The original soundtrack for TV anime Dark Machine: The Animation will be released on December 9, featuring music composed by Japanese guitarist and producer Sugizo. A commemorative talk and signing event is also scheduled to take place on the same day.
The release marks Sugizo’s debut as an anime composer. Best known as a member of LUNA SEA and X JAPAN, as well as his work with SHAG, Sugizo has created the soundtrack accompanying the anime’s dark, near-future setting.
Dark Machine: The Animation is an original TV anime set in near-future Japan, following protagonist Kairi as he attempts to become the world’s top player of Dark Machine, a globally popular e-sport.
For the soundtrack, Sugizo collaborated with musicians and producers from across Japan’s rock, electronic and jazz scenes. Contributors include MaZDA, Ubar-Tumar, ATOLS, JILUKA guitarist Sena and Shinobu of Creature Creature.
Members of Sugizo’s jazz-rock band SHAG also contributed, including keyboardist Kazuhiro Bessho, percussionist Kenji Yoshiura, drummer Yukino Matsuura and trumpeter Shinpei Ruike, alongside drummer and percussionist komaki.
Theme and Insert Songs Included
The soundtrack will include TV-sized versions of the opening theme, “Sonzai Riyu Kai” by BUCK∞TICK, and ending theme “Galaxy Mode” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
Also included is “Pitch Black,” an insert song performed by in-universe idol group Stellatus. The track features Aluk, voiced by Nao Toyama; Spica, voiced by Rei Nakashima; and Denebola, voiced by Nonoka Obuchi. Composed by Taku Inoue, “Pitch Black” will receive a digital release on November 11 ahead of the full soundtrack.
The soundtrack will be available in both CD and vinyl formats. The two-CD edition contains 40 tracks spanning the original score, theme songs and insert songs, while the two-LP edition features a selection of tracks personally curated by Sugizo.
The album artwork features a new illustration by Dark Machine: The Animation mecha designer Hidetaka Tenjin, known for his work on the Macross and Gundam franchises.
The Dark Machine: The Animation original soundtrack will be released on December 9.
