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{{Short description|Japanese heavy metal band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{About|the rock band|other uses|Anthem (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the rock band|other uses|Anthem (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2013}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = Anthem
| name = Anthem
| image =
| image =
| caption = <!--The caption "Anthem 80's line-up" was here, but because there's no image, I put it in this comment-->
| caption = <!--The caption "Anthem 80's line-up" was here, but because there's no image, I put it in this comment-->
| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
| origin = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| genre = [[heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]
| genre = [[heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]<ref name=som>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Anthem_(JAP)-l-en.html |title=Anthem (JAP) - discography, line-up, biography, interviews, photos |publisher=Spirit-of-metal.com |access-date=2015-11-15}}</ref>
| years_active = 1981–1992, 2000–present
| years_active = 1980<ref name=som>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Anthem_(JAP)-l-en.html |title=Anthem (JAP) - discography, line-up, biography, interviews, photos |publisher=Spirit-of-metal.com |access-date=2015-11-15}}</ref>–1992<br>2000–present
| label = [[Victor Entertainment]],<br>[[King Records (Japan)|King Records]],<br>[[Universal Music Group]],<br>[[Nuclear Blast]]
| label = [[Victor Entertainment|Victor]], [[King Records (Japan)|King]], [[Universal Music Group|Universal]], [[Nuclear Blast]]
| website = http://www.heavymetalanthem.com/
| website = {{URL|heavymetalanthem.com}}
| current_members = Naoto Shibata <br>Akio Shimizu <br>Isamu Tamaru <br>Yukio Morikawa
| current_members = Naoto Shibata <br />Akio Shimizu <br />Isamu Tamaru <br />Yukio Morikawa
| past_members = Yoshitaka Mikuni <br>[[Don Airey]] <br>Takamasa Ohuchi <br>Kazumasa Saitoh <br>Hiroya Fukuda <br>[[Graham Bonnet]] <br>[[Eizo Sakamoto]] <br>Toshihito Maeda <br>Akifumi Koyanagi <br>Hideaki Nakama
| past_members = Takamasa Ohuchi <br />Hiroya Fukuda <br />[[Eizo Sakamoto]] <br />Toshihito Maeda <br />Akifumi Koyanagi <br />Hideaki Nakama <br />Hirotsugu Homma
}}
}}


{{Nihongo|'''Anthem'''|アンセム|Ansemu}} is a Japanese [[heavy metal (music)|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 [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]] and [[Earthshaker (heavy metal)|Earthshaker]].
{{Nihongo|'''Anthem'''|アンセム|Ansemu}} is a Japanese [[heavy metal (music)|heavy metal]] band that was formed during the early 1980s in [[Tokyo]]. They are among the many heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]] and [[Earthshaker (heavy metal)|Earthshaker]].


==History==
==History==
===Early years (1980–1985)===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Beginning of Anthem"-->
===Early years (1981–1985)===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Beginning of Anthem"-->
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 Fukuda. 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]].
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 Fukuda. 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]].


===Success (1985–1992)===<!--This section used to be part of a first-level section titled "Success and Disbandment"-->
===Success (1985–1992)===<!--This section used to be part of a first-level section titled "Success and Disbandment"-->
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 brand new video game, namely [[Nihon Falcom]]'s computer [[Role-playing game|RPG]] ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu]]''. Their second album, ''[[Tightrope (Anthem album)|Tightrope]]'', released 21 April 1986, 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 (Judas Priest 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 (Anthem 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 (Anthem 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.
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 brand new video game, namely [[Nihon Falcom]]'s computer [[Role-playing game|RPG]] ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu]]''. Their second album, ''Tightrope'', released 21 April 1986, 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. 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 (Judas Priest 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: after the album ''No Smoke Without Fire'' was completed, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer [[Chris Tsangarides]], Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama. Hideaki Nakama left the band after the tour was done and the search for a new guitarist began.


