The original soundtrack for the TV anime *Dark Machine: The Animation* will be released on December 9, 2026. The music was composed by Sugizo, a guitarist and music producer known for his work with Luna Sea and X JAPAN.
Dark Machine is a project centered on esports and anime. This soundtrack also marks Sugizo’s debut as an anime composer. In addition, a “Talk & Sign” event to celebrate the album’s release is scheduled to take place on the day of its release.
The Story of a Gamer in the Future of Japan
“Dark Machine: The Animation” is an original TV anime set in Japan in the not-too-distant future. The main character, Kairi, strives to become the best player in "Dark Machine," an esports game that is extremely popular around the world.
This anime has already started airing. You can find more information at Official website for Dark Machine: The Animation.
A lineup of musicians supporting Sugizo
Through this soundtrack, listeners are invited to immerse themselves in the dark and rich soundscape created by Sugizo. He is supported by musicians from various genres.
Here are some of them:
- MaZDA, a core member of the Cosmic Dance Quintet, Sugizo’s live band
- Ubar-Tumar, track producer
- ATLOS, Vocaloid producer
- Sena, guitarist for the visual-kei band Jiluka
- Shinobu, a member of Creature Creature, led by Morrie
- Kasuhiro Bessho (keyboards), Kenji Yoshiura (percussion), Yukino Matsuura (drums), and Shinpei Ruike (trumpet) from the jazz-rock band Sugizo, Shag
- Komaki (drums and percussion) from C.D.Q.
Theme songs by BUCK∞TICK and the Third-Generation J Soul Brothers
This album features the TV-length versions of the opening theme “Sonzai Riyu Kai” by BUCK∞TICK and the ending theme “Galaxy Mode” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
There’s also an insert song titled “Pitch Black,” performed by Stellatus. This idol group also serves as the “Dark Machine” brand ambassador within the story. The song features vocals by Aluk (Nao Toyama), Spica (Rei Nakashima), and Denebola (Nonoka Obuchi), with a fast-paced dance arrangement by Taku Inoue.
“Pitch Black” will first be available on streaming services and for digital download starting November 11, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. JST, or November 10, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. WIB.
CD and LP Editions
This soundtrack is available in two formats. Here are the details:
- Standard Edition (2 CDs): VTCL-60711~60712, featuring 40 tracks, including the original score, theme songs, and insert songs. Price: 4,400 yen (tax included).
- Analog edition (2 LPs): VTJL-63~64, featuring a selection of songs curated personally by Sugizo. Price: 6,600 yen (tax included).
The album artwork has also been revealed. The original illustrations were created by Hidetaka Tenjin, the series’ mecha designer, who is known for his work on the Macross and Gundam series.
Disc 1 Track List
- Dark Machine
- "Sonzai Riyu Kai" (TV Edit) by BUCK∞TICK
- Shinsekai
- Get Lost!!
- Battlefield
- Aqua City
- Confrontation
- Aldabil
- Losing the Carbuncle
- Carbuncle Dominates
- Carbuncle Victory
- Golden Valley
- Strain
- Gamers Life
- Senritsu
- Great Cluster
- Defeat
- Kizuna
- Reminisce
- Neba-Giba
Disc 2 Track List
- The Theme of Senkihai
- Musculars
- Saisei
- Pitch Black by Stellatus
- What Is Your Purpose?
- Stellatus
- Joy
- Despair
- Melancholia
- Why Are You Here?
- Triumph
- Bon Voyage
- Sentimental
- Rudra
- Last Fight
- Gündëal
- Kaisou
- Glory
- Betsuri ~The Finale
- "Galaxy Mode" (TV Version) by Sandaime J Soul Brothers
Available on streaming services
Starting December 9, 2026, this soundtrack will also be available on major streaming services and download platforms such as the iTunes Store, Rekochoku, and mora. The following streaming services are listed:
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- YouTube Music
- LINE Music
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- AWA
- Rakuten Music
- KKBOX
- Tower Records Music
About Sugizo
Sugizo is a composer, guitarist, violinist, and music producer. He has performed on the global stage as a member of Luna Sea and X JAPAN, while also creating electronic music as a solo artist and composing soundtracks for films and stage productions.
In 2020, he revived the psychedelic jam band Shag after a 12-year hiatus. In 2022, he launched the clothing brand “THE ONENESS,” which promotes the concept of “rock-inspired ethical fashion.” Sugizo is also known for his activism on issues of peace, human rights, and refugee support, as well as renewable energy, the environment, and volunteering in disaster-stricken areas. You can follow him on official website, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
For those of you who are following *Dark Machine: The Animation* or are fans of Luna Sea and X JAPAN, this soundtrack by Sugizo is definitely worth adding to your wish list for this coming December.
