METAL JUKEBOX

Anthem - Absolute World (2014)











Year : 2014
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + front + Video
Size : 152 mb

Info:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Line-Up:

Naoto Shibata Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Yukio Morikawa Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Akio Shimizu Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Isamu Tamaru Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

1. Shine On
2. Pain
3. Stranger
4. Don't Let It Die
5. Love of Hell
6. Run with the Flush
7. Sailing
8. Absolute Figure instrumental
9. Destroy the Boredom
10. In the Chaos
11. Edge of Time

+ Video "Shine On" (Official Video)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Anthem - Engraved (Japan SHM-CD Deluxe Edition) (2017)













Year : 2017 (Japan SHM-CD Deluxe Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 164 mb

Bio:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Album:

Anthem has chosen Engraved as the title of their upcoming 2017 album, which will be their first full-length release since 2014's Absolute World. It will once again feature the powerhouse voice of Yukio Morikawa, who'd replaced Eizo Sakamoto again in recent years.

Line-Up:

Yukio Morikawa - Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Naoto Shibata - Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Akio Shimizu - Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Isamu Tamaru - Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

01. The Artery Song
02. Far Away
03. Keep You Spirit Alive
04. Linkage
05. Midnight Growl
06. Reactive Desire
07. Sacred Trace
08. Paint Myself
09. Frozen Fate
10. Don't Break Away
11. Engraved

+ Video "The Artery Song" (Official Video)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Anthem - Attitude 2017 (2CD) (Japan Edition) (2018)













Year : 2018 (Japan Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 185 mb

Bio:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Album:

ANTHEM 's "Turbulent 2017" decided to release a video work that condensed! Documentary image closely attached to the band and live performances by the sacred place "Kawasaki Club Citta" and Osaka "BIGCAT" from ENGLAVED TOUR done in the summer!

Line-Up:

Yukio Morikawa - Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Naoto Shibata - Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Akio Shimizu - Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Isamu Tamaru - Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

CD1:

01. The Artery Song
02. Far Away
03. Venom Strike
04. Cry In The Night
05. Keep Your Spirit Alive
06. Linkage
07. Night After Night
08. Drum solo
09. Finger's On The Trigger
10. Ghost In The Flame

CD2:

01. Midnight Growl
02. Sacred Trace
03. Bound To Break
04. Running Blood
05. Engraved
06. Reactive Desire
07. Innocent Man
08. Shine On
09. Wild Anthem




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Anthem - Nucleus (Japan Edition) (2019)













Year : 2019 (Japan Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 152 mb

Bio:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Album:

Anthem is one of the biggest Japanese metal bands from the 80’s metal scene. While Loudness was able to break into the U.S. Metal market during that time, so many other great bands struggled to find a foot hold in the U.S. Anthem, unfortunately falls into that group. It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying or musical talent. I have been a huge fan of the band, well….since the 80’s and have continued to follow their career as they have released some incredible albums over the years. Nucleus is a greatest hits compilation that has been re-recorded with English vocals. If you’re a die hard fan like me, you already know these songs, but it is nice to hear them sung in English and re-mastered with great sound. However, this album would be a perfect place for listeners who always wanted to hear these songs but couldn’t quite deal with the high cost of buying import albums of the band from Japan. Nucleus also comes with a second bonus disc that features “Live” renditions of some of the band’s greatest songs. If you already have the original CD’s, the “Live” disc is certainly an added incentive to pick this up. Yukio Morikawa does a great job on these songs, including the ones that he didn’t originally sing on. This is a great buy, especially when you consider that you get all of these hits in English along with the live material. The second disc covers more of the band’s earlier material while the first one covers mostly recent hits and material back through the 90’s. I remember playing “Machine Made Dog” so many times on cassette that it finally broke. The band sounds as good, if not better than ever and the production on these tracks are superb. A great album by a great band. Anthem is one of the bands that prove metal music is truly universal.

Line-Up:

Naoto Shibata Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Yukio Morikawa Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Akio Shimizu Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Isamu Tamaru Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

01. Immortal Bind
02. Black Empire
03. Overload
04. Stranger
05. Linkage
06. Eternal Warrior
07. Ghost in the Flame
08. Venom Strike
09. Awake
10. Omega Man
11. Pain
12. Echoes in the Dark
13. Unbroken Sign

+ Video "Black Empire" (Official Video)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Anthem - Nucleus (2CD) (European Edition) (2019)













Year : 2019
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 275 mb

Bio:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Album:

Anthem is one of the biggest Japanese metal bands from the 80’s metal scene. While Loudness was able to break into the U.S. Metal market during that time, so many other great bands struggled to find a foot hold in the U.S. Anthem, unfortunately falls into that group. It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying or musical talent. I have been a huge fan of the band, well….since the 80’s and have continued to follow their career as they have released some incredible albums over the years. Nucleus is a greatest hits compilation that has been re-recorded with English vocals. If you’re a die hard fan like me, you already know these songs, but it is nice to hear them sung in English and re-mastered with great sound. However, this album would be a perfect place for listeners who always wanted to hear these songs but couldn’t quite deal with the high cost of buying import albums of the band from Japan. Nucleus also comes with a second bonus disc that features “Live” renditions of some of the band’s greatest songs. If you already have the original CD’s, the “Live” disc is certainly an added incentive to pick this up. Yukio Morikawa does a great job on these songs, including the ones that he didn’t originally sing on. This is a great buy, especially when you consider that you get all of these hits in English along with the live material. The second disc covers more of the band’s earlier material while the first one covers mostly recent hits and material back through the 90’s. I remember playing “Machine Made Dog” so many times on cassette that it finally broke. The band sounds as good, if not better than ever and the production on these tracks are superb. A great album by a great band. Anthem is one of the bands that prove metal music is truly universal.

