The Japanese heavy metal band Maximum the Hormone was formed in Hachiōji, Tokyo,
in 1998. Within a year's time, the group's lineup had stabilized around vocalist
Daisuke-han, drummer Nao, bassist Ue-chan, and guitar player (and chief
songwriter) Maximum the Ryo-kun. After releasing their debut album, A.S.A. Crew,
in 1999, Maximum the Hormone began gaining mainstream attention with a series of
EPs that blended the aggression of alt-metal, the melodies of pop music, and the
rule-breaking spirit of hardcore punk. 2001's Hō, 2002's Mimi Kajiru, and 2004's
Kusoban all contributed to t...