===Disbandment (1992–2000)===<!--This section used to be part of a first-level section titled "Success and Disbandment"-->
===Disbandment (1992–2000)===<!--This section used to be part of a first-level section titled "Success and Disbandment"-->
After many auditions, the young Akio Shimizu joined the band to replace Nakama. In 1992, the band released ''[[Domestic Booty]]'' However, classic-style heavy metal was out of fashion in the early 90s, and with the explosion of [[grunge]] in the U.S. and the [[Visual kei|Visual Kei]] movement in Japanese music, Shibata decided to put an end to the band. The members of Anthem followed the album's release with a tour covering many cities of Japan and released the VHS/CD ''[[Last Anthem - Live]]'' recorded at Nissin Power Station, which was the band's last show for nearly eight years.
After many auditions, the young Akio Shimizu joined the band to replace Nakama. In 1992, the band released ''Domestic Booty'' However, classic-style heavy metal was out of fashion in the early 90s, and with the explosion of [[grunge]] in the U.S. and the [[Visual kei|Visual Kei]] movement in Japanese music, Shibata decided to put an end to the band. The members of Anthem followed the album's release with a tour covering many cities of Japan and released the VHS/CD ''Last Anthem: Live'' recorded at Nissin Power Station, which was the band's last show for nearly eight years.


===Reform (2000–2011)===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Reform and Present"-->
===Reform (2000–2011)===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Reform and Present"-->
After the long hiatus, Anthem returned in 2000, with the album ''[[Heavy Metal Anthem]]'' which featured the vocalist Graham Bonnet (former lead singer of [[Rainbow (English band)|Rainbow]] and [[Alcatrazz]]). The album is entirely composed by classic songs of the band rearranged with English lyrics. The lineup on ''Heavy Metal Anthem'' was: Graham Bonnet (vocals), Naoto Shibata (bass), Akio Shimizu (guitar) and Takamasa Oouchi (drums).
After the long hiatus, Anthem returned in 2000, with the album ''[[Heavy Metal Anthem]]'' which featured the vocalist Graham Bonnet (former lead singer of [[Rainbow (English band)|Rainbow]] and [[Alcatrazz]]). The album is entirely composed by classic songs of the band rearranged with English lyrics. The lineup on ''Heavy Metal Anthem'' was: Graham Bonnet (vocals), Naoto Shibata (bass), Akio Shimizu (guitar) and Takamasa Oouchi (drums).


Later, Hirotsugu Homma (who had played together with Shibata in [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]]) replaced Takamasa Oouchi on drums and Eizo Sakamoto returned to the vocals. In 2001, they released ''[[Seven Hills (album)|Seven Hills]]'', showcasing an entirely new musical direction for the band, although still firmly rooted in 80s heavy metal. In 2002 came ''[[Overload (Anthem album)|Overload]]'', which is considered by most critics{{By whom|date=November 2015<!--who are "most critics"?-->}} to be much more aggressive than ''Seven Hills''. In 2003, the band recorded ''[[Live' Melt Down]]'' at Citta Club Kawasaki. In 2004 the band released the single "Onslaught" followed by the album ''[[Eternal Warrior (album)|Eternal Warrior]]'', which continued in the same sound direction as ''Overload''. In 2005, Anthem celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a special tour, where all members of the band since 1985 played the band songs in their respective formations. The Kawasaki show of this tour was filmed and released on DVD as "20th Anniversary Tour".
Later, Hirotsugu Homma (who had played together with Shibata in [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]]) replaced Takamasa Oouchi on drums and Eizo Sakamoto returned to the vocals. In 2001, they released ''[[Seven Hills (album)|Seven Hills]]''. In 2002 came ''[[Overload (Anthem album)|Overload]]'', which is considered by most critics{{By whom|date=November 2015<!--who are "most critics"?-->}} to be much more aggressive than ''Seven Hills''. In 2003, the band recorded ''[[Live' Melt Down]]'' at Citta Club Kawasaki. In 2004 the band released the single "Onslaught" followed by the album ''[[Eternal Warrior (album)|Eternal Warrior]]'', which continued in the same sound direction as ''Overload''. In 2005, Anthem celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a special tour, where all members of the band since 1985 played the band songs in their respective formations. The Kawasaki show of this tour was filmed and released on DVD as "20th Anniversary Tour".


