D.S.B.: Annotated Discography (1991–2003)

What follows is a self-written, annotated discography by Tokyo hardcore band D.S.B. (Defiance of Shit Bastards), originally compiled in the early 2000s and translated here into English. Rather than a polished retrospective, it documents the band’s own memory of recordings, releases, lineups, and the growing tensions of the Tokyo hardcore scene. As of this writing, the band’s lineup consists of Yo on vocals and guitar, Hit on guitar, Singoman on bass, and Eiji on drums.

D.S.B. formed in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in 1990 when two high school students, Kazu (vocals) and Yo (guitar), decided to start a band despite barely knowing how to play their instruments. Their first demo, recorded live in 1991 on a simple tape recorder and handed out at shows at Kokubunji Morgana, captured that messy beginning perfectly.

The cassette sleeves were handwritten in red pencil, misspellings included, and the sound leaned naturally toward Discharge-inspired hardcore through instinct rather than intention. A second demo followed in 1993, this time recorded in a studio and containing four songs, though even the band themselves no longer know how many copies were made. These early recordings reflect a band learning in real time, driven more by urgency and intuition than technique.

By the mid-1990s, D.S.B. had begun to move beyond their immediate surroundings, playing not only in suburban Santama but also throughout central Tokyo. The 1994 compilation In Search of Space marked an early milestone, reflecting a band open to absorbing whatever sounds were circulating around them at the time, sometimes even drifting toward pop-leaning territory.

Subsequent releases, tours, and compilation appearances steadily sharpened their identity, culminating in Wings Continue To Strive With Unchanged Mind, where the band’s characteristic style fully took shape. From there, D.S.B. continued to refine their sound through EPs, splits, and international connections, eventually leading to overseas releases and touring, while remaining grounded in the DIY ethic and lived experience that defined their earliest recordings.

Demo Tape (1991)

This demo was recorded at Tachikawa ACT and distributed at Kokubunji Morgana, where D.S.B. were playing regularly at the time. The songs and lyrics were extremely intuitive. We were all teenagers back then. Naturally, and accidentally, we didn’t really have the skills or the understanding yet, so the tape ended up sounding very “dis” (as in Discharge-style). No copies remain.

Demo Tape ’93 (1993)

Four songs. We don’t know how many tapes were made. No copies remain.

In Search Of Space CD compilation (1994)

Three songs, including “Hot & Cool,” which we still play today. This compilation was put together by Hakuchi (Tokyo). Around the time it came out, we were playing shows like Antiknock 20000v and others. Our tracks on this CD are a bit poppy. The lineup of bands feels unique now, but back then those groups often played together. Anyone who remembers that scene might feel nostalgic listening to it.

Before this CD, there was also the Tokyo Slum compilation, which captured the same atmosphere. Because of how shows were booked, bands that didn’t really know each other were thrown together, and the livehouses were filled with a strange tension. Doll magazine described this release as a “weird disc.” At Disc Union, it was sold very cheaply.

No Fight No Get cassette (1995)

Seven songs. Recorded at Miyaji Gakki in Tachikawa. 350 tapes were made and sold. There were… some questions about the abilities of Mr. Tege, who handled the recording. After this release, many bands wanted to work with him, yet not long after, he found himself without a job.

No Fight No Get EP – Devour Records (1996)

Recorded at Penta Kichijōji. Koketsu and Wedge (ex-H’100S / Nine Shocks Terror), who were living in the US at the time, released it. There are two CD cover versions: the first pressing was white, the second ivory. The color wasn’t what we originally intended.

This release is important as a typical D.S.B. record and the foundation of what we still do today. It captures the raw energy of a punk band’s first proper release, unbothered by side-eye looks, clumsy lyrics, and poor playing skills.

Wings Continue To Strive With Unchanged Mind LP / CD – Blood Sucker Records (1996)

Recorded at Rinky Dink Studio in Umeoka. We still play songs from this album today. Engineered by Mr. Stoyama. During the sessions, Eiji’s drum sound suddenly changed after he ate something—thanks for that. And special thanks to Gui, who fully understood what we were trying to do.

Santama City Hard Core Vol. 2 EP compilation – MCR Co. (1997)

Recorded at Hachiōji Beatland. Our contribution is “Never Die” (English version).

