Maverick

Line-Up: Katsuhiko Hotta: Lead Vocals Noriyasu Kiya: Guitar/Vocals Mitsuru Yasuda: Guitar/Vocals Masaru Hasegawa: Bass/Vocals Jun Nakatsubo: Drums/Vocals Biography: MAVERICK from Hokkaido, Japan, was formed by Katsuhiko Hotta in 1992. They had various line-up changes, shared stages with bands like Metalucifer, Outrage, United, Solitude, Saber Tiger, Concerto Moon, and released 3 demos with different line-ups along the way, Maverick in 1994, Under Fire in 1997, and Unfolds the Way in 2001. The stable yet the strongest line-up of today completed in 2003, and after playing numerous gigs to strengthen the band, they recorded a cover version of Blazon Stone in 2004 for a Running Wild tribute album, which was eventually released in Europe in the summer of 2005. Meanwhile, they started recording a full-length debut album in February 2005. Produced by Fuyuhiko Inui (Solitude, Day After Tomorrow etc), the album presents what MAVERICK are all about - melancholic yet strong melodies, thrilling and dramatic songs, and never-give-up attitude. The band opened for Paul Gilbert in Hong Kong and had a successful sppearance at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany, followed by an extensive release tour throughout Japan. Selling Points: * Long-awaited debut album from the Northern Brave Men of Japan! * Produced by Fuyuhiko Inui, known for Solitude, Day After Tomorrow (very popular Japanese group) * Melancholic yet strong melodies, thrilling and dramatic songs, with influences from Judas Priest, Accept, Manowar, Helloween or Europe. * Excellent artwork by Yasuhito Ishii, know for Mastermind, Argument Soul, Gaisen March * Shared stages with Paul Gilbert (Racer X), Metalucifer, Outrage, United, Solitude, Gorgon, Concerto Moon etc * Had a successful appearance at Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany in 2005 even before the album was released. Discography: 2005 Maverick 2005 V.A. / Revivalry - A Tribute To Running Wild (Remedy Records)