In 2006 Anthem released ''[[Immortal (Anthem album)|Immortal]]'', followed by the single and PV of "Immortal Bind". The most recent output has seen Anthem push even further into the Power Metal-tinged style showcased on ''Domestic Booty'' and ''Eternal Warrior'' with 2008's ''[[Black Empire (Anthem album)|Black Empire]]''. A PV of "Heat of the Night" was released shortly after the album hit in November 2008 and has thus far garnered even more positive critical reviews than ''Immortal''.
In 2006 Anthem released ''[[Immortal (Anthem album)|Immortal]]'', followed by the single and PV of "Immortal Bind". The most recent output has seen Anthem push even further into the Power Metal-tinged style showcased on ''Domestic Booty'' and ''Eternal Warrior'' with 2008's ''[[Black Empire (Anthem album)|Black Empire]]''. A PV of "Heat of the Night" was released shortly after the album hit in November 2008 and has thus far garnered even more positive critical reviews than ''Immortal''.
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Their much anticipated album ''Heraldic Device'' was released in 2011. This was their last album with record label company JVC.
Their much anticipated album ''Heraldic Device'' was released in 2011. This was their last album with record label company JVC.


===2012–Present===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Reform and Present"-->
===2012–present===<!--This section used to be a first-level section titled "Reform and Present"-->
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.
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.


On 10 January 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with [[stomach cancer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=184687 |title=Anthem Bassist Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer; Japanese Tour Postponed |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref> The bassist declared that he was cancer-free and healthy as of 2021. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/anthem.php |title=Anthem interview with Shibata Naoto |publisher=metallian.com |date=27 June 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021}}</ref> After the recovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following these again in September and October 2013.
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.


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 that drummer Isamu Tamaru, who had been filling in as a guest drummer for the band since 2012, would replace Homma as the permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also undertaken: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.
On Jan 10, 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with [[stomach cancer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=184687 |title=Anthem Bassist Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer; Japanese Tour Postponed |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=2013-01-10 |access-date=2015-11-15}}</ref> After the recovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following in September and October 2013.


''Absolute World'', Yukio Morikawa's first album as the band's vocalist since ''Domestic Booty'' in 1992, was released on 22 October 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thunderball667.jp/release/2014/10/absolute_world.php |title=ABSOLUTE WORLD &#124; Thunderball667 |publisher=Thunderball667.jp |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014915/http://thunderball667.jp/release/2014/10/absolute_world.php |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band toured throughout November in support of the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavymetalanthem.com/news/2014/10/23/410 |title=Anthem"Absolute World"トレイラー公開!! |publisher=HeavymetalAnthem.com |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526214642/http://www.heavymetalanthem.com/news/2014/10/23/410 |archive-date=26 May 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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.


On 17 April, the band announced through its website, the title of their next album, ''Engraved'', which was released 21 June 2017. A video was released for the single, "The Artery Song."
''Absolute World'', Yukio Morikawa's first album as the band's vocalist since ''Domestic Booty'' in 1992, was released on October 22, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thunderball667.jp/release/2014/10/absolute_world.php |title=ABSOLUTE WORLD &#124; Thunderball667 |publisher=Thunderball667.jp |access-date=2015-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014915/http://thunderball667.jp/release/2014/10/absolute_world.php |archive-date=2015-11-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band toured throughout November in support of the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavymetalanthem.com/news/2014/10/23/410 |title=Anthem"Absolute World"トレイラー公開!! |publisher=HeavymetalAnthem.com |access-date=2015-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526214642/http://www.heavymetalanthem.com/news/2014/10/23/410 |archive-date=2017-05-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The band announced that their greatest hits album, ''Nucleus'', which will feature English-language versions of their songs, will be released on 29 March 2019 by [[Nuclear Blast]] Records. On 17 December 2018, the band released "Black Empire", originally sung by Eizo Sakamoto and now by Yukio Morikawa, as the first single off the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/japanese-metallers-anthem-release-black-empire-single-from-nucleus-album/|title=Japanese metallers ANTHEM Release 'Black Empire' Single From 'Nucleus' Album|publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=17 December 2018|access-date=20 December 2018}}</ref> Anthem announced an Anthem 2001 vs. Anthem 2021 tour for 2021 in which old and current members appeared on stage. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/anthem.php |title=Anthem biography |publisher=metallian.com |date=25 September 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021}}</ref>
On April 17, the band announced via social media, the title of their next album, ''Engraved'', which was released June 21, 2017. A video was released for the single, "The Artery Song."

