HAGANE: The Band Bridging Metal and Product Management Synergy

Jul 20

2 min read

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When you hear melodic power metal, product management doesn’t immediately come to mind.

BUT HAGANE is raw. They are fierce. Their story is an anthem for product managers forging something real under pressure.

Formed in Tokyo in 2018, HAGANE’s evolution from lineup upheavals to viral music videos is packed with resilience and creativity lessons for anyone building impactful work.

“Hagane” Means Steel—Forged with Intention

In Japanese, hagane means steel. Forged under pressure. Built to endure. That isn’t branding --> it’s identity. Their music lives these values:

Ganbaru — push forward even when it hurts.
Resilience — grow stronger after change.
Kaizen — relentless refinement.

They practice these values in riffs and rhythms.

2018–2024: Break, Rebuild, Return

2018: Formed in Tokyo with Chiemi (vocals), Sakura, Mayto, Kanako (drums), Sayaka (bass) .
2019: Vocalist Chiemi replaced by Uyu .
2023: Uyu, Mayto, and Kanako departed. Most bands would collapse. HAGANE evolved .
2024: “Life Goes On!” EP dropped with Nagi (vocals) and Junna (drums). New sound proved sharper, fiercer, rated 7.5/10 .

Change didn’t derail them —> it refined them!

How HAGANE’s Metal Process Powers Product Thinking

1. Tradition Meets Innovation

“Tenka-Goken” weaves Japanese sword lore and is filmed in a temple setting.

PM takeaway: Respect your foundation and innovate boldly.

2. Studio as MVP Lab

The Life Goes On! EP evolved under tight iteration before release.

PM takeaway: Build prototypes fast and iterate publicly.

3. Fresh Voices Reshape Sound

When Nagi and Junna joined, choruses and energy fundamentally changed.

PM takeaway: New talent should pivot not just plug-in.

4. Embed Cultural Narrative

Filming music videos in temples underscores cultural resonance.

PM takeaway: Tie your product to deeper meaning and context.

5. Live Test, Live Learn

Live audience reactions ( like improvised drum riffs) guide next versions.

PM takeaway: Launch live. Measure emotional response. Refine fast.

HAGANE’s PM Playbook

Guiding Principle	Metal Example	PM Lesson
Start raw	Tracks evolve in live sessions	Ship MVPs early and learn in public
Iterate fearlessly	EP refined until it resonated	Iterate with courage
Honor roots, innovate	Sword lore + metal fusion	Build on heritage
Let talent shape sound	Nagi and Junna redefined the band’s vibe	Adapt product with new perspectives
Test live, adapt live	Fan reactions shaped the sound	User feedback powers iteration