Myth & Roid
Myth & Roid (stylized as MYTH & ROID) is a Japanese pop rock music unit formed in Tokyo on August 26, 2015, centered around producer and guitarist Tom-H@ck and lyricist and concept creator hotaru, with current vocalist KIHOW providing English and Japanese vocals since 2017.[1][2] The group blends sharp, catchy melodies with electronic and rock elements, evoking a fusion of myth and futuristic android themes, and has gained prominence for contributing theme songs to major anime productions.[3][4] Originally debuting with vocalist Mayu Maeshima (who left in 2017 to pursue a solo career), Myth & Roid released their first single "L.L.L." on August 26, 2015, as the opening theme for the anime Overlord, which topped iTunes charts in multiple genres.[3][2] Their discography includes notable singles like "Paradisus-Paradoxum" (opening for Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 2), "HYDRA" (opening for Overlord Season 3), and "Remembrance" (theme for Saga of Tanya the Evil movie), alongside mini-albums such as AZUL (2023) and VERDE (2024), and the 2024 single "NOX LUX" (opening for Re:Zero Season 3).[5][3] The unit has also performed at events like Animethon and released original works, establishing a global fanbase through their international sound and collaborations with anime studios, with ongoing tours including the 2025 "Loved all long" summer tour.[6][4][7]Background
Formation and Concept
Myth & Roid was formed in Tokyo on August 26, 2015, in Japan by Tom-H@ck and hotaru under the Media Factory label, establishing the group as a core creative duo at its inception.[8] Tom-H@ck serves as the guitarist, composer, and producer, handling the musical composition and overall production, while hotaru acts as the lyricist and story planner, developing narrative-driven concepts that underpin the band's output.[8] The band's initial concept positioned it as a pop rock unit that integrates music with visual and narrative elements to construct immersive, fantastical worlds, drawing inspiration from the demands of anime production.[9] This multimedia approach emphasizes storytelling through song lyrics and accompanying visuals, aiming to evoke emotional depth and mythical atmospheres akin to anime narratives.[10] The debut was strategically linked to anime theme song opportunities, allowing the group to align its sound with dynamic, story-rich contexts from the outset.[8] To cultivate a sense of enigma, Myth & Roid has maintained secrecy regarding its full membership, revealing only the core duo and rotating vocalists—such as the initial singer Mayu, followed by KIHOW—to preserve a "mythical" aura.[8] This deliberate anonymity enhances the band's artistic vision, focusing on the collective narrative rather than individual identities, and supports its role as a versatile creative entity in multimedia entertainment.[9]Name Origin
The name Myth & Roid, stylized in all caps, is a portmanteau derived from "myth," evoking ancient legends and storytelling traditions associated with the past, and "roid," a truncation of "android," symbolizing synthetic beings and futuristic technology.[11] This combination intentionally merges organic, mythical elements with mechanical innovation, reflecting the unit's core artistic identity as a bridge between historical narratives and forward-looking sci-fi concepts.[11] The nomenclature was chosen to signify the creation of a "new world" by fusing these contrasting realms, extending beyond music to encompass immersive visuals and thematic storytelling that blend fantasy's ethereal qualities with android-like precision and evolution.[8] By drawing influences from sci-fi and fantasy genres, the name underscores the unit's positioning as a flexible "creative unit" rather than a conventional band structure, enabling dynamic collaborations among its core members in production, lyrics, and vocals.[11]Members
Current Members
Myth & Roid's current lineup consists of three core members who form the creative backbone of the unit, focusing on production, lyrics, and vocals to craft their signature sound blending electronic and rock elements. These individuals handle the composition, narrative development, and performance aspects, ensuring a cohesive artistic vision across their works.[11] Tom-H@ck, born May 13, 1985, in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, serves as the primary composer, guitarist, and producer for Myth & Roid. As a founding member and total producer, he oversees arrangements, instrumentation, and the overall final product, drawing from his background in electronic and rock production to create dynamic, media-ready tracks. His involvement extends to global hit songs and anime themes, where he discovered and integrated vocalist Kihow into the group, contributing to their international appeal.