The band announced that their greatest hits album, ''Nucleus'', which will feature English-language versions of their songs, will be released on March 29, 2019 by [[Nuclear Blast]] Records. On December 17, 2018, the band released "Black Empire", originally sung by Eizo Sakamoto and now sung by Yukio Morikawa, as the first single off the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/japanese-metallers-anthem-release-black-empire-single-from-nucleus-album/|title=Japanese metallers ANTHEM Release 'Black Empire' Single From 'Nucleus' Album|publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=2018-12-17|access-date=2018-12-20}}</ref>


==Members==<!--This section used to be titled "Present members"-->
==Members==<!--This section used to be titled "Present members"-->


===Present members===
===Present members===
* Naoto Shibata - [[Bass guitar|bass]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] <small>(1981-1992, 2000–present)</small>
* Yukio Morikawa: lead vocals <small>(1988–1992, 2014–present)</small>
* Akio Shimizu - [[Electric guitar|guitar]]s, backing vocals <small>(1991-1992, 2000–present)</small>
* Akio Shimizu: guitars, backing vocals <small>(1991–1992, 2000–present)</small>
* Isamu Tamaru - [[Drum kit|drums]] <small>(2012–present)</small>
* Naoto Shibata: bass, backing vocals <small>(1981–1992, 2000–present)</small>
* Yukio Morikawa - [[Lead vocalist|lead vocals]] <small>(1988-1992, 2014–present)</small>
* Isamu Tamaru: drums <small>(2012–present)</small>


===Former members===
===Former members===
* Takamasa Ohuchi - drums <small>(1981-1992)</small>
* Toshihito Maeda: lead vocals <small>(1981–1984)</small>
* Hiroya Fukuda - guitars <small>(1983-1990)</small>
* [[Eizo Sakamoto]]: lead vocals <small>(1984–1988, 2000–2014)</small>
* Akifumi Koyanagi - guitars <small>(1981-1983)</small>
* Akifumi Koyanagi: guitars <small>(1981–1983)</small>
* [[Eizo Sakamoto]] - lead vocals <small>(1984-1988, 2000-2014)</small>
* Hiroya Fukuda: guitars <small>(1983–1990)</small>
* Toshihito Maeda - lead vocals <small>(1981-1984)</small>
* Hideaki Nakama: guitars <small>(1990–1991)</small>
* Hirotsugu Homma - drums <small>(2000-2012)</small>
* Takamasa Ohuchi: drums <small>(1981–1992)</small>
* Hirotsugu Homma: drums <small>(2000–2012)</small>


===Timeline===
===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
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Period = from:01/01/1981 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
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TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy


Line 83: Line 83:
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:bvox value:pink legend:Backing_Vocals
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id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_Album


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ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:1981


Line 107: Line 106:
at:22/10/2014 color:black layer:back
at:22/10/2014 color:black layer:back
at:21/06/2017 color:black layer:back
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at:29/03/2019 color:black layer:back
at:07/09/2020 color:black layer:back
at:21/04/2023 color:black layer:back


BarData =
BarData =
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bar:Nakama from:02/01/1990 till:01/06/1991 color:guitar
bar:Nakama from:02/01/1990 till:01/06/1991 color:guitar
bar:Shimizu from:02/06/1991 till:01/10/1992 color:guitar
bar:Shimizu from:02/06/1991 till:01/10/1992 color:guitar
bar:Shimizu from:02/06/1991 till:01/10/1992 color:bvox width:3
bar:Shimizu from:01/10/2000 till:end color:guitar
bar:Shimizu from:01/10/2000 till:end color:guitar
bar:Shimizu from:01/10/2000 till:end color:bvox width:3
bar:Shibata from:start till:01/10/1992 color:bass
bar:Shibata from:start till:01/10/1992 color:bass
bar:Shibata from:start till:01/10/1992 color:bvox width:3
bar:Shibata from:01/10/2000 till:end color:bass
bar:Shibata from:01/10/2000 till:end color:bass
bar:Shibata from:01/10/2000 till:end color:bvox width:3
bar:Ohuchi from:start till:01/10/1992 color:drums
bar:Ohuchi from:start till:01/10/1992 color:drums
bar:Homma from:01/10/2000 till:01/02/2012 color:drums
bar:Homma from:01/10/2000 till:01/02/2012 color:drums
Line 146: Line 144:


