ANTHEM xanadu K12P648
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Artist = ANTHEM
Title = xanadu
Label = NEXUS
Catalog# = K12P648
Barcode = 4988003014186
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1986
RPM = 45rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
2trk, a1.xanadu b1.xanadu act2
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A Video Game Quest: Anthem’s ‘Xanadu’ 12-Inch Single (K12P 648)
Let’s explore a fascinating and unique release from Japanese heavy metal band Anthem. This is their 1986 12-inch single, “Xanadu,” released on the Nexus label (King Records) with the catalog number K12P 648.
Issued on December 21, 1986, this 45 RPM vinyl holds a very special place in Japanese music history. It served as the official image song for Nihon Falcom’s mega-hit computer RPG, “Xanadu,” and is considered one of Japan’s first-ever image songs created for a computer game.
The single features two tracks, “Xanadu” (Side A) and “Xanadu Act II” (Side B), both performed by the classic early Anthem lineup. Despite being a video game tie-in, the music is pure, high-quality Anthem. “Xanadu” is a powerful, mid-tempo heavy metal song featuring a strong, melancholic melody, impressive chorus work, a prominent bass line, and the youthful, soaring vocals of Eizo Sakamoto, all driven by the band’s signature powerful instrumentation.
Interestingly, despite being credited to Anthem, this release is often not counted as part of the band’s official main discography. This is possibly due to the rights being held by the game’s publisher or the band later viewing it as a side project.
For fans and collectors, K12P 648 is a fantastic find. It’s not just a rare Anthem release; it’s a historical crossover item linking the golden age of J-Metal with the golden age of Japanese PC gaming, showcasing the band delivering a high-quality, earnest track for the project. The release originally came with an inner lyric sheet.