New Maximum the Hormone album comes with 156 page manga!

Get ready to bust out your wallet and clear some room on your book shelf. The fifth full-length album 予襲復讐 ("Yoshu Fukushu") from Maximum the Hormone is due out July 31st. This is super exciting for fans, not only because it's their first album since 2007, but also because according to the CD Japan listing, it comes with a 156 page book that includes a five chapter manga! There is also commentary from guitarist/singer Ryo for each of the 15 songs. (It should be noted that the track list includes 4 songs from the two eps released since the last album, so this isn't entirely new material.) This is going to be a must-have for die hard fans (hello!), that's for sure.

GET IT HERE NOW NOW!

The new Maximum the Hormone PV is INCREDIBLE (as usual)

This was a nice thing to wake up to. A new AMAZING video for the song "え・い・り・あ・ん" ("Alien") from Maximum the Hormone! After what seems like an eternity (their last full-length album was Buiikikaesu in 2007), the band is back with a new album due out in July (if I'm reading the end of the video correctly).

I think this song gives even the likes of Mike Patton a run for his money with its wide ranging vocal gymnastics. It. Is. INSANE. What starts off as a simple hardcore punk performance style affair soon goes off the rails into their usual visual madness, complete with CGI third heads and limbs. Then it slams into a soft-rock pop song (not new for MtH) complete with pretty girls and children in animal costumes, while the band pleads to listeners to "Stop Winny upload." The "Winny" here is a Japanese P2P network. And no, the irony is not lost on me. :)

Overall, this is exactly what I love about Maximum the Hormone. Brutal hardcore metal and a giant sense of humor.

NOTE: Looks like the low-quality of the (original) upload might be a result of the video being released only online. According to the band's official English site, you have to "search out" the video by clicking through a very long list of possible locations on the web. The video will only be available until June 6th, 2013.

Videos of the Week 9/20/09

Hondalady "In A Model Room"


Found this one posted on Omodaka's site. Looks like he's doing a DJ set at an event with Hondalady. Anyway, this is a nice and simple video from Hondalady. I'm not sure what it has to do with P-Model's album In A Model Room though. ^__^

Hit the jump for more!


Polysics "Computer Obaachan"


Polysics has a new album out (hint: review coming soon!). This is not on that album, but it was on the DVD that came with one of its singles (which I reviewed here). It's a cover of an old children's song called "Computer Obaachan." The single is well worth the price, even if just for this one rare live track. Super cute!

Maximum the Hormone "Tsume Tsume Tsume"


This is a bit of a random pick, but it is still the newest song from Maximum the Hormone. They've been taking time off so that one of their singers can get some rest and recovery from some throat problems. I can't wait to hear some new stuff from them. Oh, and this video is a bit weird. Sort of makes me think of Silent Hill...

Adachi Tomomi Royal Chorus "Yumiko" (Italian version "Romeo")


I don't know why I thought to look up Adachi Tomomi, but I'm glad I did. There are actually a few new videos up, like this one. It's an Italian group doing a version of Tomomi's "Yumiko," renaming it "Romeo." I was skeptical at first, but I think they actually managed to make it even more awesome.

Weeble "Restroom"


And, of course, it would not be a post on the Internet this week without at least a little timely Kanye West humor. Can this be over now please? Thanks!

Videos of the Week

OK, another Sunday, another look back at a few videos that have been running though my brain lately.

First up, here's the new video from Molice for "Ms. Panic":



Check out my full Doctor Ray album review for more from those guys.

OK, hit the jump for more!



Beat Crusaders "Phantom Planet"


You may have just seen this one on my recent profile update, but I thought it was worth pointing this one out, just in case. Beat Crusaders used the level design feature of the video game Little Big Planet to made a video! Obviously it's not all directly from the game, but it's a pretty cool idea nonetheless.

Nobukazu Takemura "Sign"


Here's a really arty/strange/hypnotic video from Nobukazu Takemura. I can't believe I haven't profiled him yet! That's something I'll have to fix in the very near future.

Auranoisazzzz


In a very similar vein, here's a short animation for the glitchy experimental group Auranoisazzzz. I haven't really heard much from them, so if anyone has a lead on more info, I'd love to hear it!

Maximum the Hormone "Bikini Sports Ponchin"


Ran across this one again recently. It's one of the most crazy videos I can think of, but then would you expect any less from Maximum the Hormone?

