Sable Hills

Formed in Tokyo, Japan by brothers Takuya Mishima and Rict Mishima, Sable Hills — the Tokyo Riff Lord — stands as one of the most prominent acts in Japan’s modern metal scene. Now signed to Arising Empire, the band fuses the intensity of metalcore and the emotion of melodic death metal — sometimes infused with a distinctly Japanese touch that sets their sound apart. Their latest single, Namu, marks a bold step forward — incorporating the Buddhist mantra of Fudō Myōō and traditional Japanese instruments to create a sound that is both powerful and deeply distinctive. With relentless energy, technical mastery, and emotionally charged songwriting, Sable Hills continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, building a bridge between Japan’s heavy music culture and the global stage.