YOSHIKI releases Instagram preview of new Attack on Titan theme

J-Rock

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YOSHIKI gave fans a special preview of his new theme song for the anime series Attack on Titan on his official Instagram page, revealing the clip of “Red Swan” by “YOSHIKI feat. HYDE” along with a montage of imagery from the anime’s third season which begins July 22 on NHK in Japan.

The new song, featuring YOSHIKI’s first-ever recording collaboration with vocalist HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel), was announced at Anime Expo on July 8 while still in progress. The “TV Edit” of the song will be released on digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, RecoChoku, and others on July 23. A CD release is planned for autumn from Pony Canyon.

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“What can I do to make this a song a world-wide hit?” said YOSHIKI during his July 20 appearance on YOSHIKI Channel. “I was desperately wondering: What is the missing element that could make this the best song and the best album? How long will I be fighting in life? When will I be able to say to myself, ‘Well done?’ And those struggles brought this song — ‘Red Swan’ — to life.”

During the broadcast, YOSHIKI also gave a surprise piano performance of the new song, and expressed his thanks to his collaborators. “I’m extremely grateful to X JAPAN’s members, HYDE, and the production committee that invited me to contribute to this story.”

YOSHIKI’s Official Instagram (video):
Red Swan by YOSHIKI feat. HYDE
https://www.instagram.com/p/Blc2FNRHDyM

This is YOSHIKI’s second contribution to an anime soundtrack this decade, following 2014’s “Hero”, from the animated film Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary. YOSHIKI has previously appeared on stage with HYDE, with whom he shares a deep public and private friendship and mutual artistic respect, at large-scale music events such as VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT and VAMPS’ HALLOWEEN PARTY, but “Red Swan” is their first attempt at collaborating on a piece of music, and the song is also a contender to appear on X JAPAN’s upcoming album — the band’s first studio release in 22 years — which includes other international guest artists such as Marilyn Manson.

Images: © Hajime Isayama, Kodansha Ltd. / Attack on Titan Production Committee

YOSHIKI Official Site: http://www.yoshiki.net
HYDE Official Site: https://www.hyde.com