Devo "Don't Shoot (I'm A Man)"


In the non-Japanese category, here's the brand new Devo video. I really cannot wait for their new album to finally be released.

Hikashu "Pike"


And speaking of classic arty electro new-wave, here's a classic from Hikashu. This song when on to inspire The Ventures to do a faster, instrumental surf-rock version, and that inspired Polysics to do their own version of the Ventures' version with the original lyrics put back in. Got it?

OK, that's all for this week. Got any interesting videos to share? Let the world know in the comments!

Japanator Radio 45

Welcome once again to your weekly dose of auditory bliss, direct from Japan!

This week we've got new music from epic metal masters Versailles, nu-metal masters Maximum the Hormone, pounding dance goddesses Perfume and new-wave spaz rockers Polysics in the Artist Spotlight! Oh, and much more.

Also this week, I have some homework for you, dear listeners. It's pretty simple really. Just leave a comment. That's it! I know we get thousands of listeners every week and I'd love it if we could hear from all of you. I know most of you will continue to hide in the shadows, but I really want to hear from as many Jtor Radio fans as possible. Hit up the comments with whatever you want, just a "Thanks!" or a "learn how to pronounce Japanese overnight please!" or your own "people to kill" list...whatever. Just comment! 

Thanks, and enjoy the show!

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 45 ON JAPANATOR!

Maximum the Hormone

If ever there was a band that was an enigma, it would be Maximum the Hormone. On the one hand, they are a brutally heavy hardcore punk band, full of blistering beats and Cookie Monster guttural screaming. On the other hand, they are just as poppy and melodic as your typical Musume idol. Almost every song walks the line...no, that's not right. They absolutely pummel the two genres together into a battered and bruised terror that destroys everything in its path, all while smiling and having a pretty good time of it. While they are at their core a hardcore punk band, they constantly mix things up with nu-metal riffs and candy-coated girly vocals from drummer Nawo. For every incoherent scream there is a pristinely melodic chorus or harmony.

Formed in 1998, MtH finalized its line-up in 2001. They are brother and sister Ryo on guitar and "singing" vocals and Nawo on drums and backing vocals, with Daisuke on the screaming vocals and Uehara on the Flea-inspirited bass. They have had a surprising amount of success on the Japanese charts. This is due entirely to their latest album Buiikikaesu, which contained the top ten single for "Koi no Megalover," and itself hit number five on the album charts. This, in turn, was largely do to the band having two singles in both the opening and ending to the incredibly popular anime series Death Note.

MtH will be hitting western shores for the first time as part of the Dropkick Murphys tour which kicks of at the end of February 2008 and runs into March. Check the calendar for more info. Do everything you can to get to one of those shows!


Buy Maximum the Hormone releases here!

Koi no Megalover




Official Site

Members
Daisuke Tsuda - Vocals (the screamer)
Ryo Kawakita - Vocals (the singer) and Guitar
Nawo Kawakita - Drums
Uehara Futoshi - bass

A.S.A. Crew (8/1999)
Ootori (Hou) (2/2001)
Mimi Kajiru (10/2002)
Kusoban (1/2004)
Rokkinpo Goroshi (3/2005)
Buiikikaesu (3/2007)

Zetsubo Billy


What's Up People? (Death Note OP)

March Calendar

February 9-March 3
Polysics
European Tour

3-01 - Dijon/France GeneriQ Festival Vapeur
3-02 - Agen/France Florida
3-03 - Nantes/France Olympic

Source: Japanator

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March 1-8th
Maximum the Hormone

03/01 Reno, NV - New Oasis (w/Dropkick Murphys)
03/02 Anaheim, CA - The Grove (w/Dropkick Murphys)
03/03 Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre (w/Dropkick Murphys)
03/04 Albuquerque, NM - Midnight Rodeo/Gotham (w/Dropkick Murphys)
03/08 Kathedral (Toronto, Ontario)

Source: Japanator

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March 7-9th
Swinging Popsicle
Convencion de Juegos de Mesa y Comics
Monterrey, Mexico

Source: Japanator

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March 8th
Pine AM
Rhode Island School of Design
Provenance, RI

Source: Japanator

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March 13-22
The Pillows and Noodles
Delicious Bump Tour In USA 08

March 13 (thu) Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre (Tickets)
March 15 (sat) Austin @ Elysium [The Pillows only] (SXSW)
March 17 (mon) San Francisco @ Slim's (Tickets)
March 21 (fri) New York @ Blender theatre at Gramercy(Tickets)
March 22 (sat) Boston @ Hynes Convention Center [The Pillows only] (Anime Boston)

