Most famously known for her role as Mari in Aqours (Love Live Sunshine), Aina Suzuki has built up a large following of idol fans. She began releasing solo material back in 2020 with Ring A Ring and followed it up with 2021’s excellent Belle revolte, which saw the vocalist doing some flirting with the heavier end of the spectrum. She seemed to take it one step further with her work in Dropkick on My Devil with the “Judgement Day” single at the end of this past year. So while it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see her reach further into metallic territory with new EP initium, it still demonstrates a breathtaking dive into fully symphonic and shredding metal territory that fits her like a ‘shiny’ glove.
initium marks a bit of a new beginning for the vocalist, so it’s not surprising to see her stretching the boundaries a bit. Three songs feel more traditionally ‘rock’ and ‘pop’ in tone, with the whimsical “Stray Identity” having a fun use of almost goth-y, circus-like synths playfully aiding the singer with a strong chorus. “Ripples” keeps a more upbeat, rock tone with an ear-catching solo later on and a driving chorus that keeps the momentum rolling. Opening “Wander World” is the most laid back on the album, seemingly easing the listener into the EP with some epic yet subdued synthwork and Suzuki’s vocals gracefully walking the listener in before they get hit by some more visceral cuts.
The other three songs are of more interest to DR readers. “[Caelum]” operates in near Dragonforce territory with it’s shredding, high-tempo guitar riffing augmented by some sweeping synths and Suzuki taking the lead with some charismatic singing atop them to create a triumphant, sing-a-long feeling that hits the right marks to usher the song into the stratosphere. “[Tenebrae]” offers a more gothic approach in it’s shreddy nature. There’s a darker and more sinister tone, which Suzuki plays into effectively, and the added grooves to the uptempo track give it some extra gravitas. The closer “[Diluculum]” is the most epic and extreme. Moving quickly from a symphonic and cinematic intro, the song blazes quickly into choral chants and then full-on blast beat territory as guitars furiously thrash while dropping some earworming melodies. There’s sweeping, powerful escalations of sound to the EP’s most spectacular chorus. Multiple guitar solos, hook-y leads, and Suzuki’s voice all fight in harmonious fashion to catch your attention and the seven and a half minute track seems to end as quickly as it began, all but begging for a second listen.
Aina Suzuki’s latest EP is an impressive second chapter for the solo singer, and one that will indeed grab the ear of some otherwise unknowing metal fans and demand their full attention. Suzuki blends elegance and grace with a power and presence that should easily find appeal on a more global level. initium is an occasionally visceral yet poignant beast that leaves the listener with a feeling of exhilaration and wonder.