[11][12][13] hotaru, whose real name is Sakakida Wataru, is the unit's lyricist and concept creator, also a founding member responsible for story planning. He specializes in developing intricate storylines that seamlessly integrate with the music and visuals, providing narrative depth to Myth & Roid's output. With prior experience writing lyrics for numerous artists and hit products, including anime and game themes, hotaru maintains a low public profile, emphasizing his behind-the-scenes role in shaping the group's mysterious, fantastical world.[11][14] Kihow has been the vocalist since 2017, delivering versatile performances characterized by her "rainbow-colored voice" that spans emotive and powerful ranges suitable for anime themes. A returnee from living abroad, she is proficient in singing both English and Japanese, enhancing the unit's bilingual accessibility. In 2021, Kihow released theme songs for the drama Boiled, Shrimp & Crab in collaboration with MOS.[11][15][16][17]Former Members
Mayu Maeshima served as the lead vocalist of Myth & Roid from its formation in August 2015 until her departure in November 2017.[18][19] Prior to joining the band, she had begun her music career as an independent recording artist in Tokyo.[20] During her tenure, Maeshima delivered powerful, high-energy vocals that defined the band's early sound, notably on debut singles such as "L.L.L.," the ending theme for the anime Overlord.[3][21] Her contributions helped establish Myth & Roid's reputation for dynamic anime theme songs, including tracks for Overlord.[18] Maeshima left the band to pursue a solo career, marking a natural progression in her artistic journey rather than any reported internal conflicts.[19] This change emphasized finding a vocal style that better aligned with the band's evolving musical concepts. Since departing, she has built a successful independent career, making her major debut in 2019 and performing theme songs for anime like Re:Zero and Full Dive: This Ultimate Next-Gen Full Dive RPG Is Even Shittier than Real Life!.[22] In 2025, she expanded her international presence with performances in Africa, including a concert in Egypt as part of the Japan Foundation's anime music event.[23] The departure of Maeshima enabled Myth & Roid to adapt its sound for subsequent anime projects, introducing a fresh vocal approach that sustained the band's growth and versatility.[18]Musical Style and Influences
Genre and Sound
Myth & Roid's music is primarily classified as pop rock, blending electronic, symphonic, and industrial elements to create a distinctive sound within the J-pop landscape. This genre fusion is evident in their use of heavy guitar riffs that drive the rhythm section, complemented by electronic synths that add atmospheric depth and texture.[24][25][26] The dynamic builds in their compositions often escalate from subtle introductions to intense climaxes, contributing to a sense of progression and intensity that defines their tracks.[27] A hallmark of their signature sound is the dual-layered vocals, where a lead voice is supported by rich harmonies to produce a layered, immersive effect. This vocal approach contrasts aggressive, anthemic choruses—marked by powerful delivery and rhythmic drive—with more introspective verses that build emotional tension through melodic subtlety.[28][27] Their thematic elements frequently evoke despair, power, and fantasy, drawing listeners into narrative-driven sonic worlds that emphasize emotional duality and otherworldly atmospheres.[27][29] The band's musical evolution reflects a shift from predominantly rock-oriented compositions in their formative years to more expansive arrangements in later works. Early releases leaned heavily on guitar-driven rock structures with electronic accents, establishing a raw, energetic foundation.[24] Over time, they incorporated symphonic and orchestral elements, such as sweeping strings and brass, to heighten the dramatic scale and add a cinematic grandeur to their sound.[25][30] This progression has allowed for greater versatility, maintaining core pop rock roots while exploring broader sonic palettes.[27]Production Techniques
