| Maximum the Hormone | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres | Nu metal,[1] hardcore punk, punk rock, funk metal, alternative metal |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Sky, Mimikajiru, VAP |
| Website | www.55mth.com |
| Members | |
| Daisuke-han Nao Maximum the Ryo-kun Ue-chan |
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| Past members | |
| Sugi Key |
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Maximum the Hormone (マキシマムザホルモン Makishimamu Za Horumon) is a Japanese nu metal band from Hachiōji, Tokyo.
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Maximum the Hormone was created in 1998 by Daisuke Tsuda and Nao Kawakita.[2] After a couple of regional shows, the band signed a contract with the Japanese rock label Sky Records. A.S.A. Crew was the first album released under that label and was the only full length album released with this lineup. At that time Daisuke wrote his songs only in English, and 'Maximum the Hormone' was also written in Latin letters. That changed when Key and Sugi left the band in 1999.
While looking for new members to join the band, Nao thought of her younger brother Ryo, who had been playing the guitar since his years in junior high school and could sing very well, too. From then on, the two men split up most of the vocals, Daisuke taking care of the screaming and rap vocals and Ryo the more melodic parts. Ue joined as well, completing the quartet as the bassist. After that major change the band decided to root their lyrics and band name in katakana to reflect the change in the band members.[2] In 2001, the band released an EP, Hō.
In 2002, the band left Sky Records and signed with Mimikajiru Records. The band released a new single, "Niku Cup", followed by a full length album, Mimi Kajiru.
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 closer yet to the contrasting heavy music mixed with light pop that has gained them mainstream attention.
After the release of Kusoban on 2004, the band signed to VAP, a major record label.[2]
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.
In 2006 the band entered popular culture with the song "Koi no Mega Lover", which reached number nine on the Oricon charts during the summer – their first top-ten hit in Japan. The band had two of their songs featured in anime series; "What's Up, People?!" and "Zetsubou Billy" are featured as the opening and ending tracks, respectively, in the second season episodes 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.[3] Also in Japan the album went Gold.[4]
In 2008, the band the released their second live DVD: Deco Vs. Deco, and made their first overseas appearance in a short tour through the United States and Canada in support of Dropkick Murphys. A new single titled "Tsume Tsume Tsume/「F」" containing the songs "Tsume Tsume Tsume, "「F」", and "Kill all the 394" was released at the start of the "Tsume Tsume Tsume" tour in July, and reached the number 2 spot on the Oricon weekly singles chart. The tour continued through to October 16, 2008,[5] with an additional tour finale, which took place on November 30.
On October 27, Maximum The Hormone made their first UK appearance supporting Enter Shikari at the Bournemouth BIC. They continued to tour with Enter Shikari until November 3, playing venues in Exeter, Southampton and Folkestone, before ending with 2 nights at the London Astoria. However, prior to the Enter Shikari dates, it was announced that Daisuke would require corrective surgery on his throat, causing the band to go on temporary hiatus while he recovered. The hiatus started in December and lasted for several months.
After Daisuke had recovered from his throat surgery the band went on to headline several shows in Japan with support from Bring Me The Horizon and Blessed By A Broken Heart in May 2009, as well as going on to win the award for "Best Rock Video" for "Tsume Tsume Tsume" in the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.
On November 19, 2009, the band released a statement via their official website stating that Nao had fallen pregnant in September, but after discussions with her fellow band members and fellow staff, had decided to continue with all shows Maximum had booked. On November 3, however, Nao fell ill and was transported to hospital, where she was told that it would be unhealthy for her and the baby to continue performing. This resulted in the band going on hiatus until Nao had carried the baby to term and forced them to cancel all shows including an appearance at the Soundwave Festival 2010 in Australia.
On May 6, 2010, the band released another statement through their website stating that Nao gave birth to a healthy baby girl and that they would no longer be on hiatus.
Later in February 7, 2011, the band released a video for the songs "Chiisana Kimi No Te (小さな君の手)" and "maximum the hormone" on their official website.
The band's newest single titled "Greatest the Hits 2011–2011" was released on March 23, debuting at number 1 spot on the Oricon weekly singles chart. In June they will be touring Europe. In early August they played at Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon, South Korea.
So far they have not announced any plans for a new album.
Maximum the Hormone performs nu metal with a strong punk influence; Allmusic's Alexey Eremenko writes that Maximum the Hormone are distinguished by "a general lack of the teenage angst and self-importance characteristic of true nu-metalers".[6] Eremenko says that their album Bu-ikikaesu also incorporates pop punk elements.[1]
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