the evening with a tangible excitement.
Next up, Mellows made a grand entrance with a black and white flag sporting the band’s name and accompanied by a screaming opening from their vocalist Mio. Aptly known as a “cute metal” band, they certainly played the part and were dressed up in monochronic maid outfits. Sally and GINA rocked out hard with heavy guitar riffs, their metal music floating throughout the venue. Bouncing light sticks in their hands with the audience, Mellows put on a vibrant show that kept the crowd engaged and ready for more.
Dimrays followed up closely behind, vocalist Akane exhibiting her impressive vocal range, her husky voice alternating between screaming and singing. Vigorous drumming and an aggressive guitar got the audience jumping up and down with the band members as they rocked out on stage. Dressed in a more casual look of t-shirts and jeans, these girls certainly put on no less of a show with their metalcore sound, and the audience was clearly invigorated by the band’s enthusiasm.
SLOTHREAT brought a change in sound from the previous bands, vocalist KAZ showing off his mellow singing, presenting a softer tone to the metal music scene. Heavy guitar riffs and intense drumming showcased the metal influence in their music, while the band head banged along with the crowd. KAZ hit high and low notes with a smooth tone, the audience jumping up and down and waving their arms in the air in sync with the band members. SLOTHREAT was a beautiful choice for the lineup and offered an excellent contrast in the evening’s musical showcase.
Metalcore band GUNGIRE gave the audience an aggressive display of heavy metal music with deep, impressive vocals resonating from singer NANA. Often called “Japan’s angriest band” the guttural singing and edgy music definitely gives a strong argument for the title. GUNGIRE fired up the crowd, a high energy performance from the band kept the audience pumping their fists for more. Guitarist Matsu and bassist Taichi put on an excellent show of their skills, and vocalist NANA shifted seamlessly between her metalcore screaming to melodic singing.
Heavy hitter NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST finished off the night with a bang, their deathcore music getting the crowd pumped. Several mosh fights broke out, and at one point, vocalist Hiro could be seen floating on top of the crowd briefly. Switching between screaming, rapping and singing exhibited an excellent display of his versatile vocal range and the heavy, dark music ramped up the audience. The night ended with the crowd exuberantly singing with the band, and after a few words, the six band metal fest came to a close.
JROCK NEWS celebrated hard on September 13. Their heavy metal, metalcore, punk and deathcore selections gave fans a spectacular night. With a title like “PULSE vol 1. -10th anniversary-” it can be said that hopefully there will be a Vol 2 sometime in the future, with another excellent collection of artists. If the success of the evening is any indicator, J-rock fans will certainly embrace any future lineups JROCK NEWS comes up with.