Source: Japanator

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March 14-23
Petty Booka - The Emeralds - Ketchup Mania - Detroit 7 - THE BEACHES - SCANDAL - quartz-head 02 - Avengers in Sci-Fi - Sodopp
Japan Nite Tour
(See each venue for actual line-up)

3-14 (Fri) - SXSW 2008- JAPAN NITE - Austin, TX @ Elysium
3-16 (Sun) - NEW YORK @Knitting Factory
3-17 (Mon) - Cambridge, MA @ T.T. The Bear's
3-18 (Tue) - CHICAGO @ Empty Bottle
3-19 (Wed) - DENVER @ Hi-Dive
3-20 (Thu) - SEATTLE @ Hi Dive
3-21 (Fri) - SF @ Independent
3-23 (Sun) - LA @ Knitting Factory -Main Stage-

Source: SxSW-Asia - Japanator.com

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March 15th and 16th
Haruko Momoi
Hawaii Convention Center

Source: Japanator.com

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March 15-27
Antic Cafe
Tour

03-15 - Tavastia/Helsinki
03-16 - Klubben/Stockholm
03-18 - Markthalle/Hamburg
03-19 - Columbia Club/Berlin
03-20 - Zeche Bochum/Bochum
03-22 - Georg Elser Club/Munchen
03-23 - Roxy/Saarbrucken
03-24 - LaLoco/Paris
03-25 - Underworld/London
03-27 - Bikini/Barcelona

Source: Japanator.com

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March 15-April 3
Boredoms
US Tour

3-15 - San Diego, CA - Cane's Bar and Grill
3-16 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
3-18 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
3-20 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
3-21 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
3-25 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
3-26 - Chicago, IL - Logan Square Auditorium
3-29 - Boston, MA - Paradise
3-30 - New York, NY - Terminal 5

CONTINUES INTO APRIL

Source: Japan Media Midwest

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March 21-23
Aural Vampire - Bespa Kumamero - Nirgilis
Anime Matsuri - Houston, TX

Source: Japanator

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March 21-23
Toyko Pinsalocks - The Pillows
Anime Boston - Boston, MA

Source: Japanator

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March 28-30
Ketchup Mania - SCANDAL
Sakura-Con - Seattle, WA

SCANDAL itinerary:
3/28 (Fri)
15:00 SCANDAL live performance
17:30-18:30 Fan Meeting - SCANDAL Autograph Session

3/29 (Sat)
10:00-11:00 SCANDAL Q&A Session
11:30-12:30 Sakura-Con 2008 Press Meeting

3/30 (Sun)
11:00 SCANDAL live performance
13:30-14:30 Fan Meeting - SCANDAL Autograph Session

Source: Japanator

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February 29-April 15
MUCC - D'espairsRay - The Underneath
Rockstar Taste of Chaos US Tour

3-01 - Saturday - Memorial Hall (Kansas City, MO)
3-02 - Sunday - The Eagles Ballroom (Milwaukee, WI)
3-04 - Tuesday - Roy Wilkins Auditorium (Minneapolis, MN)
3-05 - Wednesday - Family Arena (St. Louis, MO)
3-07 - Friday - Hara Arena (Dayton, OH)
3-08 - Saturday - Cobo Arena (Detroit, MI)
3-10 - Monday - The Armory (Rochester, NY)
3-11 - Tuesday - Aragon Ballroom (Chicago, IL)
3-14 - Friday - Tweeter Center (Philadelphia, PA)
3-15 - Saturday - Convention Center (Asbury Park, NJ)
3-17 - Monday - Patriot Center (Washington, DC)
3-18 - Tuesday - Cumberland County Civic Center (Portland, ME)
3-20 - Thursday - Nassau Coliseum (Nassau, NY)
3-21 - Friday - Tsongas Arena (Boston, MA)
3-22 - Saturday - The Armory (Albany, NY)
3-24 - Monday - Gwinnet Center (Atlanta, GA)
3-25 - Tuesday - USF Sundome (Tampa, FL)
3-26 - Wednesday - Bayfront Park (Miami, FL)
3-28 - Friday - UCF Arena (Orlando, FL)
3-29 - Saturday - Mississippi Coast Coliseum (Biloxi, MS)
3-30 - Sunday - TBA

CONTINUES INTO APRIL

Source: J-Rock Revolution

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See something missing? Add it in the comments!