It’s one of the most iconic scenes in modern Japanese animation. Three young friends converse near a wall that’s protected their homeland for a century, when a colossal monster appears before their eyes, smashing through the wall and putting an abrupt end to their peaceful lives.
This moment from “Attack on Titan” has been reproduced, parodied and even turned into a statue. But it wouldn’t have had nearly the same impact if it hadn’t been accompanied by a haunting piece of music from composer Hiroyuki Sawano.
“Attack on Titan” is just one of the many anime series and films featuring music by Sawano, 40, who has also composed for live-action and released multiple albums as a solo artist under the moniker SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]. Starting Feb. 12, a selection of the composer’s anime discography will become available for digital purchase and streaming worldwide for the first time. Among them are the soundtracks for “Blue Exorcist,” “Kill la Kill,” “Promare” and “The Seven Deadly Sins.”