The Mad Capsule Markets are a Japanese rock band that formed in 1985. While in high school, Kyono and former guitarist Shin (Kojima Minoru) set up the band Berrie (a tribute to their idols BOØWY, a very popular Japanese Punk group in the 1980s). One year later the two were joined by bassist Takeshi Ueda and Drummer Seto. Shortly after the quartet started entering Battle Of The Bands competitions and released the demo EP POISON REVOLUTION.
In 1990, after opening for bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers and a replacing drummer Seto with Motokatsu, they changed their name to The Mad Capsule Markets. During this year they released their debut album, Humanity, which after its completion saw the departure of band member Shin, who was replaced with Berrie roadie Ishigaki Ai.
The release of their second album, P-O-P, in 1991 saw the band take some style changes, sporting a more punk look including leather jackets, mohicans and studs. The following two albums, Capsule Soup and Speak!!!, saw the continued evolution of their style and sound. Capsule Soup including a cover of Bach's Fugue for organ in G minor, and saw the introduction of various sampling machines into their repertoire. whilst MIX-ISM was more of Ska influenced album.
1994 saw the release of P-A-R-K which saw a change from their punk inspired sound to a more slower melodic style. P-A-R-K was released in the United States in 1996, their first album to be released outside of Japan.
Their 4-Plugs once again saw Mad changing their style. This time opting for shaven heads, hooded tops and skateboard inspired clothing and their sound became more of a metal / rap infusion with the introduction of more english into their lyrics.
Following the release of the self titled album, Mad Capsule Markets, Ishigaki left the band and was replaced by TORUxxx. The new band member took on the guitar playing for their second worldwide released album, Digidogheadlock which toyed with adding an electronic/techno sound into the already eclectic mix. This album in particular caught the attention of Atari Teenage Riot's, Alec Empire. After hearing this album, Alec invited Mad to open for Atari Teenage Riot on their then current tour. Proably their most internationally recognized album to date the 1999 OSC-DIS (release worldwide in 2001) it was at this time that mad also created their band's logo characters The White Crusher and The Cyborn, who were seen in the pulse video and there onwards.
