Unchain (アンチェイン, Anchein, stylized as UNCHAIN) is a three-piece Japanese rock band formed in Kyōtango, Kyoto, in 1996.

UNCHAIN
OriginKyōtango, Kyoto, Japan
GenresRock, funk, alternative rock, soul, neo soul, post-punk, dance-rock
Years active1996–present
LabelsAvex, rhythm zone, Tokuma Japan, Style Missile Records
Members
  • Masanori Tanigawa
  • Hiroaki Tani
  • Shogo Yoshida
Past membersMasafumi Sato
Websitevirusoul.net/unchain/

Initially known for their unique alternative rock style, they later developed a pop rock-neo soul style, including funk and dance elements. The band has scored two top-40 hit singles in Japan and their latest original album N.E.W.S. reached No. 1 on alternative rock chart of Oricon, which is equivalent of the Billboard in the United States.

History

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Formed in 1996, Unchain initially consisted of junior high classmates Masanori Tanigawa, Hiroaki Tani, and Shogo Yoshida. Masafumi Sato would later join a year later as their junior a year below.

The band would later move to Osaka and were able to steadily get gigs to play at. In 2005, the band made their indie debut with the mini-album the space of the sense. On October of the same year, Unchain made their first appearance on MINAMI WHEEL 2005. The band made their major debut with the album departure.

Masafumi Sato departed from the band on June 18, 2020 following a livestream that was aired in place of the planned 24years "BEST" Tour.[1] The tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sato announced plans to depart from the band on November 18, 2019 however.[2]

Members

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Yoshida is also an active member for the band Ivory7 Chord.[3]

References

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  1. ^ @masafumi_sato (18 June 2020). "生配信ありがとうございました!幸せな時間でした!今日でUNCHAINを脱退する事となりました。これまで応援してくださったお客さん、、関係者のみなさん、そしてまっさん、タニ、しょうくん。本当にありがとうございました。UNC…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  2. ^ @masafumi_sato (18 November 2019). "改めて、応援して頂いている皆さんにこんな報告をすることになり本当に申し訳ありません。でも決断したからこそ出来る事、視えるモノ、届けられるモノがあるはずだと思ってます。最後まで全力でプレーさせていただきます。カッコいい素敵なバ…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Former WRONG SCALE Members Return with ivory7 chord". JaME. 2009-12-30. Retrieved 2020-12-27.