12012

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12012 (イチニーゼロイチニ, ichi nī zero ichi ni) is a Japanese visual kei rock band. Formed in 2003 in Osaka Prefecture, the group centers its work around the concept of "madness inside a human" (人間の内面における狂気 ningen no naimen ni okeru kyōki). 12012 is also the penal code for the possession of a dangerous weapon in California. The group sometimes performs as "Kyōki Shoji" (凶器所持), which is a translation of that offense.

Musical styles

The band's musical style has changed over the years. Starting out as a hardcore punk band — and later an alternative metal band with some punk elements — after its first two albums Not Obtain+1 and Play Dolls the band's music shifted to a more radio-friendly sound which could be described as a mix of pop and hard rock. After guitarist Suga left, the band slowly drifted back to heavier terrain. The band's current style could be described as heavy metal with alternative and progressive rock influences.

History

In 2007, the band performed the ending theme, "Cyclone", to the Gonzo anime television series Romeo x Juliet, its single being released by Universal Music Japan on June 13, 2007. The group has also toured Japan on many occasions as well as performing at concerts in numerous international locations.

In September 2007, vocalist Miyawaki Wataru was arrested for assault on a woman. After a night of heavy drinking, it was reported he had tried to strangle a female acquaintance. It was resolved out of court, and the charges were later dropped. On October 17, 2007, Wataru posted an apology in his blog.^{[citation needed]}

It was announced on their official website that guitarist Yūsuke Suga would be leaving the band on December 12, 2010, after the final concert of their "The Fangs of Killer「Seven」Sadness" tour. The band continued with the four remaining members.

In 2013, former support guitarist Shinichirou Saitou officially joined the band, and the year saw the release of two mini-albums: Deicida of Silence and The Swan. On February 10, 2014, the band announced an indefinite hiatus which would take place the same year on December 12. Later that year they also announced a mini-album XII, which would be their last release before the indefinite hiatus.

On June 24, 2020, a livestream was played by Sakai where he announced 12012 would return from hiatus. The new lineup will also include former guitarist Yūsuke Suga, making the band a six-piece.

Members

• Wataru Miyawaki (宮脇 渉 Miyawaki Wataru) – vocals (2003–2014, 2020–present)
• Hiroaki Sakai (酒井 洋明 Sakai Hiroaki) – lead guitar (2003–2014, 2020–present)
• Shinichirou Saitou (齋藤紳一郎 Saitou Shinichirou)  – rhythm guitar (2013–2014), lead guitar (2020–present)
• Yūsuke Suga (須賀 勇介 Suga Yūsuke) – rhythm guitar (2003–2010, 2020–present)
• Tomoyuki Enya (塩谷 朋之 Enya Tomoyuki) – bass (2003–2014, 2020–present)
• Tōru Kawauchi (川内 亨 Kawauchi Tōru) – drums (2003–2014, 2020–present)

Discography

References

External links

• Official blog Archived 2008-06-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Japanese)