==Discography==
==Discography==

===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable"
* 1985 - ''[[Anthem (Anthem album)|Anthem]]''
! rowspan="2" |Year
* 1985 - ''[[Ready to Ride]]'' EP
! rowspan="2" |Title
* 1986 - ''[[Tightrope (Anthem album)|Tightrope]]''
! colspan="4" |Member
* 1987 - ''[[Bound to Break]]''
|-
* 1988 - ''[[Gypsy Ways]]''
!Vocals
* 1989 - ''[[Hunting Time (album)|Hunting Time]]''
!Guitars
* 1990 - ''[[No Smoke Without Fire (Anthem album)|No Smoke Without Fire]]''
!Bass
* 1992 - ''[[Domestic Booty]]''
!Drums
* 2000 - ''[[Heavy Metal Anthem]]''
|-
* 2001 - ''[[Seven Hills (album)|Seven Hills]]''
| rowspan="2" |1985
* 2002 - ''[[Overload (Anthem album)|Overload]]''
|''Anthem''
* 2004 - ''[[Eternal Warrior (album)|Eternal Warrior]]''
| rowspan="4" |[[Eizo Sakamoto]]
* 2006 - ''[[Immortal (Anthem album)|Immortal]]''
| rowspan="7" |Hiroya Fukuda
* 2008 - ''[[Black Empire (Anthem album)|Black Empire]]''
| rowspan="21" |Naoto Shibata
* 2011 - ''[[Heraldic Device (album)|Heraldic Device]]''
| rowspan="9" |Takamasa Ohuchi
* 2012 - ''[[Burning Oath]]''
|-
* 2014 - ''[[Absolute World (album)|Absolute World]]''
|''Ready to Ride'' EP
* 2017 - ''[[Engraved (album)|Engraved]]''
|-
|1986
|''Tightrope''
|-
|1987
|''Bound to Break''
|-
|1988
|''Gypsy Ways''
| rowspan="4" |Yukio Morikawa
|-
|1989
|''Hunting Time''
|-
|1990
|''No Smoke Without Fire''
|-
|1992
|''Domestic Booty''
| rowspan="14" |Akio Shimizu
|-
|2000
|''[[Heavy Metal Anthem]]''
|[[Graham Bonnet]]
|-
|2001
|''[[Seven Hills (album)|Seven Hills]]''
| rowspan="7" |Eizo Sakamoto
| rowspan="7" |Hirotsugu Homma
|-
|2002
|''[[Overload (Anthem album)|Overload]]''
|-
|2004
|''[[Eternal Warrior (album)|Eternal Warrior]]''
|-
|2006
|''[[Immortal (Anthem album)|Immortal]]''
|-
|2008
|''[[Black Empire (Anthem album)|Black Empire]]''
|-
|2011
|''Heraldic Device''
|-
|2012
|''Burning Oath''
|-
|2014
|''Absolute World''
| rowspan="3" |Yukio Morikawa
| rowspan="5" |Isamu Tamaru
|-
|2017
|''Engraved''
|-
|2019
|''Nucleus''
|-
|2020
|''Explosive!!: Studio Jam''
|Graham Bonnet
Yukio Morikawa
|-
|2023
|''Crimson & Jet Black''
|Yukio Morikawa
|}


===Live albums===
===Live albums===
{| class="wikitable"
* 1987 - ''The Show Carries On!''
! rowspan="2" |Year
* 1992 - ''Last Anthem''
! rowspan="2" |Title
* 2003 - ''[[Live' Melt Down]]''
! colspan="4" |Member
* 2005 - ''The Show Carries On! - Complete Version''
|-
* 2005 - ''Prologue Live Boxx''
!Vocals
!Guitars
!Bass
!Drums
|-
|1987
|''The Show Carries On!''
|Eizo Sakamoto
|Hiroya Fukuda
| rowspan="7" |Naoto Shibata
| rowspan="2" |Takamasa Ohuchi
|-
|1992
|''Last Anthem''
|Yukio Morikawa
| rowspan="2" |Akio Shimizu
|-
|2003
|''[[Live' Melt Down]]''
| rowspan="4" |Eizo Sakamoto
|Hirotsugu Homma
|-
| rowspan="2" |2005
|''The Show Carries On! – Complete Version''
|Hiroya Fukuda
|Takamasa Ohuchi
|-
|''Prologue Live Boxx''
| rowspan="3" |Akio Shimizu
| rowspan="2" |Hirotsugu Homma
|-
|2010
|''Prologue Live Boxx 2''
|-
|2015
|''Trimetallic''
|Yukio Morikawa
|Isamu Tamaru
|}


