The Gong of Knockout by popular Japanese electronicore band Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas is the newest opening theme song to the ongoing anime series Baki: Most Evil Death Row Convicts. Besides live versions of the song, up until now only the shortened anime version was available. Now, you can stream and download it to your heat’s content.

This is an intense song with a melody that grips the listener fiercely without letting go, gradually unravelling into a hectic, heart-throbbing tune. 

Las Vegas performed at Namba Hatch, Osaka in memory of the band’s bassist Kei, who unexpectedly passed away of acute heart failure on January 12 this year. The live concert was called Thanks to You All.

It was announced on the official website for the electronicore band Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas that bassist Kei suddenly passed away of acute heart failure in the night at his home on Saturday.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday by his close relatives. On the band’s website it explains, “The suddenness of this incident is a reality that has not sunk in with the band members and staff.”

It continues, “He was a precious, irreplaceable being. We wish him happiness in the next life and sincerely thank all of you for your tremendous support during his life.”

The band has cancelled its planned album release, tour and “MEGA VEGAS” event. Details on refunds will be announced in a separate post.

The website post ends, “Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas plans to continue its activities. We hope you will watch over us warmly until the day we see you all again.”

The original soundtrack to the ongoing TV anime series BAKI will be released on December 12, 2018.

BAKI is a hugely popular series currently available on Netflix and is being aired in Japan on Tokyo MX1 and six other channels. Kenji Fujisawa is responsible for the soundtrack. Fujisawa is a guitarist who has appeared in music videos and live performances for a long list of artists and is also a music composer, having provided soundtracks for GeGeGe no Kitaro and Ninja Slayer From Animation (2015). The soundtrack features performances from taiko drum player Hiroshi Motofuji as well Yaiba who has performed music for Naruto Shippuden and Fairy Tail.

The OST features 50 tracks spanning across two discs as well as 7 additional BGM tracks that were included with volume 14 of Baki-Dou.

Takanori Nishikawa is in charge of the ending theme song for the upcoming anime series Gakuen Basara and has announced that the track will be available for purchased on October 5.

Nishikawa is collaborating with Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas for the song which is titled Be Affected. It’s described as a fast paced rock number with lyrics expressing gratitude for life. This is the first time for the two artists to collaborate.

Pre-orders for the single are now open. Pre-ordering will give you access to an exclusive Gakuen Basara digital wallpaper.

“Be Affected”×”Gakuen Basara” Collaborative Music Video

Inazuma Rock Festival 2018 will take place from September 22 to 24. Takanori Nishikawa will perform at the event on September 22 and Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas on September 23.

Comment From Takanori Nishikawa

“It’s been a while! ‘Gakuen Basara’ is a long-cherished anime of mine, and I can’t hide my happiness at the fact it’s starting! It’s a spin-off series and will be different from the other anime series and games to date, but personally that’s something I genuinely want to enjoy. That’s why I thought to take a different approach to songwriting this time and collaborated with Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas who I’ve been friends with for a while. I hope everyone looks forward to the song as much as the series.”

Comment From Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

“We somehow receive an offer from Nishikawa and worked on a collaborative track which is a first for this band! We’re truly grateful to have received such a valuable opportunity! Please be sure to listen to the song and hear the chemical reaction between Las Vegas’ music and Nishkawa’s voice!

The anime series will premiere on TBS on October 4 and then on BS-TBS on October 6. The opening theme song will be performed by virtual idols EIGHT OF TRIANGLE.