ikusa2

Since the release of Wagakki Band‘s first original song “Hanabi” last year, we’ve been holding our breath waiting for more. Okay, that’s not completely true–we’ ve been sneaking little gasps since then–but we were definitely excited to hear the the group was recording both the opening and closing song for the new anime Sengoku Musou, based on the game of the same name. But unless you actually tuned in to watch the show you’d be hard pressed to find the songs–until now!

Today, the band released a music video for “Ikusa,” the show’s opening theme song. Check it out below but be careful that you’ve cleared your room of pointy objects first so you don’t hurt yourself headbanging.

profile

Opening with a crunchy guitar riff, thunderous drums, and the haunting voice of the shakuhachi, it’s obvious that this track is full steam ahead–a clear fit for an anime about people stabbing each other with swords. Sengoku Musou, also known as Samurai Warriors outside of Japan, started earlier this month and is based on the long-running video game series of the same name. Tapping the Wagakki Band to do both the opening and closing songs was both an obvious and brilliant choice!

Though the opening song, titled “Ikusa,” hasn’t been released for purchase yet, the band just released a music video featuring the musicians performing in a war-torn landscape. It also shows them fighting each other, because who doesn’t love sword fights??

The closing song, titled “Nadeshiko zakura,” hasn’t seen any sort of official release yet, sadly. However, DVDs and Blu-rays featuring music videos for both songs will be released on February 25, making it a possible “late, but I still love you” Valentine’s Day gift. If you do decide to spring for it, be sure get the Amazon Japan limited edition of the Blu-ray or DVD, as those will come with another unreleased song “Hoshitsukiyo.”

And in case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the trailer for the anime, featuring “Ikusa” in the background.

The song isn’t a drastic departure from the band’s now well-established sound, but if it’s not broken, why fix it, right? We are happy to see the group branching out into new material territory. While we did enjoy the first album of cover songs, we’re excited to see what they can produce when they really let loose.

Now excuse us while we hit replay and jump around the room swinging swords/pens.

Sources/images: YouTube, Wagakki Band