12012 (pronounced 'ichi ni zero ichi ni') is a pivotal figure in the 'Kote-Kei' and 'Loud-Kei' visual kei movements. Formed in 2003 under the influential Under Code Production label, the band established a rigorous conceptual framework centered on human psychological fragility and madness.
Their name, referencing the California penal code for possession of a dangerous weapon, underscores their aggressive sonic philosophy. Throughout their career, they transitioned from a raw, post-hardcore and alternative metal sound to a more polished, major-label rock aesthetic during their tenure with Universal Music Japan, before returning to a heavier, more progressive metal style in their later years. They are often grouped with contemporaries like D'espairsRay and Sadie due to their dark imagery and heavy instrumentation. Despite a hiatus beginning in 2014, their 2020 reformation solidified their status as enduring icons of the darker side of J-rock. Critical consensus highlights their technical proficiency and the unique vocal delivery of Wataru Miyawaki as their primary strengths.
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style); brooding, intense, melancholic (moods)
Shares alternative metal, post-hardcore, hard rock (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style)
Shares alternative metal, hard rock, post-hardcore (subgenres); brooding, intense, melancholic (moods)
Shares brooding, intense, melancholic (moods); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style); brooding, intense, melancholic (moods)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style); alternative metal, post-hardcore, pop rock (subgenres)
Shares brooding, intense, melancholic (moods); studio_polished, compressed_loud, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style); brooding, intense, melancholic (moods)
Shares alternative metal, hard rock, post-hardcore (subgenres); studio_polished, compressed_loud, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, compressed_loud (production style); urban_night, basement_show, rainy_day (atmosphere)
Shares alternative metal, brooding, intense, hard rock (signature)
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