===Compilations===
===Compilations===
* 1990 - ''Best 1981-1990''
* 1990: ''Best 1981–1990''
* 1992 - ''Best II 1981-1992''
* 1992: ''Best II 1981–1992''
* 1998 - ''The Very Best of Anthem''
* 1998: ''The Very Best of Anthem''
* 2001 - ''Anthem Ways''
* 2001: ''Anthem Ways''
* 2005 - ''Official Bootleg (CD-Version)''
* 2005: ''Official Bootleg'' (CD version)
* 2005 - ''Official Bootleg (Boxed set)''
* 2005: ''Official Bootleg'' (boxed set)
* 2007 - ''Core - Best of Anthem 2000-2007 ''
* 2007: ''Core: Best of Anthem 2000–2007 ''
* 2015 - ''Anthems 2000-2011 '' (2 CDs + DVD)
* 2015: ''Anthems 2000–2011'' (2CDs + DVD)
* 2019 - ''Nucleus''
* 2019: ''Nucleus''


===Video/DVD===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
* 1987 - ''The Show Carries On''
!Year
* 2001 - ''Back Then''
!Title
* 2003 - ''Live' Melt Down: The Show Still Carries On''
!Album
* 2005 - ''Anthem 20th Anniversary Tour 2005''
|-
* 2009 - ''Live Immortal''
|1986
* 2013 - ''Live Unbroken''
|[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu|''Xanadu'']]
* 2016 - ''30+''
|Non-album Single
|-
|1990
|''Love on the Edge''
|No Smoke Without Fire
|-
|2000
|''Gypsy Ways (Win, Lose or Draw)''
|Heavy Metal Anthem
|-
|2001
|''Grieve of Heart''
|Seven Hills
|-
|2002
|''The Voices''
|Overload
|-
|2004
|''Onslaught''
|Eternal Warrior
|-
|2006
|''Immortal Bind''
|Immortal
|-
|2008
|''Heat of the Night''
|Black Empire
|-
|2012
|''Evil One''
|Burning Oath
|-
|2013
|''Blast''
|Non-album Single
|-
|2014
|''Shine On''
|Absolute World
|-
|2017
|''The Artery Song''
|Engraved
|-
|2019
|''Black Empire''
|Nucleus
|}


===Singles===
=== Video/DVD ===
* 1987: ''The Show Carries On''
* 1986 - "[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu|Xanadu]]"
* 2001: ''Back Then''
* 2000 - "Gypsy Ways (Win, Lose or Draw)"
* 2003: ''Live' Melt Down: The Show Still Carries On''
* 2001 - "Grieve of Heart"
* 2005: ''Anthem 20th Anniversary Tour 2005''
* 2002 - "The Voices"
* 2009: ''Live Immortal''
* 2004 - "Onslaught"
* 2013: ''Live Unbroken''
* 2006 - "Immortal Bind"
* 2016: ''30+''
* 2008 - "Heat of the Night"
* 2012 - "Evil One"
* 2013 - "Blast"
* 2014 - "Shine On"
* 2017 - "The Artery Song"


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]
[[Category:Japanese musical quartets]]
[[Category:Universal Music Japan artists]]
[[Category:Universal Music Japan artists]]
[[Category:Victor Entertainment artists]]
[[Category:Victor Entertainment artists]]
[[Category:King Records (Japan) artists]]
[[Category:King Records (Japan) artists]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Japan]]

Latest revision as of 10:53, 1 March 2024

This article is about the rock band. For other uses, see Anthem (disambiguation).
Anthem
OriginTokyo, Japan
GenresHeavy metal
Years active1981–1992, 2000–present
LabelsVictor, King, Universal, Nuclear Blast
MembersNaoto Shibata
Akio Shimizu
Isamu Tamaru
Yukio Morikawa
Past membersTakamasa Ohuchi
Hiroya Fukuda
Eizo Sakamoto
Toshihito Maeda
Akifumi Koyanagi
Hideaki Nakama
Hirotsugu Homma
Websiteheavymetalanthem.com

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 many heavy metal bands founded in Japan during that time and are considered to be one of the most successful and influential, alongside Loudness and Earthshaker.

