While the quickly recognizable Japanese rock act Band-Maid hasn’t actually released a full-length album since early 2021’s Unseen World, the group has stayed busy with an EP and a number of singles in the meantime. While tuned-in fans of the Maids will undoubtedly recognize a number of these songs, as some were used in anime EDs and as previous singles, it’s nice to see how everything comes together to form a diverse and intriguing package in the form of Epic Narratives.
Some notable augmentations and advances have occurred for the group over the years, and the one that stands out the most on Epic Narratives is how much more progressive the music feels. “Forbidden Tale” showcases a lot of playful basswork from Misa, while the riff machine from Miku Kobato and Kanami Tōno injects a lot of complexity while still aiming for more of a stadium rock vibe at times. The playful riffing of the Miku-led “Brightest Star” all but tickles your ears with how it weaves around catchy tempos and melodies. It only takes a few moments of “Toi et Moi” for it to completely embed itself into your skull, and vocalist Saiki Atsumi brings it to the next level atop the proggy goodness with her urgent vocal lines that dance around them. “Shambles” finds a fine line between the progressive structures and all-out rockfest with it’s urgent riffing and more frenetic tempo. Of course, a Band-Maid instrumental was in order to close things out, and “Get to the Top” showcases that playful yet stylish level of Band-Maid playing with plenty of shred.
That said, even with the intricate playing going on, melodies still reign supreme. Their collaboration with Mexico’s The Warning on “Show Them” feels ready for mainstream radio with it’s immediate chorus, fun melodies, and strong emphasis on English lyrics. “The One” lets Saiki take a front-and-center role in an almost ’80s-esque power ballad fashion and allows it to absolutely soar. “Letters to You” delivers a punchy level of guitar groove and crunch while leading the melodies build up to a catchy sway in the chorus. Likewise, the otherwise more frantic “Protect You” provides urgent volleys of riffing and drums while doubling down on the more melodic aspects in the background and making the song quickly find a way into the favorites list.
Band-Maid continue to walk a fine balance in providing catchy, heartfelt rock with a strong sense of intricacy. Epic Narratives is pure fun that you can still deep dive on the instrumentation to further enhance your experience if you choose to. Their sound is immediately identifiable, able to provide a distinct energy that is lacking in the current scene and still manage to up the ante with each new release.