Biography
Formed during 2003 in Osaka, the visual kei group 12012 derived its title from the California penal code clause addressing possession of a dangerous weapon. Departing from standard practice throughout the visual kei community, every member performs under complete legal names instead of single-word stage aliases. Wataru Miyawaki on vocals and guitarist Yuusuke Suga had previously shared time in the fleeting Lubis Cadir, while bassist Tomoyuki Enya arrived from Mist of Rouge, the prior outfit fronted by D=Out's Kouki. Guitarist Hiroaki Sakai and drummer Tohru Kawauchi completed the roster. They promptly joined the influential independent label Under Code, the same imprint that had introduced Vidoll, and rapidly developed a forceful, shadowy, and jagged alternative rock identity.
Following multiple singles, shorter releases, and extensive touring, the band issued two full-length albums at the start of 2006. Not Obtain +1 gathered previously scarce and deleted early singles, appearing alongside the proper debut Play Dolls, which also reached Europe via German outlet Gan-Shin. The year proved packed, encompassing five fresh singles, two full Japanese tours, and shows in Germany, France, and the United States. Major-label attention followed, leading to an early 2007 contract with Universal imprint Nayutawave. Yet just prior to the arrival of their major debut Diamond, Miyawaki faced arrest on assault charges after allegedly attempting to strangle a female acquaintance following heavy drinking. The case resolved privately, and he issued a complete public apology.
Diamond marked a pronounced stylistic pivot, replacing the earlier abrasive edge with brighter, more melodic pop leanings that alienated a sizable segment of supporters; the accompanying video for the title track intensified the backlash by spoofing 1970s heist films through Keystone Kops antics. The band continued without retreat, issuing five further singles the next year that reinforced its evolving pop-rock direction. Mar Maroon, released in early 2009 and titled after an antique Christian saint, prompted some disaffected listeners to proclaim the group “dead” in online forums. Their subsequent effort, 2010’s Seven, responded with a deliberate return toward earlier intensity while retaining melodic elements, signaled by the distorted, collaged figure on the cover and the inclusion of “Gossamer,” one of the heaviest tracks in their catalog, where Miyawaki employed “death” vocals for the first time.
Following multiple singles, shorter releases, and extensive touring, the band issued two full-length albums at the start of 2006. Not Obtain +1 gathered previously scarce and deleted early singles, appearing alongside the proper debut Play Dolls, which also reached Europe via German outlet Gan-Shin. The year proved packed, encompassing five fresh singles, two full Japanese tours, and shows in Germany, France, and the United States. Major-label attention followed, leading to an early 2007 contract with Universal imprint Nayutawave. Yet just prior to the arrival of their major debut Diamond, Miyawaki faced arrest on assault charges after allegedly attempting to strangle a female acquaintance following heavy drinking. The case resolved privately, and he issued a complete public apology.
Diamond marked a pronounced stylistic pivot, replacing the earlier abrasive edge with brighter, more melodic pop leanings that alienated a sizable segment of supporters; the accompanying video for the title track intensified the backlash by spoofing 1970s heist films through Keystone Kops antics. The band continued without retreat, issuing five further singles the next year that reinforced its evolving pop-rock direction. Mar Maroon, released in early 2009 and titled after an antique Christian saint, prompted some disaffected listeners to proclaim the group “dead” in online forums. Their subsequent effort, 2010’s Seven, responded with a deliberate return toward earlier intensity while retaining melodic elements, signaled by the distorted, collaged figure on the cover and the inclusion of “Gossamer,” one of the heaviest tracks in their catalog, where Miyawaki employed “death” vocals for the first time.
Albums
Singles