History

[edit]

Early years (1981–1985)

[edit]

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 Fukuda. 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.

Success (1985–1992)

[edit]

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 brand new video game, namely Nihon Falcom's computer RPG Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu. Their second album, Tightrope, released 21 April 1986, 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. 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: after the album No Smoke Without Fire was completed, this time without the band's staple producer / engineer Chris Tsangarides, Hiroya Fukuda (guitar) left and was replaced by Hideaki 'Shadow Walker' Nakama. Hideaki Nakama left the band after the tour was done and the search for a new guitarist began.

Disbandment (1992–2000)

[edit]

After many auditions, the young Akio Shimizu joined the band to replace Nakama. In 1992, the band released Domestic Booty However, classic-style heavy metal was out of fashion in the early 90s, and with the explosion of grunge in the U.S. and the Visual Kei movement in Japanese music, Shibata decided to put an end to the band. The members of Anthem followed the album's release with a tour covering many cities of Japan and released the VHS/CD Last Anthem: Live recorded at Nissin Power Station, which was the band's last show for nearly eight years.

Reform (2000–2011)

[edit]

After the long hiatus, Anthem returned in 2000, with the album Heavy Metal Anthem which featured the vocalist Graham Bonnet (former lead singer of Rainbow and Alcatrazz). The album is entirely composed by classic songs of the band rearranged with English lyrics. The lineup on Heavy Metal Anthem was: Graham Bonnet (vocals), Naoto Shibata (bass), Akio Shimizu (guitar) and Takamasa Oouchi (drums).

Later, Hirotsugu Homma (who had played together with Shibata in Loudness) replaced Takamasa Oouchi on drums and Eizo Sakamoto returned to the vocals. In 2001, they released Seven Hills. In 2002 came Overload, which is considered by most critics[by whom?] to be much more aggressive than Seven Hills. In 2003, the band recorded Live' Melt Down at Citta Club Kawasaki. In 2004 the band released the single "Onslaught" followed by the album Eternal Warrior, which continued in the same sound direction as Overload. In 2005, Anthem celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a special tour, where all members of the band since 1985 played the band songs in their respective formations. The Kawasaki show of this tour was filmed and released on DVD as "20th Anniversary Tour".

In 2006 Anthem released Immortal, followed by the single and PV of "Immortal Bind". The most recent output has seen Anthem push even further into the Power Metal-tinged style showcased on Domestic Booty and Eternal Warrior with 2008's Black Empire. A PV of "Heat of the Night" was released shortly after the album hit in November 2008 and has thus far garnered even more positive critical reviews than Immortal.

Their much anticipated album Heraldic Device was released in 2011. This was their last album with record label company JVC.

2012–present

[edit]

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.

On 10 January 2013, the band announced it was on hiatus after Shibata was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[1] The bassist declared that he was cancer-free and healthy as of 2021. [2] After the recovery of Shibata the band played a couple of return shows in July 2013 with the Live Circus Tour following these again 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 that drummer Isamu Tamaru, who had been filling in as a guest drummer for the band since 2012, would replace Homma as the permanent member. Production of a new album will start in the spring. A kick off tour with the new line-up was also undertaken: 7/19 Nagoya, 7/26 Osaka, 8/2 Kawasaki.

Absolute World, Yukio Morikawa's first album as the band's vocalist since Domestic Booty in 1992, was released on 22 October 2014.[3] The band toured throughout November in support of the album.[4]

On 17 April, the band announced through its website, the title of their next album, Engraved, which was released 21 June 2017. A video was released for the single, "The Artery Song."

