Formed in 2023 by violinist Ayasa (notably of Bang Dream‘s Morfonica), East of Eden have been building up their base with two Forbidden Fruit EPs, one in 2023 and 2024, and are now releasing their first full-length album. The ‘supergroup,’ so to speak, due to Ayasa along with some members who have been/are involved with D_Drive and Lonesome_Blue, and have recently been joined by new bassist Mina (ex-GIRLFRIEND). What makes East of Eden appealing is how they can swing between more metallic, rock, and classical elements, and the way that Ayasa’s stringwork is implemented into the act.
The First Eden: Seeds of Hope provides a varied and enjoyable trip into symphonic rock/metal waters. The first available cut, “Shooting Star,” sees the band in more of a metallic role. Playful basswork, occasionally militant drumming, and urgent riffs provide a vibrant backdrop for Ayasa’s violin to add more texture to. Add in a powerhouse chorus with strong vocal presence from Akane Minato and it all but soars. Not to be outdone, “”Breaker” keeps the momentum going for an even more urgent chorus. The driving force of Ayasa’s strings in the forefront mingling with the riffs make for an utterly thrilling experience, and having more of a brash rocking tone gives it plenty of energy to feed off. Minato shines in the chorus, alongside the drum barrage of MIZUKI. While “Darkside Lotus” slows down it’s tempo a tad, it adds to it in sweeping melodies and a more epic tone, while keeping a swirling of metallic tendencies at it’s heart, as well as a mind-bogglingly explosive violin solo and electronic infiltrations as it progresses.
Things slow down a bit more as the band leans into more of their rock side, so to speak. “I don’t say goodbye” in particular gives some massive ballad tones, allowing Minato to truly take the forefront of the group, with Ayasa’s strings acting as direct support. It’s a beautiful song, and is a true stand out. “Don’t Look Back” brings an almost pop element into it’s swirl of influences, as does “Noise-Canceling,” though in different ways and moving into some electronics at times as well. It’s great to see them really push in different directions because every song on Seed of Hope finds a way to make itself stand out. Whether it’s the anthemic rock approach of “Unapologetic Freedom,” the playful yet furious tempo of “Red Line,” with it’s cinematic vibes in the chorus, or the way that “Ikizama” wraps it all up as the closer and dabbles in all of the areas they’ve explored since “Shooting Star,” concluding with a potent chorus, there’s something for anyone seeking a unique take on symphonic rock/metal to enjoy.
East of Eden have done nothing but progress with their two previous EPs, and The First Eden: Seed of Hope sees them once again raise their own bar. The way that they can craft symphonic rock/metal with Ayasa’s violin at the helm is something that just feels special. There’s an energy that sweeps you off your feet, whether it’s with intense strings, playful instrumentation, or pure rock spirit means that you never know what you are going to get around the next corner. East of Eden are ready to spread their wings in the international world, and this album positions them as being poised and able to do so. It’s fun, catchy, unique, and bound to capture your imagination as they take you to swirling symphonic heights.