BACK-ON have been part of anime music’s global rise for over two decades. With ‘ANIMANIA’, the Japanese rap-rock duo aren’t revisiting that world as guests, they’re walking back in as architects. The 4-track cover EP is out now, and it’s a confident, energetic celebration of a musical identity they helped build.
The lead single “Guess Who Is Back” sets the tone immediately. Originally performed by J-pop superstar Kumi Koda for the anime Black Clover, the track was composed by BACK-ON themselves, with lyrics co-written alongside Koda. It’s racked up over 42 million Spotify streams since its original release, and BACK-ON’s reimagining brings it fully into their lane.
“Out of all the songs we’ve provided for other artists, this one really felt the most ‘us’,” says KENJI03. “When the idea for this EP came up, this was the first track we picked, no question.” TEEDA adds that the focus was on channeling BACK-ON’s signature style rather than leaning on shout vocals, letting the track breathe in a way that feels distinctly theirs.
The animated lyric video, produced by UK-based 12 Inch Media (known for work with Bring Me The Horizon, Ed Sheeran, and Oasis), matches the track’s intensity and anime spirit with real visual energy.
‘ANIMANIA’ also includes BACK-ON’s take on “PRIDE” from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, the One Piece theme “HANDS UP!” which BACK-ON originally wrote, and “GO!!!” by longtime peers FLOW, the track known worldwide as a defining opening theme for Naruto. The EP draws on songs connected to Fairy Tail, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Kamen Rider, franchises that have carried BACK-ON’s music to audiences across the globe.
The sold-out ANIMANIA live shows late last year proved the appetite is there. The EP delivers on every bit of that momentum.