Maximum the Hormone#Discography

File:MTHlogo.png, used as the band logo since 2000]]

Maximum the Hormone was formed in March 1997 by vocalist Daisuke-han, guitarist Key-yan, bassist Sugi and drummer Nao, initially as a cover band of the High-Lows as part of the member's university's light music club.{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.co.jp/Broadway/5702/rekisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050124080501/http://www.geocities.co.jp/Broadway/5702/rekisi.html|title=ホルモン歴史|archive-date=24 January 2005|access-date=19 February 2024}} In May, the band began recording original songs, half of them being melodic hardcore and the other half being hardcore punk. They played their first show in Hachiōji in June 1997. The following month, the band released their first demo tape, selling out all 100 copies. They also continued to play shows in Hachiōji and Shibuya and dropped the melodic hardcore parts of their music. In March 1998, a second demo tape was released with 200 copies and in May, the band embarked on their first domestic tour. In August, their first album A.S.A. Crew was recorded and the band participated in the collaboration album PUNKER SHOT 2, released by Sky Records. In December 1998, guitarist Key-yan and bassist Sugi left the band, which caused the release of A.S.A. Crew to be postponed until August 1999. In January 1999, Nao's younger brother Maximum the Ryokun joined the band, as he had played guitar since junior high-school and could also sing. He became the band's co-lead vocalist, handling guitars and singing duties while Daisuke handles screams and raps. After using a support bassist for their live shows, bassist Ue-chang joined in September 1999, completing their current lineup. The first release with this lineup would come in October 1999 in the form of another demo tape. The band then decided to write their band name in katakana to reflect the change in the band members, and the band also started incorporating Japanese into their lyrics. In 2001, the band released an EP, Hō.

When asked about the group's name in an interview, Maximum the Ryokun stated "Take it as you like, it means anything from the Japanese cuisine for cooking animal innards to the sensation of the maximum amount of your hormones coming to the boil! Although when we go abroad people think we’re just some sorta sexual-energy-drink".{{cite web|url=http://www.tenga-global.com/voice/ryokun.php |title=Voice (Maximum The Ryokun) | TENGA Official Site |publisher=Tenga-global.com |access-date=2013-11-04}} "Hormone" (or horumon) is a style of yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) where many of the typically discarded internal organs are grilled in bite sized pieces and eaten.

In 2002, the band left Sky Records and signed with Mimikajiru Records. The band released the single, "Niku Cup", followed by a full-length album, Mimi Kajiru, in 2002. The EP Kusoban, released in 2004, featured heavy music mixed with light pop that has gained them mainstream attention. After the release of Kusoban, the band signed to VAP, a major record label.

The band released the full-length album Rock-impo Goroshi in 2005. 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 in the Air Master anime, as well as being featured in DrumMania 10th Mix as a playable song. The song's title is actually a play on words. Combined, the number 1000 (pronounced "sen"), and "toon" (pronounced "ton") form the phrase "rolling senton". A senton is a leaping move, in pro wrestling, that often includes somersaults. The concept is illustrated at the end of the music video, when the protagonist (bassist Ue-chang) fells the bully character by leaping into the air, doing several mid-air flips, then landing the final blow.

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 three of their songs featured in anime series: "What's Up, People?!" and "Zetsubō Billy" are featured as the second opening and ending themes of Death Note, and "Akagi" is featured as the ending theme for Akagi.

Maximum the Hormone released their next album, Bu-ikikaesu, in 2007 The album debuted at number five on the Oricon chart; their first full album to reach that chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/698700/1/ |title=Bu-ikikaesu profile on Oricon charts |publisher=Oricon.co.jp |date=2008-06-20 |access-date=2011-10-20}} Also, the album was certified Gold in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200703.html |title=RIAJ |publisher=RIAJ |access-date=2011-10-20}}

File:Enter Shikari, DJ Pdex, Maximum the Hormone & An Albatross @ The Astoria 2.jpg

In 2008, the band released their second live DVD: Deco Vs. Deco, and made their first overseas appearances with a short tour through the United States and Canada in support of Dropkick Murphys. On May 3, Maximum the Hormone performed at the hide memorial summit alongside many other artists, in memory of the deceased musician.{{cite web| title = hide Memorial Summit Day 1 - Part B| work = jame-world.com| url = http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-4678-hide-memorial-summit-day-1-part-b.html| access-date = 2013-08-13}} A new single titled "Tsume Tsume Tsume/F" was released at the start of the Tsume Tsume Tsume tour in July, and reached the number two spot on the Oricon weekly singles chart. The tour continued through October 2008,{{cite web | title=Tsume Tsume Tsume tour | work=55mth.com | url=http://www.55mth.com/08_sgtour.html}} with an additional show on November 30. The subject of the song "F" is Dragon Ball character, Frieza.

