Band:	Maximum The Hormone
Album:	Buiikikaesu
Style:	Punk, Alternative metal, Hardcore
Release date:	March 2007

01. Buiikikaesu!!
02. Zetsubou Billy
03. Kuso Breakin No Breakin Lily
04. Lousiana Bob
05. Policeman Benz
06. Black Power G Menspy
07. Akagi
08. Kyokatsu
09. Bikini Sports Ponchin
10. What's Up, People?!
11. Chu Chu Lovely Muni Muni Mura Mura Purin Purin Boron Nururu Rero Rero
12. Shimi
13. Koi No Megalover
14. Secret track [bonus]

The phrase "Japanese System Of A Down" roughly summarizes much of the Maximum The Hormone philosophy. In fact, the phrase "this band is Japanese" goes a long way in explaining their rapid-fire style shifts, diverse array of influences, and general elasticity. Leaving the description at that, however, would be to deny the unique veins of genius and inspiration that cartwheel through the chaos.

The basis for the System Of A Down comparison lies not only in the two bands' overall musical mission statements, but in the specific execution of songs; fans will recognize the influence of "P.L.U.C.K.", "Fuck the System," and other violent gems throughout Buiikikaesu. The intense alternation of vocalists and vocal styles, hard-grinding guitar tone, and thoughtful, groovy drum patterns also throw back to classic System material, but at the same time they provide some of Maximum The Hormone's most distinctive qualities; the influence should not be confused for imitation.

MTH lives for musical schizophrenia, shifting instantaneously from blistering hardcore riffing and screaming to innocent, summery J-pop choruses. One minute, the band is bent double into the pile-driving groove of a crushing breakdown, Daisuke spluttering maniacally overtop, and the next, they are bubbling happily through an effervescent pop melody sung by Nao. Then, by the next song, they'll already have forgotten the previous epileptic safari and stormed into a mid-'90s punk explosion with a funky bassline. Buiikikaesu showcases Maximum The Hormone at their best, with tight instrumentation, utterly seamless transitions, and a full complement of endlessly catchy songs in which to show off their technique.

Fans of Death Note will recognize both "What's Up, People?!" and "Zetsubou Billy," the opening and closing songs for the second half of the series. The latter is a fantastically dark and urgent roller coaster that deftly captures the anger, pain, and brutality of the anime; the former is a discordant paroxysm of harsh noise that, frankly, never gelled at all with the mood of the show in my mind, but it feels right at home in an album setting. "Chu Chu Lovely Muni Muni Mura Mura Purin Purin Boron Nururu Rerorero," aside from being quite a mouthful, is an incredibly upbeat and happy song for an incredibly dark and disturbing subject. This song and the closer, "Koi No Megalover," are the two major highlights for me, but thanks to the triple lead vocals of Daisuke, Nao, and Ryo and the ever-escalating funk, Buiikikaesu is a wildly interesting and memorable album from start to finish.