THE STALIN was a seminal Japanese punk rock band, with a formidable presence in the scene through the early 1980s. They were formed in 1980 by leader and vocalist Michiro Endo, a former bookstore clerk who became an iconic figure in the Japanese punk subculture. The band's name was a shocking choice, intended to provoke a strong reaction in the audience, reflecting the confrontational and rebellious nature of their music and performances. The name also encapsulates the band's penchant for challenging and critiquing social norms, often with dark and satirical lyrics.

THE STALIN's music was characterized by aggressive, fast-paced punk rhythms and Endo's visceral vocal delivery. Their discography includes several influential releases, with albums like "Stop Jap," released in 1982, and "FISH INN" from 1984 showcasing their raw and unapologetic style. Tracks from these albums, as well as live performances captured in recordings like the live album "1983.9.17 LIVE," solidified their place in punk history. The band's confrontational sound and radical political messaging made them one of the more memorable acts of the Japanese punk movement before they disbanded in 1985. Post-breakup, the legacy of THE STALIN lives on as a catalyst for the burgeoning punk and alternative scenes in Japan, influencing generations of musicians to come.