NEMOPHILA

NEMOPHILA is a Japanese all-female heavy metal and loud-rock band launched in Tokyo in 2019. The current line-up consists of Mayu on vocals and occasional guitar, Hazuki on guitar, Haraguchi-san on bass and Tamu Murata on drums. The group began as a five-piece with guitarist Saki and made its major live debut at METAL WEEKEND 2019, opening a bill that included LOUDNESS and HAMMERFALL. Its musical concept ranges “from loud rock to grunge,” while the contrast between crushing music and the members’ relaxed personalities is summarized by the phrase “hellishly heavy, otherwise fluffy.” NEMOPHILA released its first single, “OIRAN,” in 2020. During the pandemic, the band continued posting studio performances and covers of artists including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slipknot and X Japan. Those videos displayed elite musicianship without losing an approachable character, rapidly building an audience both in Japan and overseas. The international compilation OIRAN (Extended Edition) and the debut album REVIVE followed in 2021, establishing a style that freely combines heavy metal, metalcore, nu metal, grunge and the strong melodic instincts of Japanese rock. The Seize the Fate era brought sustained international activity, including North American touring and larger domestic venues. After the third album EVOLVE, NEMOPHILA performed at Nippon Budokan on February 17, 2024, marking a major fifth-anniversary milestone. Saki left the band on March 31 because of differences in direction, and the remaining members chose to continue as a four-piece. Hazuki became the central guitarist, with Mayu adding rhythm guitar on selected material. Apple of my eye, released in 2025, was written by the four members and strengthened NEMOPHILA’s identity as a self-directed songwriting band rather than merely documenting a restart. The 2026 EP GOZO pushed further into physical groove and member-led arrangement, showing how the group could convert change into creative force. With exceptional playing, memorable melody and an established ability to reach listeners worldwide, NEMOPHILA remains one of the defining bands in Japan’s current female metal scene.