As noted from last year’s review of Elements, “Expect Ave Mujica to grow and spread like wildfire next year,” and truer words couldn’t have been spoken. The anime surpassed expectations for many fans (and those new to the fold) due to it’s rather gritty and sometimes even suffocating tone (compared to both other Bang Dream productions and other music anime as whole) and startling depictions of mental illness. But that doesn’t entirely paint the picture of the anime, as it’s occasional vibrant tones sometimes brought new life to the proceedings. The same can be said of Completeness, which offers up all 7 of the songs that were showcased in it.
Taken entirely outside of the anime context from which it came, Completeness still offers quite a bit of appeal for metal fans. “KiLLKiSS” was the opening song for the anime, and it once again sets the tone for this release. A hard-driving, shred-first track does what the best Ave Mujica songs have done so far – offer massive riffs that playfully drizzle the synths an top as a way to augment the song’s energy, rather than be it’s focal point. It’s gradual cinematic build-up and the way it fully explodes when the guitars leap in, swirling with vibrant synths intertwined with urgent riffing and melodies sets a tone that’s hard not to move along to. Akane Yonezawa’s furious drumming acts as a force to be reckoned with (check the live version of the song), and is worth simply listening along to as a focal point.
A major shift occurs as the album moves directly to the anime’s ending track, “Georgette Me, Georgette You,” but it’s not an unwelcome one. Vocalist/guitarist Rico Sasaki is accompanied only by piano at the onset, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase her poignant vocals. As much power as she can unload when necessary, her soft vocals here display a great restraint and gives the track a feeling akin to a dark fairytale being woven in front of the listener. Of course, it builds up into a heavier beast, rife with dark yet graceful elegance. If “KiLLKiSS” was a full-throttle metallic shredder, “Georgette Me, Georgette You” operates more as an epic slow-burn that pays off with a thunderous climax that oozes with power.
The album’s most introspective and raw track has to be that of “Imprisoned XII,” which sounds like a beautiful, wistful love ballad from the outside. A look at the lyrics turns it into a more twisted tale (as the title may give away), but that’s not to take away from it’s emotive performance, particularly in that of Sasaki’s vocals. The synths add to the magic here, as do the ethereal backing vocals by the band, giving it a distinct feeling that no other track provides. Following it up with the album’s arguably heaviest moment, “Crucifix X” should pique the ears’ as the chugging riffs kick in. The slower, deliberate pacing let’s the riffing, and underlying melodies, really stand out. The theatrical keyboard melodies add a layer of drama and depth, it culminates in a powerful chorus that offers serenity within it’s darkness. A mammoth breakdown later on, pulsating with playful keys, leads into a beautiful, shredding solo in one of the album’s finest moments.
“八芒星ダンス” (Hachibousei Dance) ushers some of those carnival feelings from Elements “Symbol II: Air” but in a more twisted circus flair. It’s darker than said track, but it still somehow manages to keep a danceable feeling throughout, giving it a slightly lighter feeling than the songs that proceed it while still keeping an urgent and aggressive tone (particularly in the chorus). Something that leads effectively into the most upbeat and playful song on the album, “顔” (Kao). Driven by prominent rumbling bass and ear-worming guitar melodies, “Alter Ego” is an appropriate name for this track in that it trades much of the dark tone of the songs before it for a much more danceable and sassy track. The chorus wields an addictive mix of infectious hooks and almost seductive pop energy that adds a vibrant flavor to the otherwise heavy riff performance.
To wrap the album up, it calls for a climatic performance, and “Sora no Música” (Musica Caelestis) definitely fits the billing. Taking a more soaring and triumphant tone, the exhilarating melodies have an uplifting element to them that gives it some emotional gravitas as the final song (and the one that ended the anime). It makes for a great juxtaposition with the track’s frantic, drum-frenzied verses. The swelling chorus gives the album some closure to it, and the way it all seems to come together in a culminating act that all but sends shivers down the spine as the choral of voices closes it all out.
Completeness is a powerful listen whether or not you checked out the Ave Mujica anime. Blending together elements of symphonic metal, metalcore, gothic rock, pop, and more into their sound, Ave Mujica represent something fresh. It’s resoundingly heavy, playfully melodic, gloriously cinematic, and spellbindingly addictive to listen to. A highly recommended listen and easily one of the strongest releases of 2025 to date.