On October 27, Maximum The Hormone made their first appearance in the United Kingdom, 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 two 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 recovered from 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 winning the award for Best Rock Video for "Tsume Tsume Tsume" in the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

In 2009, Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman performed an instrumental cover of "Tsume Tsume Tsume" on his tribute/cover album Tokyo Jukebox. Though not mentioned in the title, near the end of the track he segues into an abbreviated version of the song "Louisiana Bob". On November 19, 2009, the band released a statement via their official website stating that drummer Nao was pregnant, but after discussions with her bandmates and staff, Nao decided to continue with all shows. However, on November 3 Nao fell ill and was transported to the 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 carried the baby to term, forcing them to cancel all shows including an appearance at the Soundwave Festival 2010 in Australia. On May 6, 2010, the band released a statement through their website stating that Nao gave birth to a healthy baby girl and that they would no longer be on hiatus. The band members appeared as extras in the live-action adaptation of BECK.

On February 7, 2011, the band released a video for the songs "Chiisana Kimi no Te (小さな君の手)" (Your Little Hands) and "Maximum the Hormone" on their official website. They released a single titled "Greatest the Hits 2011–2011" on March 23, debuting at number 1 spot on the Oricon weekly singles chart. In June of the same year, they toured Europe. In early August they played at Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon, South Korea.

The album Yoshū Fukushū was released on July 31, 2013, their first full album in six years. It was their first album to reach number one on Oricon's charts.{{cite web|author=ustar |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/08/oricon-weekly-charts-for-7-29-8-4 |title=Oricon Weekly Charts for 7/29 ~ 8/4 |publisher=tokyohive.com |date=2013-08-07 |access-date=2013-11-04}} The CD features unique packaging, as it is approximately the height and width of a standard DVD case, and bound like a manga. According to the band's official website, it is "A frantic 156-page book with 'Our Merciless Home'war'k' descriptions, a dialogue style track-by-track rundown for all 15 songs by Maximum the Ryokun, Ryokun's inner world is exposed by professional manga artists"{{cite web|url=http://www.maximumthehormone.jp/news.html |title=MAXIMUM THE HORMONE -Official English Website |language=ja |publisher=Maximumthehormone.jp |access-date=2013-11-05}}

On June 2, the group released the video for the song "A-L-I-E-N", but as a prank, they placed it on a randomly relocating URL, so page visitors would only have one chance of seeing the video. The video for the album's title track, "Yoshū Fukushū", was released on July 26, 2013. The song "Benjo Sandal Dance" (Toilet Sandal Dance) had been used in a Stride gum commercial as well as the theme song for the Japanese release of Kick-Ass 2, featuring the band in full special effects makeup as early primates.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaNLGLHyw7E |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/JaNLGLHyw7E |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=ホルモンCM初出演！｢ストライド｣CM |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-02-28 |access-date=2013-11-05}}{{cbignore}} In keeping with the band's quirky aesthetic, the song "Benjo Sandal Dance" lyrically references Maximum the Ryokun's habit of wearing toilet sandals, traditionally strictly only for wearing in the bathroom, at all times. As referenced in the song's lyrics, as well as their FAQ, he exclusively wears toilet sandals sold under the brand name VIC, made by Nishibe Chemical Co. Ltd. Dunhill.{{cite web |url=http://www.55mth.com/qa/pc.php |script-title=ja:マキシマムザホルモン |language=ja |publisher=55mth.com |access-date=2013-11-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628111800/http://www.55mth.com/qa/pc.php |archive-date=2013-06-28 }} In September, the band announced a special merchandise package, including a T-shirt and limited edition VIC sandals with the Maximum the Hormone logo stamped on the heel.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=502301723186412&id=361910607225525 |title=マキシマムザ亮君愛用のV.I.Cニシベケミカル製のサンダルが、... - マキシマム ザ ホルモン( maximum the hormone ) |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2013-11-05}}

In November 2015, the band released their third live album, Deka vs. Deka. The album also came with a complete re-recording of their 2002 album Mimi Kajiru as a bonus disc. The re-recording, entitled Mimi Kajiru Shinuchi, was also released alongside a book containing sheet music for the songs on Yoshu Fukushu, which was released in February 2016. The band was in the midst of another hiatus as drummer Nao announced her intention to try for another baby; her second child was born in May 2016. The band returned to activity in 2017, announcing the Mimi Kajiru Shinuchi Tour across Japan.