Myth & Roid's production process is characterized by a collaborative yet sequential workflow led by core members Tom-H@ck and hotaru, emphasizing narrative-driven music that blends technical precision with artistic storytelling. Tom-H@ck, handling composition, arrangement, and production, employs a multi-instrumental approach where he performs and layers multiple elements himself to craft dense, immersive soundscapes.[31] He focuses on integrating guitars with digital synths, utilizing approximately 80% analog synths as of 2017 to create a hybrid analog-digital mix that produces a three-dimensional audio experience designed to resonate through various playback systems like speakers and headphones.[31] This layering technique draws from influences in industrial and loud rock, reconstructing heavy sounds with electronic elements for emotional depth, as seen in tracks that build chaotic yet structured progressions.[32] Hotaru contributes by writing lyrics after the music is composed, ensuring they align with the established sonic narrative and thematic arcs to enhance the overall story.[33] This post-composition lyric integration allows for tailored phrasing that fits the melody's rhythm and mood, often incorporating bilingual Japanese-English elements to broaden global accessibility while maintaining poetic intensity.[33] For instance, English phrases are strategically placed to evoke universality in themes of conflict and desire, challenging conventional anime song structures without sacrificing catchiness.[33] The band's production extends beyond audio into visual elements, where concept art and music video direction reinforce the musical storytelling to create a cohesive multimedia experience.[31] Album artwork and MV visuals are designed to mimic film soundtracks, using striking motifs—like rainbow-colored eyes or mythical sculptures—to visually extend the narrative arcs developed in the music and lyrics.[31] This synergy aims to immerse listeners in a fantasy world, with production choices prioritizing a "Pixar-like" integration of sound and image for heightened emotional impact.[31]History
2015–2017: Formation and Early Years
Myth & Roid was formed in 2015 by producer Tom-H@ck and lyricist hotaru, with vocalist Mayu Maeshima joining to provide the band's distinctive sound during its initial phase. The unit made its major debut on August 26, 2015, with the single "L.L.L.," which served as the ending theme for the anime series Overlord.[34] The track peaked at No. 29 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and remained on the chart for eight weeks, marking the band's entry into the anisong scene.[35] Following their debut, Myth & Roid released several singles that tied into popular anime, further solidifying their presence. On February 24, 2016, they issued "ANGER/ANGER," the ending theme for BBK/BRNK, which peaked at No. 82 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.[35] On May 25, 2016, they issued "STYX HELIX," the ending theme for the first cour of Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, which reached No. 26 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and charted for twelve weeks.[35] Later that year, on August 24, 2016, the single "Paradisus-Paradoxum" was released as the opening theme for the second cour of Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, peaking at No. 24 on the Oricon chart. These releases, featuring Maeshima's powerful vocals, helped the band gain traction among anime fans through viral exposure from the series.[36] In 2017, Myth & Roid compiled their early work into their debut studio album, eYe's, released on April 26. The album included tracks from their previous singles, such as "L.L.L.," "STYX HELIX," and "Paradisus-Paradoxum," alongside new material, all showcasing Maeshima's vocal contributions. It debuted at No. 10 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, reflecting the growing popularity built from their anime collaborations.[37] During this period, the band began performing at small venues and anime-related events in Japan, fostering a dedicated fanbase through intimate live shows that highlighted their dynamic sound.[38]2017–2020: Transition and Growth
In late 2017, Myth & Roid experienced a pivotal transition in its lineup when founding vocalist Mayu Maeshima announced her graduation from the group on November 6 to pursue a solo career, having contributed to the unit since its 2015 debut. Earlier that year, Kihow had joined as the new lead vocalist after being scouted by producer Tom-H@ck, marking a seamless shift that preserved the group's signature blend of electronic rock and anime-inspired themes while introducing her distinctive vocal range.[39] This period of adaptation coincided with key releases that solidified the group's presence in the anisong scene. Their fifth single, "Jingo Jungle," released on February 8, 2017, peaked at number 22 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and charted for 13 weeks, reflecting sustained fan engagement amid the vocalist change. Building on this, the sixth single "HYDRA," issued on February 7, 2018, reached number 33 on the same chart and stayed for five weeks, further demonstrating the unit's evolving sound under Kihow's tenure.