Japanese girls’ metal band HAGANE drops its usual look in a retro, glam-metal Black Diamond music video. Even as an April Fool’s joke, they clearly get into the groove of ’80s excess. Basically, big hair, leather, and attitude are on full display!
Notably, this is a must-watch video for the novelty and dedication to the 1980s aesthetic. Which is that the video is shot in a box ratio, like TV before HD, with added grain and noise filters. It looks like a Mötley Crüe video from a time when MTV actually played music videos! Even their behind-the-scenes clips are reminiscent of the Guns N’ Roses video Paradise City. As a Japanese band, HAGANE was probably also inspired by bands like Loudness and Anthem from that same decade.
Typically, HAGANE blends modern rock and power metal, but Black Diamond plays to an old-school beat. Its riffs are heavy, and the rhythm chugs, like Poison and Dokken did with their hit songs from back then. For example, lead guitarist Sakura plays fast and loose with power chords. But then, she revs up for an over-the-top solo. On vocals, Nagi croons and swoons like Mick Jagger while smiling widely!
Another point to make, this is not a cover of the KISS song of the same name. While the lyrics are mostly in Japanese, they do not translate to anything resembling that classic. Clearly, this is an original song inspired by the big hair era. To Gene and Paul, please do not sue HAGANE! They are trying to be original artists doing their own thing, as you did back in the day.
Also, the video shows the qualities fans appreciate about this lovable quartet. Yet, on Black Diamond, they come filtered through an ’80s hair-metal time machine. Moreover, they look like they are truly having fun playing in this genre. Since this was dropped on April Fools’ Day, many BAND-MAID fans will recall similar stunts. Unlike when the maids became BAND-MAIKO for special occasions, it does not seem HAGANE will go retro for anything beyond this one video. Yet, this may change if the fans demand more. They are clearly having a blast chewing bubble gum, sporting big hairdos, and looking glamorously cool.
Ultimately, it’s a blast from the past and a love letter to metal’s biggest decade. Most likely, they will return in their traditional blue and white costumes next time. Yet, now we know that our intrepid swordsmen draw inspiration from a beloved time when rock had a bad-ass attitude. And for sure, HAGANE will continue breaking the mold and moving ahead in rock and metal, much like those ’80s crews did before them.
About HAGANE
A Japanese all-female heavy metal band from Tokyo, formed in 2018. The word “Hagane” means “steel” in Japanese and symbolizes resilience. An appropriate name for a band that went through significant changes in early 2023 when three former members left. Relaunching in 2024, they have rebounded by performing across Japan and releasing a new album, TOP OF THE TOWER.
Current members include the founder, Sakura (guitar), with Nagi [凪希] (vocals), Sayaka (bass), and JUNNA (drums). They play melodic power metal, blending a hard, powerful sound with high-tone vocals. Plus, they wear blue uniforms that present a stalwart, vibrant image that contrasts with their intense music.
