JROCK NEWS is bringing its PULSE concert series back this summer with a stacked lineup of Japan's heaviest acts. PULSE vol. 2 celebrates the publication's 11th anniversary and marks the second installment of what's becoming a key event for the Japanese heavy music scene.

The concert happens Sunday, August 23 at Shinjuku ANTIKNOCK in Tokyo, with five bands performing: ACME (headliner), PARAMENA, BABYBEARD, GUNGIRE, and DREAMY. Whether you're in Japan or anywhere else, you can catch the action live via TwitCasting livestream, available worldwide.

Here's what to expect from the lineup:

ACME brings their signature post-hardcore energy as headliners, fresh off their 9th anniversary. PARAMENA takes the technical metal route—they impressed enough at Wacken 2024 to earn this spot. BABYBEARD, fronted by vocalist Ladybeard, promises a chaotic, fun set before heading to Europe in October. GUNGIRE lives up to their reputation as Japan's angriest band with blistering metalcore and intense vocals. DREAMY kicks things off celebrating their first anniversary with fresher, more upbeat vibes.

Ticket and streaming info:

In-person concert tickets are 4,500 JPY online or 5,000 JPY at the door. Livestream access costs 2,500 JPY and remains available on-demand until August 30 at 11:59 PM JST, so international fans can tune in whenever works for their schedule.

This is a solid opportunity for heavy music fans to experience Japan's metalcore and extreme metal scene. Even if you can't make it to Tokyo, the global livestream access means geography isn't an excuse to miss it.