[35][35] By 2020, Myth & Roid marked a milestone of consolidation with the release of their debut compilation album, Museum: The Best of Myth & Roid, on March 4. This retrospective collection compiled 16 tracks, including all singles up to their tenth and prominent anime tie-up songs such as "L.L.L." and "STYX HELIX," offering fans a curated overview of the group's early catalog without new remixes. The album underscored their deepening ties to anime soundtracks while highlighting artistic growth from 2015 onward.[40] Parallel to these studio efforts, the group expanded its live footprint, conducting initial major tours across Japan in 2018 and 2019 to connect with domestic audiences through intimate one-man performances. This domestic push complemented emerging international exposure, including their European debut at AnimagiC 2018 in Germany, where they performed to enthusiastic crowds and broadened their global fanbase. Concurrently, streaming platforms like Spotify facilitated wider accessibility, with tracks from this era accumulating millions of plays and driving recognition beyond Japan.[41]2021–2023: Solo Ventures and EPs
In 2021, vocalist Kihow of Myth & Roid participated in a notable collaboration with the anisong group Mili, contributing vocals to the track "In Hell We Live, Lament" for the game Limbus Company, released on December 20 as a digital single.[42] This project highlighted Kihow's individual vocal talents outside the band's core output while maintaining her role in Myth & Roid.[43] The band also expanded its presence through increased digital releases, including the single "BRILLIANT BRIGHT" on April 7, making their music more accessible on global streaming platforms. That year, Myth & Roid marked a milestone with their first online solo concert, "EMOTIONAL SHOWCASE," streamed worldwide on September 25 via the Stagecrowd platform, allowing fans to experience a full performance amid ongoing global restrictions.[44] Building on this virtual format, the band shifted to in-person live events in subsequent years, conducting the "deeper and closer" one-man tour in late 2022 with additional performances across five locations, including Tokyo and Osaka, to foster closer connections with audiences.[45] In 2023, Myth & Roid released their concept mini album AZUL on October 25 as Episode 1 of a new narrative series, featuring tracks such as "2024–present: Anniversaries and Tours
In 2024, Myth & Roid released their concept mini album Episode 2: Verde on March 27, serving as the second installment in a narrative series exploring themes of sculpture and emotion through seven tracks, including "Palette of Passion" and "DiLeMMa."[47] This EP built upon the experimental foundations laid in prior releases, emphasizing the duo's signature blend of electronic and rock elements. Later that year, on October 10, the group contributed the ending theme "Nox Lux" to the third season of the anime Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, a dramatic track composed, arranged, and written by the band members KIHOW and Tom-H@ck.[48] Marking their 10th anniversary in 2025, Myth & Roid collaborated with OxT on the track "Greatest Gloria," featured on the Overlord 10th Anniversary Ultimate Sound Album released digitally on April 25, which compiles iconic anime theme songs alongside new material.[49] This partnership extended to live performances, including the "OxT, MYTH & ROID 10th Anniversary Two-man Live 2025" scheduled for December 7 at Shimokitazawa Shangri-La in Tokyo, showcasing joint sets that highlighted their shared history with the Overlord series.[50] Complementing these celebrations, the group embarked on their One Man Live 2025 Summer Tour titled "Loved all long," culminating in a headline show at Zepp Shinjuku on July 27, where they performed a setlist drawing from their discography and incorporated guest appearances to engage fans.[51] Expanding their global presence, Myth & Roid participated in their first African performances in October 2025 as part of the 33rd Cairo International Arab Music Festival, joining former vocalist Mayu Maeshima and sajou no hana for concerts on October 17 and 24 at venues including Wisdom Hall and Malaaz, promoting Japanese anime music to international audiences.[23] Throughout this period, the band maintained fan engagement through ongoing media, notably KIHOW's solo radio series KIHOW's 弾けるRADIO on their official fan club platform, with episodes updating monthly into late 2025 to discuss tour reflections, creative processes, and personal anecdotes.[52]Contributions to Anime
