Focus: A Glimpse of MYTH & ROID at Animax Musix

Animax Musix is one of many anisong events in Japan, but few share its inclusive spirit. Artists appear at Animax Musix not only to represent themselves, but to come together with fellow musicians and fans to celebrate their passion for music. Fans play a central role in voting for their favorite artists, and get a rare opportunity to see those favorites collaborate together on stage. The spirit of Animax Musix can be seen in the image above: while commemoration photos with the audience are common at smaller performances, it is rare for one to be taken at a concert of this size.

With the catchphrase "Anime music to the world," Animax Musix has grown into an anticipated anisong festival broadcast in 26 countries. In its tenth year, the event expects to draw a total of 22,000 visitors for its dual 2019 performances: two days in western Japan during October and one day in eastern Japan during November. Anisong concerts of this scale are rarely held in western Japan, so MyAnimeList went to check out the excitement levels in Kobe on October 27th during the festival's second day.

We also had a second goal in attending the Kobe event: interviewing MYTH & ROID. Formed in 2015, the group consists of music producer/composer/guitarist Tom-H@ck, lyricist hotaru, and vocalist KIHOW. If you're watching this season's Shinchou Yuusha (Cautious Hero), then you are listening to MYTH & ROID each week—the anime's opening song "Tit for Tat" is composed and performed by the group. Other theme songs anime fans may recall include Re:Zero's first ending "Styx Helix" and second opening "Paradisus-Paradoxum," three of Overlord's theme songs including the third season's opening "Voracity," and Youjo Senki (Saga of Tanya the Evil)'s opening "Jingo Jungle."

Fun fact: Tom-H@ck also makes the T in the duo "O×T" responsible forOverlord's other theme songs.


In four short years, MYTH & ROID have established a strong career in anisong. Why is the group in such demand, and what makes the songs they compose so befitting of anime? Shortly before taking the stage, we were able to snag a quick interview with KIHOW and Tom@Hack in their costumes (hotaru does not attend performances.)


MYTH & ROID has one rule when writing an anime theme song: the world of anime should not occupy more than half of the song. Tom-H@ck points out that they consciously keep their own originality intact—aspects of the music unaffected by the influence of the anime. The content amount of anime in a song varies at 30%, sometimes 50%; but by limiting it to less than half, they have been able to create well-balanced hit songs.

These songs are not only well-received by fans in Japan, but also worldwide. Tom-H@ck is amused that the audience's reaction varies from country to country. For instance, the Japanese crowd shows their excitement from the outset; the German audience is enraptured from the song's first note until the last; and American fans begin listening intently, with excitement that intensifies to a frenzy at the chorus. He speaks of the unity in the auditorium, where the audience and performers become one during some of the catchy choruses.


Shinchou Yuusha (Cautious Hero)'s "Tit for Tat" was chosen as the keynote for MYTH & ROID's solo performance and their appearance on stage was met with great enthusiasm. With the heavy tones and the duo's black costumes accented with gold, the venue's atmosphere changed in an instant. Gone were the cute and cheerful anisongs from before, replaced with a sound that resonated MYTH & ROID's hard edge and wildness. The stage lighting and back up sound further enhanced the effect.

KIHOW's "rainbow-colored" vocals were markedly different from the other singers. She mentioned that she tries to distinguish herself as an individual artist when performing, rather than being mindful of the animation. Along with "Styx Helix" from Re:Zero and "Jingo Jungle" from Youjo Senki, MYTH & ROID forcefully commanded the audience with three more pieces before leaving the stage.


The feel of MYTH & ROID music is noticeably different than a typical anisong. If you're looking for music that breaks the mold, MYTH & ROID won't disappoint.

Note: MYTH & ROID's first "Best of" Album will be released on March 4, 2020.

Official site: http://mythandroid.com
Twitter: @myth_and_roid
YouTube: Official Playlist


Interview and article text by Yukiko Nishino from the MyAnimeList team. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.