Sex Machineguns (stylized as SEX MACHINEGUNS) is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in 1989. Their music is characterized by a heavy focus on bass as well as extremely fast guitar and bass solos. The band uses the image of "shock rockers" by wearing crazy, exotic outfits like visual kei bands, although this image has been toned down, especially since 2003 when the long-term bassist Noisy left the band. The lyrics feature very off-beat and non-serious themes (the superior quality of Satsuma fruits in Ehime prefecture, minor annoyance in family restaurants, etc.). In addition to their image and attitude, they also exhibit technical skill on their instruments.
Biography Sex Machineguns started in 1989 in Kagoshima as an indie group, touring live houses and clubs. Their name is intentionally similar to that of the Sex Pistols and, according to the band, "implying that [we] machineguns are more radical than [the] pistols". They gained a large fan base quickly and sold out their shows. They went on tour and spread their popularity all over Japan. Once they got back home to release their first video and live CD in spring 1997, they had developed such a fan base that the first press of the video sold out instantly, to all parts of Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaidō.
In 1998, Sex Machineguns made their commercial debut with the release of their first single on Toshiba-EMI Records: "Hanabi-la Daikaiten". The single sold out instantly, and it was decided they would go on a debut tour (which sold out in every location). Magazines began to run articles, and the "Hanabi-la Daikaiten" single sold steadily, skyrocketing the band's popularity. In September they released their first album, which was another huge hit. They went on many tours, all selling out, and topped the singles charts. As 1998 came to a close, the Sex Machineguns had topped the charts and played 62 concerts (all sold out).
The band's front-man announced that the band would be taking a "activity pause" on March 20, 2006. All members at the time except for Anchang had left the band and formed a new band/side-project called Elleguns which released a 6-track instrumental. In 2004, Clutch J. Himawari and Noisy have formed a 3-man group called Dustar-3 with Yuki (formerly of Lucifer). Later in December 2006, Circuit V. Panther, Samurai W. Kenjilaw, and Speed Star Sypan Joe have started a new band known as Cycle. Anchang later reformed Sex Machineguns in 2007 with Ryotatsu Kuwae on guitar and Kenichi Imai on drums, and they released three digital download-only singles that year.
In 2008 Anchang formed the band Big Bites, with Natchin (Siam Shade) and Annie (The Yellow Monkey). Also in 2008, some footage of the band performing was featured in the film Global Metal during a discussion about heavy metal in Japan.
On 2012, drummer Ken'ichi withdrew, and the band went to an indefinite long time hiatus.
In 2013 Anchang and Shingo☆ formed a similar band called The Maintenance☆ (), with Hirota on drums and second lead guitarist Master. They released their debut album on February 21, 2013.
Members
Current members Anchang (Koji Ando) – guitars (1989–1992, 1995–present), lead vocals (1995–present) Sussy (Masahito Furuya) – guitars (1995–2001, live member only 2008–present) Shingo☆ (Shingo Tamaki) – bass (2008–present) Thomas (Yuji Ohkubo) – drums (2020–present)
Former members Asada – vocals (1989–1992) Zaamasu – bass (1989–1992) Mad Power (Hiroshi Tsuchiya) – drums (1989–1992, 1995–1997) Noisy (Hiroshi Ohta) – bass, backing vocals (1995–2003) Speed Star Sypan Joe (Koji Ueno) – drums (1997–1999, 2004–2007) Clutch J. Himawari (Jun Kanki) – drums (2000–2003) Circuit V. Panther (Yoshikazu Yahiro) – guitars, backing vocals (2001–2007) Samurai W. Kenjilaw (Kenjirou Murai) – bass, backing vocals (2004–2007) Ken'ichi (Kenichi Imai) – drums (2008–2012) Leon (Leon Murasaki) – drums (2012–2019)
Support members (former) Cyzer A. Hamburg – synth guitar (April 2001 – August 2001) Crazy Horse Kameen – synth guitar (April 2001 – August 2003) Iberiko Moja Malmsteen (Ryotatsu Kuwae) – guitar (2007–2008) Ryosuke (Dragon Sue) – guitar (October 2008 – December 2008, May 2010 – September 2011) Takeo Shimoda – drums (February 2014 – July 2014)
Timeline
