Hideki Taniuchi & Yoshihisa Hirano: Death Note (Colored Vinyl) Vinyl 2LP Hideki Taniuchi & Yoshihisa Hirano

Death Note is better known as an anime in the USA (thanks to a well-received run on Adult Swim) but began as a manga series in Japan, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The comic ran from 2003-2006 in Weekly Shonen Jump, and spawned a series of novels, video games, and a 2017 live action film adaptation commissioned by Netflix. The story begins in Tokyo, where high school prodigy Light Yagami finds the a notebook known as the “Death Note”, a mysterious notebook which can kill anyone that the user knows by name and face. He chooses to use his powers anonymously to create a utopia – murdering criminals and other undesirables, to both the joy and terror of society at large. The story integrates many elements of Japanese folklore while considering the themes of the conflict between liberty and security, Death Note is considered one of the more sophisticated works of fiction in response to the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks. Available here is the score for the anime adaptation by Studio Madhouse in 1997, arranged and produced by Hideki Taniuchi & Yoshihisa Hirano. A mix of orchestral drama and rugged rock-based tracks, the tracks here demonstrate prog-rock virtuosity and eerie melodrama alike, a vibrant and rollicking listen. Features 28 tracks across two white LPs and features remastered audio. Officially licensed by VAP Inc.

• clear double colored vinyl pressing
• first time this soundtrack has been released officially on vinyl
• gatefold sleeve designed by Sam Pfannkuche
• limited edition
• music label: Tiger Lab 2019

reviewed by LINN SONMAY 01/2020