Yasuharu Takanashi, the prolific composer behind anime soundtracks for Naruto, Fairy Tail, and Log Horizon, is taking his metal project Far East Groove back to Europe with an expanded tour this fall.

The "Battle for Glory" EU Tour kicks off September 30 in Helsinki and runs through mid-October, stopping in Finland, the UK, Poland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Spain. London's Dingwalls on October 2 marks the project's first UK appearance.

Far East Groove, formed in 2024, describes itself as "the bridge between anime soundtrack and heavy metal." The lineup blends international talent with veterans of the metal scene: vocalist Juno Luke, guitarist Nozomu Wakai (SIGH), bassist Jesper Anastasiadis (Turisas), violinist Tuomas Rounakari (ex-Korpiklaani), and drummer Tino Jäntti (Wolfheart). This combination of orchestral strings and pounding rhythms creates something genuinely unique.

The tour follows Far East Groove's 2025 European run, which covered Finland, Italy, and Spain to strong reception. The expanded 2026 schedule suggests the project has built momentum, particularly with the addition of new markets like Poland, Germany, and the UK.

Takanashi's credentials lend credibility to the venture. The Japanese composer-producer has won the JASRAC International Award eight times and spent decades scoring some of anime's most iconic series, including the Naruto franchises, Gantz, Hell Girl, and Shiki. Far East Groove represents a natural extension of his work—taking the orchestral drama he's perfected in anime and amplifying it through a metal lens.

Fans of both anime music and metal will find venues across the continent, from intimate clubs like Warsaw's Hybrydy to larger halls like Paris's Pan Piper. Tickets are available now through each venue's official channels.

For those curious about the sound, Far East Groove's live performance of the Fairy Tail theme at Rock Imperium Fest 2025 offers a glimpse of what to expect: anime melodies reimagined with electric guitars and driving percussion.