Instrumental metal band ASTERISM released their seven-song digital album, PLANET OF METAL, for streaming and download worldwide on May 22. What makes PLANET OF METAL special is the collaboration with the manga artist and illustrator Acky Bright. While it is not ASTERISM’s first time collaborating with other artists, this album brings not only Bright’s illustrated album artwork, but also a special 28-page A4-sized full-color music book that will be released June 26.

The artists met last year at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, where the two forces decided to utilize their unique skill sets to bring something new to life. The result is PLANET OF METAL, an album with a story:

Welcome to PLANET OF METAL, located at the edge of the galaxy.

A mysterious curse is causing the creatures here to go berserk.
According to legend, this curse comes from a Mecha Skull hidden on the planet.

ASTERISM, along with Zom-chan, a zombie they rescued during their travels, set out to stop the curse and bring peace back to the desolate planet. However, their journey is impeded by monsters influenced by the Mecha Skull.

The battle to control the Mecha Skull and save the planet’s core essence, its metal soul, is about to begin.

With the colorful concept and characters created by Bright, and the epic story narrated by ASTERISM’s skillful and aggressive music; each song on the album’s tracklist features a different enemy to defeat, making it a battle track of epic proportions.

You can stream or download the album online now, and pre-order their music book here. Limited edition PLANET OF METAL merchandise featuring designs by Acky Bright are available internationally. Overseas fans can purchase via the special album website.

The collaboration between these artists doesn’t end there. They teamed up for “POM POM PLAY – INSTAGRAM LIVE”, a weekly 30-minute livestreaming event on Instagram, featuring manga drawing and music sessions. The next one will be on June 6, so be sure to tune in!

About ASTERISM

ASTERISM is a three-member heavy metal band, consisting of HAL-CA on guitar, MIYU on bass, and MIO on drums. The trio met at a music competition as teenagers, and since then, they have developed a reputation with music fans across the globe for their intricate, technical displays in the studio and on stage.

ASTERISM aims for further global expansion with a new genre “MASS METAL” which means “a metal that reaches, resonates, and is loved by the masses”, based on their meticulously composed music and their unique pop sensibilities. Most recently, they performed at FOX_FEST at the Saitama Super Arena, where they appeared with a handful of other groups, including BABYMETAL.

About Acky Bright

Acky Bright is an internationally recognized manga artist and illustrator, renowned for his captivating “kawakakkoii” style drawings that pay homage to the golden age of Japanese manga and anime.

Aside from manga and character designs, he has lent his talents to DC Comics and Hasbro, enraptured audiences across Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York with captivating live-drawing exhibitions. On top of all this, he has brought to life the official coloring book for Netflix’s viral Korean drama Squid Game, just to name a few of his many impressive projects.