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Birth / Demos / Times of Trouble / Debut to the World / Going Stronger
The history of MAVERICK dates back to 1988, when Katsuhiko Hotta <vo,g> formed a power metal band with twin lead guitars called "WARHELL" in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Initially, their music was under the influence of such bands as Metallica, Accept, Helloween and Heathen, but as per the change to the more powerful and aggressive style, they changed the moniker to MAVERICK in 1992. The name refers to their commitment to pursue the ambition to be a one-and-only and incomparable band in the scene, while based around the traditional Heavy Metal style.
Having restarted as a quintet with Hotta only taking vocals, the band made a huge impact on the local Heavy Metal scene with their beautiful melodies inspired by Scandinavian bands like Europe or Silver Mountain, combined with majestic, truly Heavy Metallic songs and performances as typified by Judas Priest or Manowar. Within a half year, they got to a position to play a solo live in Sapporo.
In August 1994, they released the 1st demo entitled "MAVERICK". Despite being fully self-produced and financed, the demo received rave reviews and brought a huge attention to the band in the underground scene. Following the departure of the guitar player, Hotta decided to double as singer and guitar player again.
In November 1997, they released the 2nd demo entitled "UNDER FIRE". Engineered by Akihito Kinoshita of Saber Tiger, more groove-based this release was reviewed by some overseas magazines as well as domestic ones and very well accepted. They also started playing live in other areas of Japan and increasing the recognition in the domestic scene.
In 1999, Jun Nakatsubo, a drummer with simple and powerful style influenced by the greats like Phil Rudd (AC/DC) or Jon Bonham (Led Zeppelin) joined the band. Following the release of the 3rd demo entitled "UNFOLDS THE WAY" in December 2001, the band gigged extensively throughout Japan. Recorded as a trio due to the departure of a guitar player, this release contained songs that have defined the style of MAVERICK, combining decent melodies and aggression in a high level. With the further increasing popularity as one of the finest Power Metal bands in Japan, a lot of people from in and out of Japan began to expect a full-length album from them.
Just when they started preparing for the debut album, in the summer of 2002, two members quit the band one after another, leaving Hotta and Nakatsubo behind. Masaru Hasegawa, heavily influenced by 60's to 70's British Rock music and taking lead vocals and guitar in his own band Tons Of Sobs, joined the band as a bass player, but the work for the album had to be on hold. In 2003, an experienced guitar player with strong "rocking" style, Noriyasu Kiya joined and completed the lineup. Now that the strongest ever lineup has completed, they re-started the work for the album, aiming for the release in 2004. However, bad luck again struck the band with Nakatsubo being hospitalized in the summer of 2004, and they had to put it on hold again.
With Nakatsubo fully recovered and back on the fold, the band recorded "Blazon Stone" for the Running Wild tribute album "The Revivalry" due out on Remedy Records in Germany, and began the final preparations for the recording of the album.
In February 2005, they entered Hit Studio in Sapporo and finally started recording their first full-length album. Produced by Fuyuhiko Inui (Solitude, Day After Tomorrow etc), the album presents what MAVERICK are all about - melancholic yet strong melodies, thrilling and dramatic songs, and never-give-up attitude. The album will be released on SPIRITUAL BEAST this summer, and the band will be appearing at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany, followed by an extensive tour throughout Japan. Be sure to witness the brave men's attack!!
Bad luck again hit the band during the preparation of the release tour. Due to health reasons, Kiya was found unable to participate the tour... However, the band went on, with the help from the ex-guitar player, Mitsuru Yasuda, and toured throughout Japan from north to south, playing more than 20 dates. The phenomenal reactions received from the crowds and the magic on stage made them feel there should be more to offer with Yasuda, and they decided to be a five-piece, with Hotta concentrating on vocals. With this new, stronger-than-ever lineup, the band will be on tour in Japan in April/May 2006.
* Discography
1994 Maverick (demo)
1997 Under Fire (demo)
2001 Unfolds The Way (demo)
2005 Maverick (CD)
Back: Mitsuru Yasuda (G/Vo)、Masaru Hasegawa (B/Vo)、Noriyasu Kiya (G/Vo)
Front: Jun Nakatsubo (Drums/Vocals)、Katsuhiko Hotta (Vocals)
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MAVERICK Artist: MAVERICK
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Track List: |
UNDER CONSTRUCTION...