Overview
“Bu-ikikaesu” is the sixth album by Maximum the Hormone, a Japanese rock band formed in Hachiōji, Tokyo in 1998.
Commentary
The band members are: Maximum the Ryo/Ryo Kawakita (guitar, vocals), Daisuke-han/Daisuke Tsuda (vocals), Ue-Chan/Futoshi Uehara (bass), and Nao/Nao Kawakita (drums, vocals).
The album title “Bu-ikikaesu” is a coined word meaning “to revive”, which is an antonym of “Bu-korosu”, a violent word meaning “to kill”.
The album features nu metal/metalcore based on heavy metal and hardcore punk. It is characterized by its pop songs with catchy melodies, death growls, virtuoso performance technique, Japanese lyrics which are scarcely audible as Japanese.
Ue-Chan’s bass playing is influenced by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea.
The album was released by VAP in 2007. In Japan, it reached number 5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, and has been certified gold with over 100,000 copies sold. It has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide.
All tracks are written and composed by Maximum the Ryo.
“What’s Up, People?!” is the second opening theme for the TV anime “Death Note” (2006–2007).
“Zetsubou Billy” is the second ending theme for the TV anime “Death Note”.
“Akagi” is the first ending theme for the TV anime “Akagi” (2005–2006).
“Koi no Mega Lover” (number 9 on the Oricon Weekly Chart) is the opening theme for the TBS music program “Count Down TV” in July 2006.
In 2007, “Rolling Stone Japan” selected the album as number 98 on their list of the “100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time”.