9mm Parabellum Bullet not only has a rather unique (aka typically Japanese) name, but their music is also a unique mix of straight up rock and totally twisted post punk. Formed around 2004, they very quickly rose to be a force to be reckoned with in the indie rock scene.
All of their guitar playing is extremely tight and usually frenetic, yet the songs are very melodic and almost listener friendly. On the one hand, their more melodic and tune-full slant may put them into Asian Kung-fu Generation territory, yet their spastic playing, crazy drumming and singing pushed to the bleeding edge is much more like Number Girl. There are even a few heavy metal riffs from time to time which show of their technical prowess. It's all presented at blinding speed ("Mr. Suicide" for example), so you'll need to listen to them many times to actually hear everything that's going on. Some of their most intense tracks would even give power metal band Dragonforce a run for their money.
The band has matured ever so slightly over the years, reigning in their more confrontational tendencies more often than not. This doesn't mean that their songs lack any of their trademark intensity, just that the band doesn't throw themselves face first into every song. They manage to separate the more intense moments from the more melodic, crafting songs that are better at luring in the listener, setting them up for the next blast of pummeling staccato riffs. Sugawara Takuro vocals have always been a bit shaky, easily the band's weakest link, but his rough and sometimes strained delivery fits just fine with the general air of down and dirty rebellion that surrounds the band like a warm glow.
Supernova
Official Site
Members:
Sugawara Takuro - Vocals, Guitar
Taki Yoshimitsu - Guitar
Nakamura Kazuhiko - Bass
Kamijo Chihiro - Drums
Releases:
Gjallarhorn - 2005
Phantomime - 2006
The World EP - 2007
Termination - 2007
Vampire - 2008
Mr. Suicide
The World
Heat Island - Live
Termination
Punishment
Teenage Disaster - Live
5 comments:
I saw them at HearJapan the other day. They look awesome.
To me, the vocals fit in perfect. I'd have the band no other way.
Honestly, I think they are my favorite band, worldwide.
Easily one of the best bands currently playing in Japan. Have both their albums, 2 eps, and have their upcoming DVD pre-ordered.
I think Sugawara's vocals are perfect for the band, and though he does appear to strain himself to keep lower tones, he's pretty consistant in his live performances.
Another good review.
I just discovered them, but they *easily* shot up to near the top of my list of "favorite bands". Great, great stuff.
(Oddly enough, I found myself thinking of AKG and Number Girl when I was listening to them too!! XD)
I just love this band. Unfortunately in my country I cannot by their album. I wish I could. Love all their songs. I wish more bands like them could be known and I wish for them to be acknowledged by the WORLD.
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