UVERworld

Most famously known for doing the opening song D-Technolife for the hit anime "BLEACH", UVERworld have gained popularity in the Japanese anime music world. They have become a rising star in the Japanese rock-pop scene creating music with a mixture of genres such as hard rock, electronic and occasional beat-boxing by vocalist Takuya∞.

UVERworld was originally made up of seven members under the name Sound Goku Road (more commonly called Sangoku Road). After the departure of vocalist Hiko and saxophonist Seika, vocalist Ace8trigger decided to change his name to TAKUYA∞ and the band Sound Goku Rock became UVERworld. Its name is derived from the German word "über" (meaning "over") and the English word "world", which shows their determination to make themselves known throughout the world.

In 2005, the band signed with the label gr8! Records (Sony Music Records) and made their debut in July with the hit single D-tecnoLife, which was used as the opening theme for the anime "BLEACH". UVERworld's second single, CHANCE! was released at the end of October for the “BLEACH” video game: “Heat the Soul 2” for the PSP.

UVERworld started 2006 with the release of their third single Just Melody and first album entitled Timeless, which sold over 60,000 copies. Following the release of this album, UVERworld held their first national tour, Timeless Tour 2006, which ended on April 3rd at Shibuya-AX and sold out completely. In May UVERworld released their fourth single, Colors of the Heart, which was used as the opening theme for the anime "BLOOD+." It reached number three on the Oricon charts.

Following the success of Colors of the Heart, the band carried on and released their new single SHAMROCK in August. Again, this was used as a tie-in song, this time as the ending theme for the Japanese drama: "Dance Drill". Shortly after, UVERworld released a ballad single, Kimi no suki na uta, which sold more than 70,000 copies and reached number two on the Oricon charts.

February 21st, 2007 marked UVERworld's release of their second album, BUGRIGHT, which contained ~Nagare・Kuukyo・THIS WORD~, a track featured on the “Death Note” movie original soundtrack. Continuing with their constant musical contribution to the anime industry, their next single endscape was used as the opening theme of "Toward the Terra". In November, UVERworld released Ukiyo Crossing which reached number three on the Oricon charts.

Giving fans no time to anticipate their next move, UVERworld started 2008 with a bang, releasing their third album, PROGLUTION. This was promoted during their following tour, PROGLUTION TOUR 2008, in March and April.

After the tour, the quintet raced back to the studio to record three more singles, which were released during the latter half of 2008. For a change, the September single Koishikute was not used as a tie-in for an anime or drama, but still fared well on the Oricon charts, ranking third. The last of the three singles, Hakanaku mo eikyuu no kanashi, did even better and became their first, and so far only, release to rank first on the charts with nearly 200,000 copies sold. In between, the band also released a DVD of their PROGLUTION TOUR 2008.

The band’s success was proven once again as they held their first concert at the legendary Nippon Budokan. Within a day, the tickets sold out and the band was able to also perform at the impressive hall of the Osaka castle and another time at the Budokan. Once again, the shows were a great success.

So far, the year 2009 has brought their fourth album, AwakEVE as well as a live DVD of their Budokan performance. The album’s success surpassed UVERworld’s previous albums, and ranked second on the Oricon charts.

UVERworld continue to live up to their name and are sweeping the Japanese music industry with great anticipation as to what the band will come out with next. They are starting to take "UVER" the "World", one hit single at a time!