January is usually a quieter time in the metal world, given the switch-over to the new year and bands laying plans for spring/summer touring. But some groups see fit to start the year off with new music, be it a preview of bigger things to come or just a simple one-off to keep them at the fore-front of listeners minds. This month, we cover As December Falls, Ave Mujica, Band-Maid, City of the Weak, Conquer Divide, Cyhra (pictured above), Diablevoix, Dimrays, East of Eden, Kakumei Meloic, Lilac & Lotus, LOT SPiRiTS, NiL, Scandal, and Ziyola.
As December Falls “Therapy”
Coming off of the band’s fourth album Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine (due all the way in August of this year), “Therapy” is an uptempo rocker with some elements of punk, pop, emo, and even a thunderous breakdown all coming together in a very catchy combination. If you like what you hear, they have also released “AngryCry,” which hits some groovy pop/punk notes, with some hook-y melodies that instantly grab hold. (As December Falls official website)(As December Falls on Instagram)
Ave Mujica “KiLLKiSS”
The opening to Ave Mujica’s anime hits massive symphonic metal beats, with a side helping of gothic and even thrash. Arguably one of the band’s strongest songs to date, it offers up a massive chorus that soars with rumbling drums, powerful orchestrations, and Sasaki Rico’s elegant vocals. The sense of urgency never fades, with the song ending on some of it’s most frantic notes. Hopefully the rest of the music here will stick to the same high bar set by this first cut. (Ave Mujica officlal website)(Ave Mujica on X)
Band-Maid “Zen”
The first song in 2025 from the ever-rocking Band-Maid also serves as the opening to the currently airing anime Zenshu. It’s got all of the classic Maid elements at play in their most shining form. The energy is upbeat and catchy, the instrumentation is playful but ever intricate (including a killer solo), and Saiki’s vocals are beaming at the front of it all. Just an all-around fun track! (Band-Maid Official website)(Band-Maid on Facebook)
Cyhra “Superman”
Cyhra finally returns with a new song to celebrate the band’s signing with new label Reigning Phoenix Music. Kicking off instantly with the chorus provides a solid opening salvo, grabbing you and keeping the momentum going with their catchy melodic metal grooves and Jake E’s always excellent vocal work. Keep our eyes out for their third full-length album, but this is a great teaser to get excited about. (Cyhra official website)(Cyhra on Instagram)
City of the Weak “STFAFM”
While it’s been a while since 2018’s Pulling Teeth, City of the Weak have continued to put out singles in the years since, with “STFAFM” harkening fully back to that groovy, attitude-fueled hard rock that made that album standout. This is a hook-y, heavy cut that is bound to get into your head, and hopefully more new songs are incoming. (City of the Weak official website)(City of the Weak on Instagram)
Dimrays “Bad Taste”
The first new song from Dimrays since 2023’s “Everlasting,” “Bad Taste” does anything but leave a bad taste in listeners mouths. A combination of massive grooves, frantic riffs and a fiery solo, a soaring chorus, some hip hop and electronic elements, as well as a pulverizing breakdown to finish the song on – it’s a fun and energetic trip that fans shouldn’t miss out on. (Dimrays on X)(Dimrays on Facebook)
Lilac & Lotus “Above the Noise”
Continuing to release a number of singles through 2023 and 2024, Lilac & Lotus fit comfortably in the modern metal field. “Above the Noise” offers plenty of catchy melodies and metallic riffs as it escalates to a dabbling in screams before returning to a moving chorus and more playful melodic instrumentation. Consider this group one to watch as they continue to release new material. (Lilac & Lotus on Facebook)(Lilac & Lotus on Instagram)
Diablevoix “Daze”
One woman idol act Diablevoix returns with a brutal yet catchy track that is sure to get fans excited. Strong groovy elements merge with darkly melodic/melancholic tones, all led by Haluka’s vocals, which switch up between more elegant clean vocals and harsh screams. The aesthetic of the video also nicely captures this dynamic and lends to the visual kei appeal factor. (Diablevoix on X)(Diablevoix on Instagram)
LOT SPiRiTS “Outside Story”
An upbeat, rock-friendly number from 3-piece LOT SPiRiTS, a group that has been around since 2020. “Outside Story” maintains soaring hooks from both the vocal end as well as the guitar melodies, both of which keep the track on the catchier side of the spectrum and ground the track with ‘down to Earth’ appeal. While the hard rock formula has been done, LOT SPiRiTS capture all of it’s glory. (LOT SPiRiTS on Instagram)(LOT SPiRiTS on X)
Scandal “Terra Boy”
Speaking of rock, the long-standing Japanese act Scandal have returned with “Terra Boy” as a precursor to their upcoming Love, Spark, Joy EP due in early March. It’s an incredibly infectious song that digs into some funky riffs and bass, offering a very dance-friendly opportunity with it’s merger of some traditional Japanese elements and pure, joyous rock appeal. Long story short, it’s just a really fun track. (Scandal on Instagram)(Scandal official website)
NiL “Brand NiL World”
An idol act that took some digging to find more information on, NiL blend some moments of harsh metallic aggression, punk energy, and some modern electronics and idol flair into a rollicking song that will definitely grab you and nestle itself inside your head. There’s a lot of elements involved in the sound, but it makes for a more intriguing listen. Hopefully we will hear more soon from them. (NiL on X)
Kakumei Meloic “Oh! Mikuji”
A new video from a song from last year’s Hanate Super Energie seems to be the embodiment of that particular album title. “Oh! Mikuji” is a rousing, uptempo track that all but begs for the listener to start moving along with it. The frantic clashing of rock and a more traditional Japanese feel makes for a fun, ear-worming time that’s easy to listen to over and over again without fail. A real ‘pick-me-up’ of a song. (Kakumei Meloic on X)(Kakumei Meloic on Instagram)
Ziyola “RE:bellion”
A three-member visual kei act active since 2021, “RE:bellion” is the first new song from Ziyola since 2023’s No Fate album. Strong, mid-tempo grooves and an added emphasis on atmosphere, in addition to an effective melodic front with both guitars and keys, makes for a driving force of a track. (Ziyola on X)(Ziyola on Instagram)
Conquer Divide “Bad Dreams”
Conquer Divide return with their first new material since the excellent Slow Burn (and the loss of Janel Duarte). Enlisting two vocalists from Of Virtue to add to Kia Castillo’s vocals for this track makes it a real treat. The song swings from more melodic moments to gradually bring up to a heavy groove towards the song’s end, and the interplay between vocalists is incredibly fun. A great start to the band’s next era. (Conquer Divide official website)(Conquer Divide on Instagram)
East of Eden “Shooting Star”
The first East of Eden since Mina took over for Wakazaemon on bass, the violin-led metal act continues to impress with their unique sense of style. Ayasa’s violin work stands as a fantastic foundation to give them a different approach to symphonic elements compared to many, and when they are able to showcase the violin in contrast with heavier instrumentation like on “Shooting Star,” it has a very powerful and lasting impact. (East of Eden official website)(East of Eden on Instagram)