Bloodthirsty Butchers

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Bloodthirsty Butchers are a Japanese indie and punk rock band signed to the Yoyo Record Label. The band was formed in 1987 in Sapporo by high school classmates Yoshimura Hideki on vocals and guitar, Imoriya Takeshi on bass, and Yotomo Sanoki on drums. The band had a variety of different names, and started off mainly playing punk rock. In 1989, Komatsu Masahiro replaced Yotomo.

At this time, they developed a a more freeform rock style with longer songs and multi layered guitar work. Many of their songs are longer than average, sometimes up to fifteen minutes.

Former Number Girl lead guitarist Hisako Tabuchi joined as an additional guitarist in 2003.

Throughout their career, the butchers have gained much critical acclaim for their albums, in particular kocorono, a concept album where each song has a monthly theme.

The Butchers have performed with a number of Japanese bands including Number Girl, cowpers, Hi-Standard, eastern youth and Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her and toured with American groups like Fugazi, Beck, Rage Against the Machine, the Flaming Lips, and Rocket from the Crypt.

They have released a double 7" with the Crypt and have a split EP with +/-. The actor and musician Tadanobu Asano has even collaborated on songs with them, and sang a cover of 12gatsuwith his wife, singer/actress Chara.