Maximum the Hormone is a four-member Japanese rock band.
History:
1998-2001:
Maximum the Hormone was created in 1998 with Daisuke Tsuda and Nawo Kawakita, along with no longer present Sugi and Key. Their first release, A.S.A. Crew was the only full length album released with this lineup. In 2001, Sugi and Key left the band, leaving an opening on guitar and bass guitar.
2001-2002:
In late 2001, the band recruited Uehara Futoshi (Ue-chan) to fill the empty bass guitar position, while Ryo Kawakita (Maximum the Ryo), Nawo's
brother, took the position of guitar, and also contributing melodic vocals. The band released three singles, followed by their first release with the new lineup, Ootori (Hou). The EP still mainly followed playing style of the old lineup.
In 2002, the band saw one more single, followed by a full length album,
Mimi Kajiru. The album exhibited more of Daisuke's signature screaming vocals, and Ue-chan's loud twangy bass lines.
2003-2005:
After their first full album as a band, the band took a more traditional approach to recording, releasing two singles, followed by an album. Their next album, Kusoban in
2004, was close yet to contrasting
heavy music mixed with light pop that has gained them mainstream attention.
After recording another pair of singles, the band released another album, Rokkinpo Goroshi. The release caused a surge in their fanbase, as they began to
sell out more shows, playing many
rock festivals, and eventually releasing a live DVD, Debu Vs Debu. In addition, "Rolling1000toon" was featured as an ending theme for the
anime series Air Master.
2006-2007:
2006 saw the band's breakout into popular culture with the song Koi no Megalover, reaching number nine on the Oricon charts during the
summer of 2006; their first top-ten
hit in Japan. The band had three of their songs featured in
anime series; What's up, people?! and Zetsubou Billy, are featured as the opening and ending tracks, respectively, of the Death Note
anime series, and Akagi is featured as the ending theme for the Akagi
anime series.
After the promotion from two singles, and the songs featured on television, Maximum the Hormone released their next album, Buiikikaesu. The album was a record for the band, debuting at number five on the Oricon charts; their first full album to rank.
2008-present:
Maximum the Hormone will make their first overseas appearance in a
short tour through the United States and Canada with Dropkick Murphys in March.
Members:
Maximum the Ryo (Ryo Kawakita) – guitars, vocals
Daisuke (Daisuke Tsuda) – vocals
Nawo (Nawo Kawakita) – drums, vocals
Ue-chan (Futoshi Uehara) – bass guitar, backing vocals
Former Members:
Sugi – guitar
Key – bass guitar
