D.S.B, an abbreviation for Defiance of Shit Bastards, is a Japanese hardcore punk band hailing from Shinjuku. Formed in 1990 by high school students KAZU (vocals) and YO (guitar), the band quickly began to make their mark. Their first demo tape, recorded with a basic tape recorder, was distributed at live performances in 1991, particularly at Kokubunji Morgana, where they frequently played. At that time, the band was still in its infancy, having only been playing their instruments for a few months. The band name was handwritten on the tapes with a red pencil, resulting in several misspellings across just three words.
In 1993, D.S.B recorded their second demo in a studio, featuring four songs, though the number of copies produced remains a mystery even to the band members. A significant moment in their career came with the release of the omnibus album In Search of Space in 1994. By this time, D.S.B had expanded their performances beyond the suburban area of Santama to downtown Tokyo, absorbing various musical influences that shaped their evolving sound, which at times approached a pop sensibility. This album was available at a low price in the shop "Disc Union."
The 1995 tape NO FIGHT NO GET included seven tracks, with 350 copies made. This era marked the band's emergence outside of Tokyo, as they embarked on short tours across Japan. The tape garnered attention from Koketsu and Wedge, both of whom were living in Boston at the time. They proposed releasing an EP under the same title in 1996, featuring different artwork and initially intended as a split with H’100s.
In 1997, D.S.B contributed to the omnibus EP Santama City Hard Core 2, part of a notable series on MCR, alongside bands like LESS HAZE, SLIGHT SLAPPERS, and CRUCIAL SECTION. Their contribution was an English version of the song "Never Die."
The release of The Wings Continue To Strive With Unchanged Mind on CD/LP solidified the band's distinct style, featuring songs they still perform live. In 1999, they recorded the Radical Sharp Shot EP with Mr. Yanagida of OURHOUSE, including four tracks, one of which, "Freedom," drew inspiration from the film Braveheart. A limited edition of the single was pressed on red vinyl.
In 2001, D.S.B toured Japan with DEATHREAT and released the EP DOUBLE DEATH BLOW, which included several new songs. During this period, they connected with Billy from the US label Partners In Crime and began considering international tours, setting their sights on performing in America by 2003.
That same year, D.S.B participated in the LP omnibus One Shot One Kill, collaborating with bands such as WARHEAD, EXTINCT GOVERNMENT, and ZONE. The songs were originally recorded in 2000 with the band's initial lineup but were ultimately re-recorded due to a desire to update their sound. The new lineup featured YO on vocals and guitar, KAZUFUMI on bass, and SACHOU on drums.
The release of the EP Pure Cultivation marked a pivotal moment for D.S.B, as it was their first single distributed internationally. Collaborating with Partners in Crime, the band focused on refining their sound rather than simply releasing another CD. The EP gained traction in Japan, Europe, and the USA, solidifying its importance in the band's discography.
The next CD, Battle Into Invisible Zone, took about six months to complete, plagued by various production challenges, including equipment failures and scheduling conflicts. The recording, initially planned for July, was ultimately completed in November. The track "HUMANITY" showcases the band's concept of "Melodic Punk Rock" and serves as a sequel to a previous song of the same name from Wings Continue To Strive With Unchanged Mind. The album cover featured a photo of postwar Afghanistan, intended not as an anti-war statement, but as a reflection of the harsh realities faced by people.
In 2002, the band released a trilogy of singles under the DISCRETE RECORDS label, allowing them a more flexible release schedule as independent artists. Inspired by 80s UK hardcore punk bands, they issued Pure Cultivation (black), Battle Into Invisible Zone (red), and Wait Tremblingly!!! (white), each with distinct colors and sounds. This period culminated in their US tour in 2003.
In 2005 and 2006, D.S.B faced a lineup challenge due to the absence of a regular bass player, resulting in the inclusion of various session guitarists for the recording of their album Kill The Phantom City released in 2006.
