A Week Colored by New Music [1/19–1/25]

Hello there.

This is my weekly new music review article, covering releases from 1/19 to 1/25. Focusing on albums, EPs, and singles, I bring you new music that I can confidently recommend. I hope that everyone who reads this finds at least one wonderful new song. Here we go.

#1 "Hanten" (Reverse) / V.W.P

Their 3rd album. It contains a total of 15 tracks, including previously released singles such as the theme songs and insert songs for the adventure game "Kamitsubaki City Kensetsuchu. REGENERATE" and the TV anime "Kamitsubaki City Kensetsuchu.," in which the members themselves participated as voice actors, plus two newly recorded songs. The composers include familiar names such as Hitogoto, Mao Sasagawa, Neuron (Empty old City), Ren, Moimi Kashii, Suisou, and Guiano.
A masterpiece. V.W.P's worldview was already solid, but in this work, the narrative quality has come to the forefront even more, and I think they have acquired a more dramatic expression. Because the composition includes many TV anime theme songs, the songs themselves carry the scenes, and a flow that encompasses openings and climaxes is spread throughout the whole. For Tr.2 through Tr.6, the members take turns as the main vocalist. Each of their individual personalities is sublimated as the core of the song, and the pulling power and presence of their singing voices stand out. The melody lines that naturally bring scenes to mind, the grand and tension-filled orchestral arrangements by Kento Asahina, and the thick backing vocals combine to create a sense of scale that truly shows its worth in a large venue. Even so, at the core is the unchanging V.W.P-ness. As symbolized by Tr.8 "Tsuioku" (Reminiscence), the gaze that snuggles up, prays, and lights a hope is deeply moving. Among the new recordings, Tr.13 "Kotoba" (Words) by Guiano was seriously the best. It had a bounce that moves the body and a power that clears the path ahead. It was announced that they will enter a charging period at the end of March 2026, but that is precisely why the weight of this work has increased. I have already secured my ticket for the 4th one-man live on February 28th, so I want to enjoy it without any regrets.

#2 "FLOW GLOW" / FLOW GLOW

Their 1st album. It contains a total of 9 tracks, including their debut single "FG ROADSTER," 6 previously released singles, plus 2 newly recorded songs and 1 remix.
This is a record that embodies "pop of the new era." While drifting through various atmospheres like sci-fi, Japanese style, and exotic moods, it features pop dance music that has passed through hip-hop and funk. Their strength lies in captivating listeners with their flow, centered around leader Riona Hibiki, who is experienced in both rap and dance. While filled with fresh energy, they carefully ride the beats to create a unique groove. The expression changes with every development, swinging between powerful, cool, cute, and sometimes refreshing. That versatility is precisely because the colors of each of the five members emerge. Among the previously released singles, I especially like Tr.2 "LOAD." Not only the high-speed flow but also the sense of floating created by the melodic approach makes my body feel light. Among the new songs, Tr.3 "PUNISHER" is my favorite; the oriental sound and the chorus are addictive. Tr.8 "stay by my side," which closes the album, features lyrics written by all the members, and I think it will become a song that can be savored at milestones as it continues into the future. Every song has the potential to become a live anthem, so I am looking forward to their one-man live.

#3 "Become" / Hebi

A new single. Breath is breathed back into days that had stopped, and the true self begins to awaken. A song filled with such a positive message. It is finished as a powerful rock number that seems to flap its wings toward where the light of the sky shines, and it naturally pulls your gaze upward. I feel a warm emotion. The stretch and spread of the soulful singing voice are as masterful as ever, and it gently touches the depths of my heart and my tear ducts. There should be a one-man live this year...!

#4 "Crossing Stars (With Hebi)" / Arknights

The 6th anniversary song for the tower defense RPG "Arknights." Welcoming Hebi on vocals, it is a collaboration of "likes" and "likes"! While wearing the essence of the Japanese style that also became the stage for the event, it is a song with a bouncy sound that makes you forget gravity and grabs your body. Centered on upper-tempo EDM with a strong sense of attack, the dynamic compositional beauty that twists and turns is the best. Running through it is the unconstrained singing. While moving between sharpness and suppleness, she sings the beautiful melody line brilliantly. It is seriously cool.