In September 2018, the band released a track entitled "Haikei VAP-dono" (with Daisuke playing drums), to announce their departure from VAP to sign a new record deal with Warner Music Japan.[https://aramajapan.com/news/musicvideo/maximum-the-hormone-publish-music-video-for-their-new-song-haikei-vap-dono/91409/ MAXIMUM THE HORMONE publish Music Video for their New Song “Haikei VAP-dono”] Arama Japan. 19 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018. A series of shows in October and November 2018 were cancelled due to Daisuke suffering a herniated disc.{{cite news |last1=Ressler |first1=Karen |title=Maximum the Hormone Band Takes Hiatus From Concerts for Member's Surgery |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-17/maximum-the-hormone-band-takes-hiatus-from-concerts-for-member-surgery/.136918 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=10 December 2018 |date=17 September 2018}} In November 2018, they released a music video for "Korekara no Menkata Kotteri no Hanashi wo Shiyou", which commented on fans' negative response to Maximum the Ryokun's dramatic weight loss.{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/maximum-the-hormone-drops-insane-new-song-equally-fun-music-video|title=MAXIMUM THE HORMONE Drops Insane New Song, Equally Fun Music Video|website=Metal Injection|date=28 November 2018 |access-date=2018-12-25}} An EP also titled Korekara no Menkata Cottelee no Hanashi wo Shiyou was released on November 28, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://japanvibe.net/after-long-years-maximum-the-hormone-is-finally-back/|title=After long years, Maximum The Hormone is finally back!|date=2018-11-27|website=Japan Vibe|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}} On May 5, 2019, the band made a surprise appearance at the Viva La Rock 2019 festival, announcing that they would resume live performances and launch a June 2019 tour of Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2019/05/maximum-the-hormone-to-resume-their-live-activities|title=MAXIMUM THE HORMONE to resume their live activities {{!}} tokyohive.com|website=www.tokyohive.com|language=en|access-date=2019-05-08}}

In 2021, the band released the song {{nihongo|"Kamigami"|KAMIGAMI-神噛-||{{lit.}} "Gods" / "God Biting"}}, which was used as the opening theme for the anime Record of Ragnarok.{{Cite web|date=December 19, 2020|script-title=ja:神VS人間のタイマン勝負「終末のワルキューレ」TVアニメ化！キャスト、PVなど一挙解禁|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/409405|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Natalie|language=ja}} Their song "Hawatari 2 Oku-senchi" was featured as one of the twelve ending theme songs and insert song for the anime Chainsaw Man.{{Cite web|last=Leung|first=Hilary|date=October 13, 2022|title='Chainsaw Man': Get To Know Every Artist Singing the Opening & Ending Themes|url=https://www.cbr.com/chainsaw-man-anime-opening-ending-song-artsits/|access-date=October 13, 2022|website=CBR}} Daisuke-han and Nao also host the weekly Maximum the Hormone radio show.{{cite web | title=Maximum the Hormone Radio Program | work=55mth.com | url=http://www.55mth.com/kotteri/}} Song “Koi no America” was released on July 29 as an unreleased single with an unusual title “〇〇〇〇〇〇” (Official song title and lyrics were announced after August 2023).{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Maximum the Hormone performs nu metal and hardcore punk but incorporates many elements of pop,{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/maximum-the-hormone-p875085/biography |title=Maximum the Hormone |author=Alexey Eremenko |work=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=14 March 2011}} funk, ska, hip hop, and extreme metal into their music as well. The band is also labeled as alternative metal, funk metal, groove metal, and more recently metalcore[http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Maximum-the-Hormone/8207/ Maximum the Hormone at Sputnik Music] by some critics. AllMusic's Alexey Eremenko writes that Maximum the Hormone is distinguished by "a general lack of the teenage angst and self-importance characteristic of true nu-metalers." Their funky sound, heard in many songs such as "Maximum 21st Century", is mostly produced by bass player Ue-chang's unconventional use of the slapping technique; he is often referred to as "The Chopper" by the band (both in their FAQ, and their song "A-L-I-E-N"). Lead vocals are split between Daisuke, Ryo, and Nao, with Ryo and Nao providing the melodic vocals while Daisuke provides the screams and rapping. Ue-chang is yet to perform lead vocals (aside from a verse on the joke track "Chiisana Kimi no Te") but does perform backing vocals alongside the rest of the band.

