Review: Isekai Metaller Vol. 1
By Nolan P. Smith
Editor | Pastrami Nation
Crank up your amps and prepare to melt some faces—Isekai Metaller Vol. 1 is pure, unfiltered heavy metal energy wrapped in a fantasy manga shell. Kasuga Ryo delivers a high-voltage debut that’s as loud in spirit as it is rich in mystery, blending the world of metal and magic into something wholly unique and completely unforgettable.
Our protagonist, Alexi, is a metalhead through and through—living and breathing the music that defines rebellion and raw emotion. But a near death moment suddenly finds Alexi in a savage, otherworldly realm where riffs can summon power and rhythm fuels survival/ Everything he knows about life, death, and music is put to the test. Is Alexi truly in another world… or is this something else entirely?
That’s where Isekai Metaller gets interesting. Beneath the headbanging visuals and blistering action sequences, there’s an underlying mystery that keeps readers hooked. Did Alexi die and end up in this world as a form of afterlife? Or is this a dreamlike odyssey—his own Wizard of Oz moment—where every power chord pulls him closer to a truth he doesn’t yet understand?
Kasuga Ryo’s art explodes off the page, dripping with detail, intensity, and reverence for all things metal. From the lightning-charged guitars to the demonic stage presences, every panel screams energy and chaos in the best way possible. And for long-time fans of the genre, the sheer number of nods and Easter eggs to real-world heavy metal culture—visual cues, poses, and lyrical symbolism—make this an absolute treat to read.
Isekai Metaller Vol. 1 is more than just another isekai story—it’s an anthem. It’s what happens when power chords meet world-building, when fantasy collides with feedback. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply love stories that pulse with life and creativity, this volume deserves a spot on your shelf. One of the best debut manga I have read, be sure to pick this one up!
Rating: FIVE Pastrami Nations out of FIVE
A brutal, beautiful love letter to metal and mystery alike. 5 out of 5—turn it up to eleven.