The classic definition of “Idol” is composed by cheesy pop tracks, fake smiles, and generally an overly cheesy aura to please the audience. After the 2000’s this trend started to fade as producers and groups began to adopt more consistent concepts and artistically deeper music: a few prime examples are Perfume and Momoiro Clover Z. Yet, despite improving music quality in a drastic way, the core sound was still largely pop (as fair as it is).
Then, in 2010 two groups completely twisted the Idol scene: BABYMETAL and BiS. The first blended Metal sonorities with Idol pop, a surprising and successful formula that heavily influenced many groups that started following this trend. On the other hand, BiS revolutionized the Idol concept itself, rebelling against the classic and outdated cheesy image, gaining an infamous (yet admired) identity with provocative concepts considered morally “wrong”.
Today, BABYMETAL are touring the world and conquering more and more fans, while BiS disbanded in 2014 and reformed with new members in 2016. The legacy of both groups created a niche known as “Alternative Idol” that gave birth to many groups worth following. These are acts that adopt genres of all kinds and meld these strong influences with Idol elements, bringing refreshing compositions and thrilling visual concepts. Down here you will find some of the most relevant groups of this scene: be sure to check them out!
BiS
Recommended Albums: Brand New Idol Society / IDOL is DEAD / WHO KiLLED IDOL?
Recommended Songs: My Ixxx / nerve / primal. / DiE
Best PVs: My ixxx / DiE
Website: http://www.brandnewidolsociety.org/top.html
Social: /
Year: 2010 – 2014 | 2016 – Active (with new members)
BiSH
Recommended Albums: Fake Metal jacket
Recommended Songs: OTNK / Primitive / Monsters
Best PVs: OTNK
Website: http://www.bish.tokyo/
Social: https://twitter.com/bishidol
Year: 2015 – Active
Sora tob sakana
Recommended Albums: Sora Tob Sakana / Cocoon EP
Recommended Songs: ribbon / Natsu no Tobira / Mahou no Kotoba
Best PVs: ribbon
Website: /
Social: Blog | Twitter
Year: 2014 – Active
Yanakoto Sotto Mute
Recommended Albums: BUBBLE
Recommended Songs: see inside / Lily / Just breathe / No Known
Best PVs: Lily
Website
Social: Twitter
Year: 2016 – Active
NECRONOMIDOL
Recommended Albums: DEATHLESS
Recommended Songs: END OF DAYS / psychopomp / SKULLS IN THE STARS
Best PVs: Lamina Maledictum
Website
Social: Facebook | Twitter
Year: 2014 – Active
BABYMETAL
Recommended Albums: BABYMETAL
Recommended Songs: Ijime! Dame! Zettai! / Megitsune / Headbanger!!!
Best PVs: Ijime! Dame! Zettai! / Megitsune
Website: http://www.babymetal.jp/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/BABYMETAL.jp?fref=ts | https://twitter.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN
Year: 2010 – Active
Maison Book Girl
Recommended Albums: bath room
Recommended Songs: Snow Irony / my cut / lost AGE
Best PVs: Snow Irony / lost AGE
Website: http://www.maisonbookgirl.com/
Social: https://twitter.com/maisonbookgirl?lang=en
Year: 2014 – Active
PassCode
Recommended Albums: ALL is VANITY
Recommended Songs: Asterix, Never Sleep Again, Orenji
Best PVs: Axis
Website: http://passcode-official.com/
Social: https://twitter.com/passcodeO
Year: 2013 – Active
Zenbu kimi no sei da
Recommended Albums: Yamikawa IMRAD
Recommended Songs: Shit End Placebo / Neo Jealous✡Mero Chaos / The Battle of Identerro
Best PVs: Shit End Placebo
Website: http://kiminosei.com/
Social: https://twitter.com/zenbukiminosei
Year: 2015 – Active
Especia
Recommended Albums: Dulce / Gusto
Recommended Songs: Clover / Midnight confusion / Our Spice / Aviator
Best PVs: Clover
Website: http://especia.me/
Social: https://twitter.com/especiaofficial
Year: 2012 – Active
Land of the Rising Sound 