Discography Albums TitleRelease datePeak Chart Position in Japan Sex MachinegunOctober 16, 199829Made in JapanNovember 26, 19999Barbe-Q★マイケルMarch 7, 20017Burning Hammer (live album)October 31, 20017IgnitionOctober 9, 20028Machineguns no Tsudoi ("best of" compilation)June 4, 20039To the Future Tracks: Gathering for Unreleased SongsAugust 6, 200329Live! Final Attack at Budokan (double live album)September 26, 200357Heavy Metal ThunderMarch 2, 200522Made in USAFebruary 8, 200629Best Tracks the Past and the FutureMarch 26, 200865CameronOctober 8, 20083945° AngleOctober 7, 200934SMGAugust 31, 201191Love GamesOctober 29, 201493Metal MonsterDecember 16, 2015125Iron SoulNovember 28, 2018107地獄の暴走列車April 12, 202347
Singles TitleRelease datePeak Chart Position in Japan"Hanabi-la Daikaiten"April 22, 1998 May 23, 2001 (reissue)50"Burn: Burn Your Fire of Love"September 18, 1998 May 23, 2001 (reissue)55"Tekken II"February 3, 1999 May 23, 2001 (reissue)38"Mikan no Uta" (Orange Song)April 21, 1999 May 23, 2001 (reissue)25"Onigunshow" (Hard-hearted sergeant)October 20, 1999 September 26, 2003 (reissue)14"Aikoso Subete" (Love Is All of My Life)May 24, 2000 September 26, 2003 (reissue)16"S.H.R: Sexy Hero Revolution"January 24, 200116"Tairyô" (Good Fishing!)August 29, 200113"Soko ni, Anata ga..." (There You Are...)January 23, 200213"Bousou Rock" (Reckless Rider)May 16, 200216"Yonaoshi Good Vibration" (Social Reform, Good Vibration)August 7, 200216"Demae-do Icchokusen" (Straight-Line Meal Delivery)November 10, 200415"Suspense Gekijou" (Suspense Theatre)February 9, 200522"Aijin 28" (Lover 28)August 3, 200528"Haihin Kaishuu" (Junk Salvaging) (download only)August 22, 2007―"Doku Mamaushi" (Poisonous Viper) (download only)September 26, 2007―"Jacky" (download only)October 31, 2007―"Pride"March 4, 200926"37564" (Killing 'em All) February 23, 201185"Ame no Kawasaki"(Raining Kawasaki) January 25, 201299"Miren Fire!" (Lingering FIRE!)July 2, 2014106Metal Keiri-man (Metal Accountant)May 27, 2015135Shining StarJune 23, 2021―The GraveOctober 30, 2021―燃えろ!!ジャパメタNovember 18, 2022―
Other TitleRelease dateHellthy Set M a DVD+CD set, with the DVD containing the music video for "FamiResuBombaa", and the CD containing the song "Magnum fire"April 21, 1999Route320 a CD by Mitsuo Nakajima on which Sex Machineguns band member Anchang is a guest guitaristJune 1, 2002Love for Nana: Only 1 Tribute contributed "11. Black Crow / Sex Machineguns for Black Stones"March 16, 2005Music from and Inspired by the Game Heavy Metal Thunder: The Recordings contributed "01. Heavy Metal Thunder feat．Michael Schenker", "06. Demae-do Itchokusen", and "10. Iruka Ni Notte"September 7, 2005Remix Best (remix dance compilation)March 18, 2012
Solo works MemberTitleRelease datePeak Chart Position in JapanAnchangCobra Twist2007 includes covers of Marianne (The Alfee) and Cherry (Spitz)The Maintenance a 10 tracks album under the name "Sex Machinegun"January 28, 200426Memphis a follow-up to "The Maintenance"February 21, 200798Open Your Heart! Tear! created after the 3rd SMG disbanded in 2003, a single containing the opening and ending themes to the Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo animeDecember 3, 200325Circuit V. PantherSexy Finger a 6-song solo release in the form of a CD and a live VHSSeptember 26, 2003―Sexy Finger II another 6-track solo workSeptember 15, 2004―Sexy Finger III another 6 track solo work2010―Sexy Finger IV another 6 track solo work2011―EllegunsKeepout a 6-track instrumental by Circuit V. Panther, Samurai W. Kenjilaw, and Speed Star Sypan JoeOctober 12, 2005―
Videography The naming scheme for the Sex Machineguns videos is as follows: Video Sex = A compilation of the latest music videos from the band SM Show = A compilation of concert video bits (SM Show 2 has a 90min full concert followed by a 20min clip of another, followed by some other clips, and then a second full 90min concert, for example)
TitleRelease dateFormatEmergency! Nozarashi!September 27, 2000VideoSM ShowOctober 16, 2000DVD and VideoVideo SexJune 7, 2000VideoFebruary 20, 2002DVDSM Show 2February 20, 2002DVD and VideoVideo Sex 2December 4, 2002SM Show 3February 19, 2003SM Show FinaleOctober 22, 2003DVDMetal BoxDecember 10, 2003DVDMade in USAJanuary 25, 2006Single DVDLiving in AmericaMarch 8, 2006Documentary DVDA Day in the Live: Sex Machineguns Live in USAJune 28, 2006Live DVDVideo Sex Special Best ClipsMarch 26, 2008DVD Independence Day LiveApril 28, 2010Live DVDSMG ALive!May 18, 2011Live DVD"Sex Machineguns vs. The Kanmuri" SMG Tour 2012July 18, 2012Live DVD
References
External links Official Site Official Blog - Cho-Jyukinzoku Big Bites Official Site