Notable Theme Songs
Myth & Roid has contributed several theme songs to prominent anime series, particularly within the isekai genre, blending electronic rock elements with dramatic vocals to enhance narrative tension. Their debut single "L.L.L." served as the ending theme for the first season of Overlord in 2015, capturing the series' dark fantasy atmosphere through its intense rhythm and lyrics exploring obsession and loyalty; the single peaked at No. 29 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.[53][54] The band's second single "STYX HELIX" was used as the first ending theme for Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World in 2016, accompanying the initial cour of the first season and reflecting the protagonist's psychological struggles with its haunting melody and mythological references; it reached No. 24 on the Oricon chart. "Paradisus-Paradoxum," their fourth single, functioned as the second opening theme for the latter half of Re:Zero's first season, emphasizing themes of paradox and rebirth that align with the story's time-loop mechanics, and charted at No. 24 on Oricon.[55][36] Their second single "ANGER/ANGER" (2016) served as the ending theme for the first cour of Bubuki Buranki, incorporating aggressive electronic beats to match the mecha action series' high-energy battles; it peaked at No. 24 on the Oricon chart.[56][57] In 2018, Myth & Roid provided multiple contributions to Overlord. The single "HYDRA" acted as the ending theme for the second season, evoking multiplicity and regeneration to mirror the series' undead motifs, peaking at No. 33 on the Oricon weekly chart. Later that year, "VORACITY" opened the third season, its aggressive beats and voracious lyrics underscoring Ainz Ooal Gown's conquests, and the single attained No. 47 on Oricon.[58][59][49] "Jingo Jungle," released in 2017 as the band's fifth single, opened Saga of Tanya the Evil (also known as Youjo Senki), an isekai tale of war and reincarnation, with its militaristic tempo and jungle warfare imagery; it achieved a career-high No. 22 position on the Oricon chart at the time. The group further solidified their isekai ties in 2019 with "PANTA RHEI" as the opening theme for Isekai Cheat Magician, its flowing rhythms symbolizing the protagonists' adaptation to a new world, peaking at No. 26 on Oricon. That same year, "TIT FOR TAT" opened Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, capturing the series' comedic yet tense isekai premise with sharp, retaliatory lyrics; it reached No. 90 on Oricon. Also in 2019, "shadowgraph" served as the opening for Boogiepop and Others, blending shadowy synths with introspective vocals to suit the psychological thriller's enigmatic tone; it peaked at No. 40 on Oricon.[60][61][62][63] In 2022, "Endless Embrace" was the ending theme for Made in Abyss Season 2, its ethereal melodies underscoring the series' themes of exploration and loss in the unforgiving depths.[64] More recently, "NOX LUX" served as the ending theme for Re:Zero's third season in 2024–2025, delving into light and darkness duality to parallel the arc's emotional depth, marking a return to the series after earlier contributions. Additionally, digital singles such as 2022 variants of "shadowgraph" supported non-anime media tie-ins, expanding their sound beyond traditional TV themes.[48]Impact and Recognition
Myth & Roid has established itself as a pioneer in crafting soundtracks for isekai anime, particularly through their signature blend of rock and electronic elements that evoke epic, otherworldly narratives. Their contributions to series such as Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Overlord, and Isekai Cheat Magician have helped define the genre's auditory landscape, combining aggressive guitar riffs with pulsating synths to mirror themes of alternate worlds and high-stakes adventures. This innovative fusion has set a benchmark for anisong production, influencing later units to experiment with hybrid genres for immersive storytelling.[61][65][66] The band has received multiple accolades within the anisong community, recognizing their standout performances and compositions. In 2017, they won the Anime Trending Awards for Anisong Artist of the Year in the Duo or Group category, highlighting their rapid rise following debut singles like "L.L.L.". Additionally, their track "TIT FOR TAT" from Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious earned the Favorite Opening Theme Song at the Fall 2019 Anime Trending Awards. Their releases have also achieved commercial success, with several entries in the Oricon top 10, including the compilation album MUSEUMDiscography