#5 "Taizai" (Seven Deadly Sins) / Zaijuubatsu

A new single. It was first performed at the online live concert held on January 17th, "Petalstride -Aoarashi-." A masterpiece! A song where a wonderful cyber-like tension fills the air while expanding its sense of scale. The divine and smooth melody line and vocals, which are somewhat reminiscent of a higher existence, are extremely cool. Just when you think that, it also has cute and catchy hooks, and that gap is unfair. Furthermore, a drop with an exotic flair explodes, blowing away all reason. It's just perfect. Seriously, please hold your 2nd solo concert as soon as possible.

#6 "FirstNote" / Hime Yumeha

Her first original song. A grand rock number where a quiet tension rises through the strings. It's good that it doesn't become excessive and has a strong, dignified sense of refreshment. The moment it enters the chorus, it pushes forward with a sense of speed that makes your field of vision open up all at once. Her singing voice also never wavered in its outline from beginning to end, stretching out straight. I felt a will to shake off any hesitation.

#7 "Rivals and Equals" / Mori Calliope

Used as an insert song for episode 18 of the TV anime "Gachiakuta," this is a single cut from her 3rd album "DISASTERPIECE," which will be released on February 6th. It's been a while since her last metal number. With an underground atmosphere and tension created by synths, Calliope hammers in words as if biting into them, weaving in her signature rap and even shouts. It has breakthrough power, is sharp, and is cool, but 2 minutes and 20 seconds is honestly too short... it's a shame. I'm happy that the drummer in the MV is Moroishi-san, who plays for Knosis.

#8 "Breakout" / hololive English -Advent-

Their 5th single. A heavy metalcore number?! I was surprised that they were actually using screams. While the chorus has a strength that pushes forward without compromise, it also has a touch of that metal-like cheesiness. On top of that, the beauty unique to female vocals draws a supple line. Since a full mosh is inevitable during the breakdown, I really want to hear this in an all-standing area...

#9 "Id-Entity" / MEDA

Her 6th single. Although the composer is different, traces of her debut song "Sing-ularity" are scattered throughout the intro, making it a song that feels like a "legitimate evolution." MEDA herself participated in the lyrics, and while it contains strong words like "The place I am now is the real me!", it was impressive how she sang with more delicacy than ever, valuing the emotion. The beautiful soundscape that spreads out with a sparkle is filled not only with the future but also with a blessing for having reached this point. I am drawn in by the melody line that races upward. The 7th single released at the same time, "CHEMISTREAM," is also wonderful, so please check it out as well.

#10 "VILLAIN" / Enna Alouette × keiki.

A new single. It is a sophisticated and upbeat EDM track that maintains a solid, floor-ready sense of euphoria. While it is based on cyber textures, the horror-like production created by the noise elements is also captivating. The intentional distortion serves as a great accent. Ena's vocals are also soaring and powerful. I like the slightly dominant feel.

#11 "Love Simulation! ABC!" / Kanon Mashiro

A new single. Following their previous work, this is a pop and lighthearted rock number that incorporates the colorfulness of game music. The liveliness that seems to jump out from the other side of the screen makes me smile. The addictiveness that doesn't rely solely on the chorus is impressive, and before I knew it, I had it on loop. Her cute vocal performance, which playfully handles the spoken-word parts while projecting a heroine-like persona, was also brilliant.

#12 "Time Freeze (feat. xei)" / MIMiNARI

MIMiNARI is a composer unit consisting of nari and sham. This is the first single from their "Detour" project, which features overseas artists. They have welcomed Korean artist xei on vocals. I love xei, so I am so happy about this. It is a track with an impressive, slightly mystical soundscape where snowflakes glisten in the light. The melody also dances as if released from gravity, and the sense of floating is pleasant. It has an elegant beauty. xei's vocals have a beautiful, lighthearted innocence. I feel that the bouncy resonance unique to the Korean language accelerates the sense of comfort.

