A quick return after their debut EP earlier this year, Mana Diagram set Moonlight Desire as their first full-length effort to close out 2024. Grabbing influences from the power metal spectrum and bringing it together with some more modern and genre-blurring elements was the idea that Light of the Destiny led with, and Moonlight Desire continues to capitalize on that particular sound to thrust them into their own niche within the genre.
Those familiar with vocalist Uyu and guitarist Mayto’s previous work in Hagane (which has since more or less ‘restarted itself’) should be able to dig right into what Mana Diagram is doing. There’s plenty of classic power metal shredding and energy to be had within their sound. “Desire” opens with plenty of big riffing energy and urgent speed to grab the listener’s ear. It’s groovy and hooky, and it feels a bit on the modern side of things, but it’s prioritizing of the riffing over the occasional synth injections, and Uyu’s soaring vocals keep it very palatable for those seeking something more grounded in power metal traditions. While the gang vocals of “Trigger” evoke a different feeling, but it’s quickly enveloped by some vicious shredding and frantic drums as the tempo leaps forward. A scorching solo as the song progresses hits all of the marks for being flashy without too flashy, weaving in some nice melodies. It’s an exceptional track that really nicely blends melody with a raging metal backbone.
The group’s instrumental prowess is really showcased by the instrumental “The Moonlight Shines,” which gives Yusuke’s basswork a more prominent role to stand out. The second half of the album seems to be where the band stretches the metal boundaries a bit more, and melodies are employed to a greater degree overall. “KuwazuGirai” has a very melodic tone, both instrumentally with it’s lead guitarwork as well as the shining chorus which sees a more emotive Uyu at the helm. “WarewareBakuretsuParty” effectively blends the power metal epicness and gives it a more modern melodic leg to stabilize itself on. Likewise “Solid Guitar” offers some ballad-esque moments and injects some groove and shred into the mix for a fun blend of sounds. To close things is an acoustic version of their first single, “Glitter Wind,” which let’s Uyu again stand at the forefront with her vocals with maximum emotion. It’s a nice, reflective way to end the album.
Mana Diagram have really primed themselves to make a mark in the scene with Moonlight Desire. The balancing of melody, shred, and modern grooves makes for an exciting mix of sounds that can hook new listeners as well as those seeking more of a thoroughly metallic experience. Look for them to spread their wings even further as we reach into 2025.