Line-Up:

Yukio Morikawa - Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Naoto Shibata - Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Akio Shimizu - Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Isamu Tamaru - Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

CD1:

01. Immortal Bind
02. Black Empire
03. Overload
04. Stranger
05. Linkage
06. Eternal Warrior
07. Ghost in the Flame
08. Venom Strike
09. Awake
10. Omega Man
11. Pain
12. Echoes in the Dark
13. Unbroken Sign

CD2:

01. Gypsy Ways (live)
02. Love In Vain (live)
03. Bad Habits Die Hard (live)
04. Legal Killing (live)
05. Cryin' Heart (live)
06. Silent Child (live)
07. Midnight Sun (live)
08. Shout It Out! (live)
09. Final Risk (live)
10. Night Stalker (live)

+ Video "Black Empire" (Official Video)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Anthem - Crimson & Jet Black (2023)













Year : 2023
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Japan
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 125 mb

Bio:

Anthem (アンセム Ansemu?) is a Japanese heavy metal band that was formed during the early 1980s in Tokyo. They are among the handful of heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Sex Machineguns, Loudness and Earthshaker.Anthem was founded in Tokyo during 1980 as a quartet, composed of singer Toshihito Maeda, guitarist Akifumi Koyanagi, bass player Naoto Shibata (also known as "Ski") and drummer Takamasa Ohuchi. Koyanagi left in late 1983 to be replaced by Hiroya Fukada. In December 1984, vocalist Toshihito Maeda also left and Anthem drafted Eizo Sakamoto for their debut eponymous album, issued in July 1985 by Nexus and licensed to Europe via Roadrunner Records.Their first studio release featured classic songs like "Wild Anthem" and "Warning Action". Their first EP single in 1986, entitled "Xanadu", was the first known song to be used for promotion of a video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG "Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu". The next release, Tightrope showcased a more catchy, melodic sound with an improved vocal performance by Sakamoto. Bound to Break was to be the last album featuring Eizo Sakamoto for nearly two decades, and was by far his most impressive vocal performance to that point. The album was full of classics ("Empty Eyes", "Bound to Break", "Soldiers") and introduced the band's long-time world-famous producer, Chris Tsangarides (perhaps best known for producing Judas Priest's classic 1990 album, Painkiller). With the departure of Sakamoto in 1988, Shibata recruited Yukio Morikawa to the band's vocal position. With Morikawa came the album Gypsy Ways, considered the band's most popular album. Morikawa's voice made the band a great success at that time and he was similar in style, vocal range and ability to Graham Bonnet. In 1989, the album Hunting Time was released and the song "The Juggler" was used as a PV. In the beginning of 90s, Anthem dealt with another departure, this time Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama which recorded the album No Smoke Without Fire, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides. Hideaki Nakama left the band after recording just that one album and the search for a new guitarist began.As of 2012, Anthem has signed with record label Universal Music and has released a new single "Evil One" in September 2012 and following with an album, Burning Oath, that was released in October 2012.The current line-up has currently guest drummer Isamu Tamaru due to Hirotsugu Homma's left knee injury from a car accident in late 2008, but the latter hasn't left the band's formation, still performing on most songs.On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[2] After the revovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.In February 2014 singer Eizo Sakamoto left the band for a second time and was replaced by former singer Yukio Morikawa. The group also announced drummer Isamu Tamaru as a permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also determined: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Album:

Leading Japanese heavy metal act, Anthem, will release their brand new studio album, “Crimson & Jet Black”, on April 21st, 2023, via Reaper Entertainment.It’s been four years since the release of the band’s critically acclaimed “Nucleus” full-length — a re-recording of their classic hits with English lyrics. But Anthem used the pandemic downtime wisely. “Crimson & Jet Black” features eleven tracks, once again performed in English.Comments bassist Naoto Shibata of the band’s first single, “Wheels of Fire”: “Obviously this is the most heavy metal album I have ever made. Experience the monstrous groove generated by the band. You will be the witness of the best album by Anthem. I promise that Anthem will come to your towns and play. Until then, listen to this incredible album and be blown away”.Watch the official video for “Wheels of Fire” below.After finishing two anniversary tours in 2021 — the band’s thirty-fifth anniversary tour, which had been postponed due to the pandemic restrictions, as well the twentieth anniversary of their reunion tour called the Anthem 2001 Vs Anthem 2021 Tour — the band began work on their latest offering. Originally scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2022, band leader Shibata, a perfectionist at heart, decided to enrich each of the songs’ quality and pushed the recording schedule to Summer/Fall.Like previous Anthem works, Naoto is the main producer of the album, but this time renowned Swedish producer Jens Bogren (Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, etc.), who had previously mixed and mastered “Nucleus”, is credited as a co-producer.

Line-Up:

Yukio Morikawa - Vocals (1988-1992, 2014-present) - See also: ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Goldbrick, ex-Powernude
Akio Shimizu - Guitars (1991-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Eraserhead, ex-Hollywood, ex-Sonic Squad, ex-Shy Blue
Naoto Shibata - Bass (1981-1992, 2000-present) - See also: ex-Loudness
Isamu Tamaru - Drums (2013-present) - See also: Yasha

Tracklist:

01. Snake Eyes
02. Wheels Of Fire
03. Howling Days
04. Roaring Vortex
05. Blood Brothers
06. Master Of Disaster
07. Void Ark
08. Faster
09. Burn Down The Wall
10. Mystic Echoes
11. Danger Flight




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/