#13 "Girl is Ghost" / SCANDAL

A new single. In a slightly gloomy atmosphere, the groove created by the crisp, rhythmic beat makes for a truly cool track. It coexists with a sense of floating, and it makes my body sway naturally. The stair-step melody in the chorus is also very memorable, and I am happy that there are more songs that are just right for daily background music. This year marks their 20th anniversary, and there will be a commemorative concert in August. I am looking forward to it.

#14 "Nope (Hollow Point Elysium)" / The Gloom In The Corner

A single cut from their new album "Royal Discordance," which will be released on February 27th. The theatrical progression is business as usual, but this track feels like that "production" has descended one level deeper into the abyss. It is more serious, the tension is tighter, and with the resounding choir, the symphonic elements are brought to the forefront. The solid sense of mass and the pressure that approaches nu-metalcore are also good.

#15 "The Weight of Sound" / Crystal Lake

The long-awaited 7th album. It is their first full-length album in about seven years and the first under the new lineup that welcomed new vocalist John in 2022. It contains a total of 11 tracks, including five previously released singles and six newly recorded songs.
A masterpiece! I am happy that the foundation has not wavered in the slightest. The aggression that makes the hardcore-derived muscles pulsate and the groove unique to metalcore that surges like a muddy stream—these still form the clear core of this work. It is something that the only original member, guitarist Yudai, has continued to protect, and now that the blood of the current lineup has been poured into it, the heartbeat that has begun to circulate again is reconstructing this soundscape. It is a record sharpened with an attitude like a double-edged sword. Within the roughness, there is surprising flexibility and artisan-like precision; no matter how much it is handled, it is polished each time, increasing its sharpness. I feel a flowing, elegant coating. The mysterious, well-defined guitar riffs that feel like melting snow are the very outline of the sound that symbolizes them. Yet, inside, there is an emotion that is always burning. Vocalist John's screams are not only powerful but also have a wide range, so the expressive power of the melodious vocal lines shines through. The personal, pain-filled lyrics he wrote are fresh, and thanks to that, the lyricism that makes you want to raise your fist and sing along stands out even more strongly. While it is the orientation of veterans with over 20 years of career, it also connects to their awareness of arena-class anthemic quality. The title track is by far a masterpiece, but among the new recordings, Tr. 5 'The Undertow' and Tr. 10 'Don't Breathe' particularly shook my heart. Tr. 11 'Coma Wave' has an impressive piano part, and it was a closing track that I was convinced would shine live, possessing a depth that only the current Crystal Lake could reach. They remain my favorite band in the world, the best in the world. I am truly glad they recovered. I am looking forward to it because they will surely show their true value even more in their live performances.

#16 'Lost' / Catch Your Breath

A new single. A song said to depict the aftermath of a relationship that ended without closure. The composition is skillful, as it gradually brings the outline of emotions to the surface, as if something is approaching as it heads toward the chorus. It has a dramatic development beauty that reminds one of a movie theme song. Vocalist Josh's singing voice also has a poignant nuance that shines through the beauty. I am looking forward to their Japan tour in May.

#17 'DeViLs' / JILUKA

The 6th single of their Electro x Gothic x Metal (EGM) series. This is the song that was first unveiled at their one-man live concert on November 18th last year. I still haven't forgotten the shock of that time, but listening to it again, it's insane. The overwhelming power and speed that mow everything down, and the 'muscle-brained' feel are irresistible. It is coated with symphonically resounding choirs and the aesthetic sense unique to Visual Kei, and it is brilliant how it raises the level of perfection. The abnormal sense of drive in the breakdown that drops down after the build-up by guitarist Sena's rap is so crazy I can't help but laugh. I really want JILUKA to reach the top of the world at this rate; they are seriously one-of-a-kind.

That concludes my impressions of the 3 albums and 14 singles released between 1/19 and 1/25. Thank you for reading this far. If you have any other recommended songs or requests, please feel free to comment. Also, if you felt it was even a little good, it would be a great encouragement if you could press the 'Like' button (you can press it even without a note account) or share it. Following is also very welcome. Thank you!
※Click here for last week's new music impressions.