Their music-videos often have a tongue-in-cheek aspect as well, such as "Rolling1000toon", which features an underdog (with the requisite karate training montage) facing up to a bully, or "Koi no Mega Lover", which features an awkward young man whose clumsy amorous advances are rejected by a beautiful girl at a party.

;Current members

• {{nihongo|Daisuke-han|ダイスケはん|Daisuke-han}}, real name {{nihongo|Daisuke Tsuda|津田 大輔|Tsuda Daisuke}} – screaming vocals, rapping (1997–present), additional drums (2018–present), percussion (2020–present), keyboards (2021–present)
• {{nihongo|Nao|ナヲ|Nao}}, real name {{nihongo|Nao Kumamoto|熊本 奈緒|Kumamoto Nao}}, née {{nihongo|Kawakita|川北}} – drums, percussion, clean vocals (1997–present)
• {{nihongo|Maximum the Ryokun|マキシマムザ亮君|Makishimamu za Ryōkun}}, real name {{nihongo|Ryō Kawakita|川北 亮|Kawakita Ryō}} – guitar, clean vocals (1999–present), unclean vocals (2007–present)
• {{nihongo|Ue-chang|上ちゃん|Ue-chan}}, real name {{nihongo|Futoshi Uehara|上原 太|Uehara Futoshi}} – bass, backing vocals (1999–present)

;Former members

• Sugi, real name {{nihongo|Hideo Sugiura|杉浦 秀夫|Sugiura Hideo}} – guitar, backing vocals (1997–1998)
• Key-yan, real name {{nihongo|Kiichiro Yoshikawa|吉河 喜一郎|Yoshikawa Kiichiro}} – bass, backing vocals (1997–1998)

;Timeline

{{#tag:timeline|

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Period = from:01/01/1997 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}

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Colors =

id:CV value:red legend:Clean_vocals

id:UV value:claret legend:Unclean_vocals

id:RAP value:pink legend:Rapping

id:G value:green legend:Guitar

id:B value:blue legend:Bass

id:D value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion

id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_release

id:Lines1 value:gray(0.56) legend:Other_release

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at:29/08/1999 color:black layer:back

at:14/02/2001 color:Lines1 layer:back

at:23/10/2002 color:Lines1 layer:back

at:21/10/2004 color:Lines1 layer:back

at:02/03/2005 color:black layer:back

at:14/03/2007 color:black layer:back

at:14/03/2013 color:black layer:back

at:14/03/2015 color:Lines1 layer:back

at:28/11/2018 color:Lines1 layer:back

BarData =

bar:Daisuke text:"Daisuke-han"

bar:Sugi text:"Sugi"

bar:Ryo text:"Maximum the Ryokun"

bar:Key text:"Key-yan"

bar:Ue text:"Ue-chang"

bar:Nao text:"Nao"

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bar:Daisuke from:start till:end color:RAP width:3

bar:Nao from:start till:end color:D

bar:Nao from:start till:end color:CV width:3

bar:Sugi from:start till:01/12/1998 color:G

bar:Sugi from:start till:01/12/1998 color:CV width:3

bar:Key from:start till:01/12/1998 color:B

bar:Key from:start till:01/12/1998 color:CV width:3

bar:Ryo from:01/01/1999 till:end color:G

bar:Ryo from:01/01/1999 till:end color:CV width:3

bar:Ryo from:01/01/2007 till:end color:UV width:7

bar:Ue from:01/09/1999 till:end color:B

bar:Ue from:01/09/1999 till:end color:CV width:3

}}

{{main|Maximum the Hormone discography}}

• A.S.A. Crew (1999)
• Rock-impo Goroshi (2005)
• Bu-ikikaesu (2007)
• Yoshū Fukushū (2013)