Studio Albums
Myth & Roid's debut studio album, eYe's, was released on April 26, 2017, by Media Factory.[69] The album features 14 tracks, including previously released singles such as "Paradisus-Paradoxum" and "STYX HELIX," and showcases the vocals of Mayu Maeshima, who served as the band's lead singer at the time.[70] Thematically, eYe's explores the extremes of human emotions intertwined with a narrative centered on a "fossil of rainbow-colored eyes," blending elements of illusion and reality in a conceptual story that reflects the band's signature fusion of rock, electronic, and orchestral sounds.[69] Tracks like "TRAGEDY:ETERNITY" and "Yuki wo Kiku Yoru" exemplify this approach, drawing from the group's anime tie-in roots to create an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere. Upon release, eYe's debuted at No. 6 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and remained in the top rankings for eight weeks, marking a significant commercial milestone for the band.[71] The album's reception highlighted its polished production and Maeshima's emotive delivery, solidifying Myth & Roid's position in the J-pop and anime music scenes.[72] As of November 2025, eYe's remains Myth & Roid's sole full-length studio album, with the band subsequently prioritizing extended plays, singles, and compilation releases over additional traditional albums.[73]Extended Plays
Myth & Roid entered a new phase of original music production with their concept mini-album series, focusing on experimental formats that emphasize thematic storytelling through color motifs and sculpture-inspired narratives. The EPs feature vocals by Kihow and mark the band's shift toward non-anime originals while maintaining their signature electronic rock sound blended with orchestral elements. The debut EP in this series, Azul (Episode 1), was released on October 25, 2023, by KADOKAWA in both digital and physical CD formats (catalog ZMCZ-16971, priced at ¥2,750).[74] It contains 6 tracks totaling 23 minutes, including "| EP Title | Release Date | Tracks | Key Themes | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azul (Episode 1) | October 25, 2023 | 6 (5 vocal, 1 instrumental) | Blue: Emotional narratives, sculpture story | Digital, CD |
| Verde (Episode 2) | March 27, 2024 | 7 (5 vocal, 2 instrumental) | Green: Growth and renewal, sculpture continuation | Digital, CD |
Compilation Albums
Myth & Roid released their first compilation album, MUSEUM -THE BEST OF MYTH & ROID-, on March 4, 2020, through KADOKAWA.[79] The album features 16 tracks drawn from the band's singles and anime tie-up songs up to that point, including contributions to series such as Overlord, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, and Made in Abyss. It was issued in two editions: a limited version with a CD and Blu-ray containing music videos, and a standard CD-only edition. The release peaked at No. 10 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, selling 4,976 copies in its first week.[80] In April 2025, Myth & Roid participated in the multi-artist digital compilation 「OVERLORD」10th Anniversary ULTIMATE SOUND ALBUM, released on April 25 by KADOKAWA to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Overlord anime franchise.[81] The 16-track album includes several of the band's previous theme songs for the series, such as "L.L.L.", "Crazy Scary Holy Fantasy", "HYDRA", and "VORACITY", alongside contributions from OxT and other artists.[82] It also features a new collaborative track, "GREATEST GLORIA", performed by Myth & Roid and OxT, as well as remix versions like "Clattanoia (penumbral)".[83] This retrospective collection highlights the band's significant role in the Overlord soundtracks.[49]Singles
Myth & Roid's singles discography encompasses a mix of physical and digital releases, beginning with their debut in 2015 and continuing through 2024. Physical singles were typically issued as maxi-singles in CD format, with limited editions often including a DVD featuring the music video for the title track.[38] These early releases frequently charted on the Oricon weekly singles ranking, reflecting the band's growing popularity in the anisong scene.[35]| Title | Release Date | Oricon Peak | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.L. | August 26, 2015 | #29 | CD, CD+DVD |
| Jingo Jungle | February 8, 2017 | #22 | CD, CD+DVD |
| Voracity | July 25, 2018 | #47 | CD, CD+DVD |
| PANTA RHEI | July 24, 2019 | #80 | CD, CD+DVD |