In April 1997, Mako (vocalist and former roadie of Merry-go-round), Reo (guitarist and ex-Lustair), Yukino (guitarist) and Ritsu (bassist and ex-Risk), who all came from Nagoya, met and decided to start a new band. After picking kein as the name, meaning "no" in German, they practiced for a few months without putting on a show because they were still missing a drummer. In November of that year, Hibiki (ex-Orphee) joined and completed the line-up.
However, it took another fives months until the band gave their first live performance. This took place on March 18th at Nagoya Music FARM. In the fall they recorded their first demo tape, limited to just 500 copies, which was officially released on November 1st but had already sold out during lives a few weeks prior. Shortly after, Ritsu left the band and was replaced by Yukino.
In January of 1999, Ruka, who at that time was part of Lamiel, joined as support bassist and became a full member in February, allowing Yukino to resume his position as guitarist. As March ended, they released their second demo under the Kirche label, which seems to be a self-founded production firm. Following this release, the band toured through Japan and earned the admiration of many new fans. During their summer tour Ruka decided to leave the band. September rolled around and Yukino once again took over the part of bassist and the band remained a four member unit and even started a short tour around Nagoya.
In January of 2000, aie (guitarist and ex-Lamiel) joined the band. Known by two members of kein, he had played with Hibiki in LAPSE and Another you, bands that weren't active for very long and had shared experiences with Yukino in Another you as well. They launched their fan club, Ruckseite, and released their debut CD soon after. Mourou no jitsu was out on January 21st and was limited to 5000 copies. This semi-large number made it possible for fans in the rest of Japan to buy it. After their third one man in late January, they played a two man with JILS at Shinjuku LOFT.
After a short break in March, they started a large tour during which they released their second single, kranke, which was only sold at three lives. However, the first differing in opinions appeared within the band and, when Reo announced his departure, they all decided to break up after almost three and a half years. Their last live took place at Nagoya Bottom Line where their fan club got the chance to buy the video cassette hajimari, which featured five live performances of their most well known songs.
Mako, Yukino and aie went on to found deadman the following year. Reo started GULLET in 2002, Yukino soon joining him with Hibiki, being a member of Blast at the time, as the support drummer. Following the dissolution of both GULLET and Blast, Hibiki started Rick, while Reo founded lynch. where Yukino played support for a while. The two former kein bassists never reappeared on the music scene and, after the disbandment of deadman in 2006, Mako has stayed quiet while aie went on to form the studs with Yukino, Hibiki, and former Kagerou vocalist, Daisuke.
