According to interviews with the band members, it seems that ALvino’s story already began in 2005. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that they officially started activities, after the disbandment of guitarist Jun’s former band PIERROT. The band consists of vocalist Shota and guitarists Koji, formerly of La'cryma Christi and Jun. Like many bands, ALvino's debut was made at lives, events and some TV shows which all took place during the summer of 2006.
Their first release, the single Snow line, came out on December 13. Although the song contained some visual kei riffs, the band showed with their songs and music videos that they wanted ALvino to head into another direction than their previous bands.
During the following year, the brand-new band seemed to be set to show their abilities to the fullest level. The year was filled with frequent performances and tours, but the trio also released a live DVD, two singles and their first full album, ALflavor. With the release of their first album, they switched from the label Universal to VAP.
Over the next two years, ALvino had a rush of activities. Releasing the single Kokoro Film and album Alone in 2008, the band began touring Japan and finished their tour at Akasaka BLITZ. The following year, the band switched labels again and signed with Nippon Crown. The group's new mini-album Capsule hit the stores and they spent the remainder of the year on the power of alone tour. The band also started a tradition of holding acoustic concerts and tours, which they named ‘naked.’
By 2010, ALvino's music appeared as the theme song for "Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's" series, with the song Close to You being later released in May. In the fall, ALvino started the NEXT↑↑ tour which also included a performance in Taiwan in early December. Later that month, Koji released GUITAR STUDY 4, a two DVD+CD box set, which featured his instrumental solo concert.
In 2011, ALvino celebrates their fifth anniversary by touring extensively. For various performances, drummer Levin, formerly of La’cryma Christi will support the trio. The band has already planned the release of their third full album, Wings of Music, due for release in June.
With the band members’ experience in the music scene and their high production rate, we’re curious to see which path this talented trio will follow in the next five years of their career.