The band announced that their greatest hits album, Nucleus, which will feature English-language versions of their songs, will be released on 29 March 2019 by Nuclear Blast Records. On 17 December 2018, the band released "Black Empire", originally sung by Eizo Sakamoto and now by Yukio Morikawa, as the first single off the album.[5] Anthem announced an Anthem 2001 vs. Anthem 2021 tour for 2021 in which old and current members appeared on stage. [6]

Members

[edit]

Present members

[edit]
  • Yukio Morikawa: lead vocals (1988–1992, 2014–present)
  • Akio Shimizu: guitars, backing vocals (1991–1992, 2000–present)
  • Naoto Shibata: bass, backing vocals (1981–1992, 2000–present)
  • Isamu Tamaru: drums (2012–present)

Former members

[edit]
  • Toshihito Maeda: lead vocals (1981–1984)
  • Eizo Sakamoto: lead vocals (1984–1988, 2000–2014)
  • Akifumi Koyanagi: guitars (1981–1983)
  • Hiroya Fukuda: guitars (1983–1990)
  • Hideaki Nakama: guitars (1990–1991)
  • Takamasa Ohuchi: drums (1981–1992)
  • Hirotsugu Homma: drums (2000–2012)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Member
Vocals Guitars Bass Drums
1985 Anthem Eizo Sakamoto Hiroya Fukuda Naoto Shibata Takamasa Ohuchi
Ready to Ride EP
1986 Tightrope
1987 Bound to Break
1988 Gypsy Ways Yukio Morikawa
1989 Hunting Time
1990 No Smoke Without Fire
1992 Domestic Booty Akio Shimizu
2000 Heavy Metal Anthem Graham Bonnet
2001 Seven Hills Eizo Sakamoto Hirotsugu Homma
2002 Overload
2004 Eternal Warrior
2006 Immortal
2008 Black Empire
2011 Heraldic Device
2012 Burning Oath
2014 Absolute World Yukio Morikawa Isamu Tamaru
2017 Engraved
2019 Nucleus
2020 Explosive!!: Studio Jam Graham Bonnet

Yukio Morikawa

2023 Crimson & Jet Black Yukio Morikawa

Live albums

[edit]
Year Title Member
Vocals Guitars Bass Drums
1987 The Show Carries On! Eizo Sakamoto Hiroya Fukuda Naoto Shibata Takamasa Ohuchi
1992 Last Anthem Yukio Morikawa Akio Shimizu
2003 Live' Melt Down Eizo Sakamoto Hirotsugu Homma
2005 The Show Carries On! – Complete Version Hiroya Fukuda Takamasa Ohuchi
Prologue Live Boxx Akio Shimizu Hirotsugu Homma
2010 Prologue Live Boxx 2
2015 Trimetallic Yukio Morikawa Isamu Tamaru

Compilations

[edit]
  • 1990: Best 1981–1990
  • 1992: Best II 1981–1992
  • 1998: The Very Best of Anthem
  • 2001: Anthem Ways
  • 2005: Official Bootleg (CD version)
  • 2005: Official Bootleg (boxed set)
  • 2007: Core: Best of Anthem 2000–2007
  • 2015: Anthems 2000–2011 (2CDs + DVD)
  • 2019: Nucleus

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Album
1986 Xanadu Non-album Single
1990 Love on the Edge No Smoke Without Fire
2000 Gypsy Ways (Win, Lose or Draw) Heavy Metal Anthem
2001 Grieve of Heart Seven Hills
2002 The Voices Overload
2004 Onslaught Eternal Warrior
2006 Immortal Bind Immortal
2008 Heat of the Night Black Empire
2012 Evil One Burning Oath
2013 Blast Non-album Single
2014 Shine On Absolute World
2017 The Artery Song Engraved
2019 Black Empire Nucleus

Video/DVD

[edit]
  • 1987: The Show Carries On
  • 2001: Back Then
  • 2003: Live' Melt Down: The Show Still Carries On
  • 2005: Anthem 20th Anniversary Tour 2005
  • 2009: Live Immortal
  • 2013: Live Unbroken
  • 2016: 30+

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Anthem Bassist Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer; Japanese Tour Postponed". Blabbermouth.net. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  2. ^ "Anthem interview with Shibata Naoto". metallian.com. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  3. ^ "ABSOLUTE WORLD | Thunderball667". Thunderball667.jp. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  4. ^ "Anthem"Absolute World"トレイラー公開!!". HeavymetalAnthem.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  5. ^ "Japanese metallers ANTHEM Release 'Black Empire' Single From 'Nucleus' Album". Blabbermouth.net. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  6. ^ "Anthem biography". metallian.com. 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
[edit]
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