And here I thought I spent too much time talking about Asian bands on this forum. Guess that gives me some wiggle room to really go crazy, eh? Galneryus are great and I like them even more with their new singer. They've been posted on this forum a number of times but in different threads. Always good to see them getting some love.
Even though you don't like them, they still deserve to be mentioned amongst Asian metal bands. Yeah, I know there's a whole thread dedicated to them, but it was obviously overlooked by the OP. Watch out, I'm about to bring up another band you can't stand. Get ready!
Versailles, also known in the U.S. as Versailles ~Philharmonic Quintet~ are a neo-classical metal band with a heavy dose of speed metal and power metal. That's the best way I've come up with to describe them. They are a visual kei band so they also have a heavy emphasis on costumes, make-up, props, and theatrics, with an aristocrat vampire theme. No, they don't take themselves seriously, but they are serious about putting on a good show! They cite Angra and Dream Theater as influences, amongst others, including X JAPAN of course.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7gzrEHi44c
So now that we've covered X JAPAN, Galneryus, and Versailles, let's go a little further with the more "mainstream" (?) bands.
DEATHGAZE ... maybe a little too "nu-metal" for some, and certainly the vocals will be a deal breaker for others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxjcVK2Trkk
-OZ- ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXURVYtkApU
girugämesh ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeuftdcGCNg
And something a little old school
SEIKIMA II ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxtnfqvAYvc
That's enough from me for now. If anyone wants to have a discussion on Asian rock and/or pop bands, I'm game for that in the lounge. Dial it up, I'll be on the other end of the line!
Thanks for the recommendations on the extreme stuff. I'm loving it and I'm so happy to see others knowing so many Asian metal bands I've never even heard of! Killer!