;CD Shop Awards

{{award table}}

|-

| 2014

| Yoshū Fukushū

| Grand Prix

| {{won}}

|}

;MTV Video Music Awards Japan

{{award table}}

|-

| 2009

| "Tsume Tsume Tsume"

| Best Rock Video

| {{won}}

|-

| 2014

| Yoshū Fukushū

| Album of the Year

| {{nominated}}

|}

;Space Shower Music Video Awards

{{award table}}

|-

| 2009

| Maximum the Hormone

| Special Award

| {{won}}

|-

| 2012

| "Maximum the Hormone"

| Best Your Choice

| {{won}}

|-

| 2014

| "Yoshū Fukushū"

| Best Video of the Year

| {{won}}

|}

• Punkspring with Various Artists (2007){{cite web|url=http://www.punkspring.com/index07.html|title=Punkspring 2007 Lineup|website=Punkspring Website|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Cursive Japan Tour with guests Maximum the Hormone and Beat Crusaders (2007){{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2007/04/around-america-in-a-month-with-cursive.html|title=Around America in a Month with Cursive|website=Paste|date=April 10, 2007|access-date=October 12, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.songkick.com/concerts/882678-cursive-at-shibuyaax|title=Cursive at Shibuya, Shibuya-AX|website=Songkick|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Rock in Japan Festival with Various Artists (2007){{cite web|url=http://rijfes.jp/07/timetable.html|title=Rock in Japan Fest 2007 Lineup|website=Rock in Japan Fest Website|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Rising Sun Rock Festival with Various Artists (2007){{cite web|url=http://rsr-arch.wess.co.jp/2007/artist1.html|title=Rising Sun Rock Festival 2007 in Ezo|website=Rising Sun Rock Fest Website|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Summer Sonic Festival with Various Artists (2008)
• Summer Sonic Festival with Various Artists (2011)
• Rock in Japan Festival with Various Artists (2012)
• Ozzfest Japan with Various Artists (2013)
• Summer Sonic Festival with Various Artists (2013)
• Rock in Japan Festival with Various Artists (2013)
• Knotfest Japan with Various Artists (2014)
• Summer Sonic Festival with Various Artists (2017)

• Enter Shikari Tour in UK with guests Maximum the Hormone and P-Dex (2008){{cite web|url=http://jame-world.com/uk/news-36417-maximum-the-hormone-supports-enter-shikari-on-uk-tour.html|title=Maximum the Hormone Supports Enter Shikari on UK Tour|website=JaME UK|date=August 29, 2008|access-date=October 12, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.songkick.com/concerts/308120-enter-shikari-at-solent-hall-bic|title=Enter Shikari at Solent Hall, BIC|website=Songkick|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Enter Shikari Tour in UK with guests Maximum the Hormone, Canterbury, and P-Dex (2008){{cite web|url=https://www.songkick.com/concerts/310628-enter-shikari-at-o2-guildhall-southampton|title=Enter Shikari at Southampton|website=Songkick|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Enter Shikari Tour in UK with guests Maximum the Hormone, An Albatross, and P-Dex (2008){{cite web|url=https://www.songkick.com/concerts/308116-enter-shikari-at-astoria-2|title=Enter Shikari at Astoria 2|website=Songkick|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Dropkick Murphys Tour in US with guest Maximum the Hormone (2008){{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/concerts-6919-maximum-the-hormone-with-the-dropkick-murphys.html|title=Maximum the Hormone with the Dropkick Murphys|website=JaME USA|access-date=October 12, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.maximumthehormone.jp/band.html|title=Maximum the Hormone Profile|website=Maximum the Hormone Official|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Hellfest in France with Various Artists (2011){{cite web|url=http://www.allmetalfest.com/hellfest-2011/|title=Hellfest 2011|website=All Metalfest|access-date=October 12, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.songkick.com/festivals/1488-hellfest/id/6987016-hellfest-2011#lineup|title=Hellfest 2011 at Clisson|website=Songkick|access-date=October 12, 2017}}
• Pentaport Rock Festival in South Korea with Various Artists (2011)
• Knotfest in US with Various Artists (2014)
• Knotfest in Mexico with Various Artists (2017)
• Super Japan Expo in Chile with Various Artists (2017)
• European Tour 2022

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.maximumthehormone.jp/news.html Maximum the Hormone official English website]

{{Maximum the Hormone}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Japanese hardcore punk groups

Category:Japanese metalcore musical groups

Category:Japanese nu metal musical groups

Category:Japanese musical quartets

Category:Musical groups from Hachiōji, Tokyo

Category:Musical groups established in 1998

Category:Mixed-gender bands

Category:Sibling musical groups