Bar Review - Godz (Tokyo, Japan)
Konnichiwa! We are your super kawaii hosts Chernoglav and Chort, and let us tell you about our Japanese adventures in metal, specifically a little place called GODZ. When we heard about GODZ, a metal bar in Tokyo, we knew we had to check it out as it was THE place to be, in a very short list of Tokyo metal bars. Started well over 12 years ago by Hide-san, it's become a cornerstone of the vibrant neon-drenched Shinjuku nightlife.
We arrived at GODZ on a Saturday night, beet-red from the sun and exhausted from finding the entrance for the Gojira statue, and the place was already packed. CDs line the walls like wallpaper, and signed panels from legendary bands who have come through here over the ages build an air of authenticity. The atmosphere was electric, with the walls shaking from the sound of the music. The crowd was a mix of Japanese and foreign metalheads, all of whom were clearly having a great time. We met all sorts of characters here, from US doctors on a jolly, to gaijin salarymen blowing off steam, to a Japanese woman who just enjoys to come there and read. All souls entwined through the power and magic of heavy metal.
Sittin’ and talkin’ metal with these geezers
The drinks at GODZ are a pretty good selection for a metal bar with some tasty foods available too, but we were already stuffed from the numerous 7-11 corndogs we had consumed earlier. They have a good selection of beers on tap, as well as some cocktails and shots. You can get Satan beer, which is a classic, along with other metal themed alcohol from bands. I wanted the biggest beer they had, the mega beer, but it was still quite small, perhaps we are too used to giant pints for the gluttonous swine that frequent UK pubs. The prices are a bit steep for our bottom-of-the-barrel taste, but we didn't mind because we were having so much fun. The staff at GODZ were friendly and helpful. They were happy to make recommendations for drinks, and they even helped us find a table in the “mosh pit” in front of the screen. It closes at 5am so you can really go all night!
The music at GODZ is the real star of the show. First of all if you get there medium-early they will give you sheets of paper for recommendations. And unlike other certain establishments, they ACTUALLY play the songs, on a huge screen no less. Of course, there was lots of black metal and Unto Others being played. Other than that, on this specific night later in the night, they played a mix of classic and modern metal, and they always have the volume cranked up to 11. We heard everything from Maiden to Immortal to Bolt Thrower, and we had a blast headbanging along. If you're lucky you might even catch a show or two! The merch is also sweet, and so we couldn’t resist picking up a ‘muffler’ towel.
Written by: Chernoglav The Hero With The Silver Moustache
Sporting more than just a moustache under his hood, Chernoglav loves underground Metal, but also listens to a dynamic range of other sub-genres like Power. He’s also never had a moustache.