Radical Sharp Shot EP – Overthrow Records (1999)

The opening track “Freedom” was inspired by the film Braveheart. Four songs total. Did you notice how sharp “Get Back” sounds? This was our first recording at Our House studio, recommended by label owner Morishita. A razor-sharp D.S.B. sound, sharpened even further by engineer Yanagida. No copies remain. There is a limited red vinyl version.

Double Death Blow split EP w/ Deathreat – Mangrove Records (2001)

Recorded for DEATHREAT’s 2001 Japan tour. The D.S.B. side contains only new songs; the DEATHREAT side features selections from their earlier recordings. Recorded at Kōsenji Afterbeat. The release came out on time, the tour went great, and we threw a party in Shirokiya afterward. Sadly, just a few days later, Kazu and Eiji fell silent.

One Shot One Kill LP compilation – Overthrow Records (2001)

Featuring Warhead, Extinct Government, Zone, and D.S.B.
Vocals & guitar: Yo / Bass: Kazufumi / Drums: Sachō (Short Fuse).

Recorded under completely critical circumstances. It might sound like a Yo solo record, but this is absolutely a D.S.B. release in sound and spirit. It wasn’t a detour, it was part of our core activity. This lineup was official for a short time, and the current members still play songs from this record.

Pure Cultivation CD single – Discrete Records (2002) / 7″ EP – Kangaroo Records (2003)

After B.B.T. joined the band, this release marked our return. Recorded at Our House in four or five hours. We weren’t focused on releasing anything, we just wanted to hear how the new lineup sounded. Some people think that without a concept, music turns to shit. But when four people play together honestly, both concept and message emerge naturally. If it hadn’t sounded good, we wouldn’t have released it.

The result captured the sound of D.S.B. at that moment, so we asked Nishiwaki (Discrete Records), someone we’d promised to work with years earlier, to release it.

Pure Cultivation EP – Partners In Crime (2002)

Released by Billy (Deathreat / Tragedy). The mastering differs from the CD version. This fulfilled a promise made during the previous year’s Double Death Blow Tour. Billy also slightly changed the artwork.

Battle Into Invisible Zone CD single – Discrete Records (2002) / EP – Kangaroo Records (2003)

It begins in the invisible zone and ends there. It’s hard to see now, but people don’t want to see it anyway. The back cover uses a photograph of ruins in Afghanistan. It’s not just an anti-war symbol, it’s a fragment of reality. People are forced to live among ruins. Material wealth means nothing there.

That image reflects our state of mind as we struggle through everyday life. Our message isn’t “anti-war” as a slogan. Of course, we don’t agree with war. But “anti-war” has become a fashionable symbol, especially meaningless in Japan. Some fear it, others follow it blindly. We respect bands who approach the issue sincerely, but people who chase trends can easily become war enthusiasts once the mood shifts.

Do people only understand life by facing death? Freedom by experiencing oppression? In this country, it’s easy not to see, not to feel. You can live without fighting. If you feel nothing, living in ruins isn’t so bad.

The “battle” we carry moves toward an invisible zone, personal, unseen. Recorded at Musashi Studio in Kichijōji. Tracking went well. Mixing did not. Studio equipment broke. Deadlines were missed. Recorded in July, released in November. It was especially important that all members’ opinions were reflected, even if that meant accepting some objective input from the engineer.

Wait Tremblingly!!! CD single – Discrete Records (2003)

One of us is worrying about work tomorrow. Another is hungover. One can’t walk properly after yesterday’s tattoo. Another just can’t wake up. A normal Sunday. These four people finally worked on unfinished business from 2002. Recorded at Musashi.

Our goal in 2002 was to release three singles: Pure Cultivation (black), Battle Into Invisible Zone (red), and Wait Tremblingly!!! (white). This is the last of the three. Each has its own flavor, but this one was meant to close the sequence.

The recording uses leftovers from the 2002 sessions. “Warning Shot” was re-recorded. “Foolish Game” was written when the band first came together. The title Wait Tremblingly!!! comes from old wording used in the liner notes.

D.S.B. will tour the US in summer 2003. We want to go as far as possible, around the world, if money and vacation time allow. Friends told us: “First, get passports.”

This release will come out on Partners In Crime (US) and Yellow Dog (Europe), both on 7”. Summer release… maybe.

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P.S. D.S.B. did tour the US, and Wait Tremblingly!!! was released on vinyl. Between 2005–2006, the band had no permanent bassist, and Kill The Phantom City (released November 2006) was recorded with session players.