Bleach (Japanese band)

Bleach was a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Osaka in 1991. They are known for their loud, dynamic sound, incorporating elements of noise rock, shoegaze, and post-hardcore. The band was fronted by vocalist and guitarist Takaaki "Akira" Koie, and also included Masashi "Hatchin" Hashimoto on guitar, Ryosuke "Kubo" Kubota on bass, and Shintaro "Naoya" Nakajima on drums.

Bleach released several albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "Nascent" (1993), "D.E.M." (1994), "Misty Circles" (1996), "Fake" (1998), and "Bleach" (2003). Their music often features distorted guitars, heavy drumming, and Koie's distinctive vocals, which range from melodic singing to aggressive screaming.

The band garnered a significant following in the Japanese underground music scene and also gained international recognition through touring and releases in the US and Europe. Bleach was particularly influential in the burgeoning noise rock and alternative scenes of the 1990s, inspiring many later bands.

After a period of inactivity, Bleach reunited in the late 2000s and continued to tour and record, releasing new material and reissuing some of their earlier albums. They remain an important and respected name in Japanese alternative music.