Re:O Reverie

January 24, 2026 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

I’m still here, frozen alone.

Beginning with bittersweet tones, Re:O‘s 10th single Reverie signals the dawn of a new era for Re:O. Reverie portrays the story of missing someone you shared every moment after they are gone. Those who once spent time with us eventually disappear from your sight as time goes by, like snow falling on your hand, without a trace. The fragile snow, even when it piles up, will eventually melt away. In the same way, human connections are breakable and bound to fade.

Nonetheless, the memories of those we hold close remain eternal. Walking down this snowy path, glancing at the snow-covered buildings, such ordinary days bring back nostalgic memories of the times spent with you, and this song carries one wish: “May you always stay well.” Reverie is not about loss, it’s about reminiscing about those we encountered in our life, the special moments shared and the hope that not only could a friendship or relationship reignite but also the hope that those that we shared these memories with are safe, well and thriving.

Reverie is the first song written fully in Japanese since 2021. The track focuses on the relationship between the guitars and synths working with each other, to create an atmosphere of powerful, raw energy yet a mysterious, cold, distant but yet familiar and comforting overtones with the synths. Raw guitar riffs intertwine with gentle bells dancing like falling snow, highlighting Rio’s soft and tenderly persuasive voice captivating us, while the synths and guitars create a spacious, expansive sound. The melodies, both serene and powerful, are brought to life and flawlessly compliment the music by Rio’s soft, tender but yet powerful voice.

Reverie review by Just Panda

With that dark synth sound we know well from Re:O, the track starts with light but purposeful keyboards followed by some decent riffage that drives into the first verse, delicate tones and vocals from Rio sit aloft the guitars. The low register just as confident as the upper, you can feel Rios presence as she moves through the verse.

Theres a subtle hold back before the build up into the chorus, uplifting chord progression from the guitars are enjoyable and encase the vocals perfectly. The musicality captures the lyrics ‘Sail with the breeze, Snow falling down, Weaving, The dream you were in’, you can feel the chill.

The pace picks up as we move into the second verse, the drums leading with riffs on on the offbeat dark and heavy. Its a great feeling when you can hear a band fully in sync, each member having there place to shine whilst the others support.

I love the electronica touches that lighten the mood, they have that 1980s synth pop energy, subtle but deliberate. The heavy half time riffage before we enter the final chorus was welcomed, the band certainly know how to bring the heaviness but not allow it to take over.

The band really have grown together musically over the past few releases, and Reverie is certainly a top track for me. The chorus was uplifting, almost euphoric, and it works so well with Rios vocals. And the vocals in Japanese really brought the song into its own, I hope they write more tracks in Japanese.

For me this is a solid top tier track from the band, who are clearly growing in confidence musically, and will be a great addition to their live set, fans of the band will no doubt embrace it.

Reverie is available now.

https://linktr.ee/reo_o

Song Credits:

Composition: Re:O- Rio Suyama, James Wright, James ‘J’ Stevens, Alex Carli

Lyrics: Rio Suyama & James Wright

Produced by: Rio Suyama & Simon Jackson

Vocals: Rio Suyama

Guitar:Alex Carli

Bass: James Wright

Drums: James ‘J’ Stevens

Artwork Credits :Rio Suyama

Lyrics

Reverie
[Verse 1]
月が照らす
The moon shines bright on
白い街並み
A cityscape of snow
かすかに聞こえる
I can faintly hear,
君の声
Your voice
遠き日の記憶
Our distant memories,
まぶたに浮かぶ
Floating in my mind
(Chorus)
風に乗って
Sail with the breeze,
舞い落ちる雪が
Snow falling down,
紡いでいく
Weaving
君がいた夢を
The dream you were in
[Verse 2]
頰をかすめた
Blowing on my cheek,
凍えた風は
A frozen glazing wind
名残惜しい
Leaving
香りを残す
A bittersweet scent
静寂のささやき
My silent whispers
君を呼びかける
Calling for you
僕がずっと
I will always
守り抜くから
Support you
(Chorus)
風に乗って
Sail with the breeze,
Reverie Official Lyrics.docx

Generator: Blood Stain Child

January 13, 2026 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Trance metal figureheads Blood Stain Child are back with new music with the brand new single ‘Generator‘.

Known for their fusion of melodic death metal and electronic dance music, the new track ticks all my vibe check boxes that fans know and love. Written by guitarist Ryu with lyrics by lead vocalist Sadew, the track kicks off with precise guitar riffs and layered synths. Moving along with gusto, Sadew brings his mix of clean and harsh vocals with signature aggression and range.

Guest vocalist TanTan features alongside Sadew in the chorus with a catchy upbeat melody that I really enjoyed before a short solo passage, her clean upper range works well amongst the heavy guitar and bass. Known for their heavy but euphoric build ups, ‘Generator‘ is no different, with an atmospheric rise into an electronic breakdown. Focused riffage from G.S.R, driving bass from Ryo and an energetic Yasu on drums, before following through into an impeccable Ryu guitar solo.

‘Generator‘ is a melodic metal electronic mix that shows off the talent of all the members. It has a raw feel that’s not overly polished for a studio track. There’s a nostalgic feel that takes me back to the Mozaiq era of Blood Stain Child, it makes me excited for the new album.

Overall, ‘Generator‘ is a solid addition to the bands roster, one that will hype up any live crowd. Now can we international fans all pray for a live show outside of Japan soon? We can only hope!

‘Generator‘ is available now!

https://bloodstainchild.lnk.to/GENERATOR?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPTaG9jbGNrA9NoaGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHg30TwH6iGY3y2netwb6bFgMzLE3rHCiXg1TXB3ZdF-eC3dtHRJMXFCrjwFY_aem_uHxspLHYIhaMYEoSgrCp6g

Feature Article, Live Report

Re:O Dominate The Fiddler’s Elbow Stage – Live Report

October 28, 2025 Kelly Leave a comment

Written and edited by Kelly-Mae Matt
Live photos taken by Kelly-Mae Matt unless stated otherwise.

Back on 13^th September, I was given the opportunity to watch Re:O live for the first time at the Fiddler’s Elbow in one of my favourite places; Camden, London. It’s an experience I have been anticipating since I first heard their song Violets back in April of this year, and with my birthday the following day, this was the perfect occasion for me to make my way to London to listen to the group live.

The journey there itself is nothing to write home about—there was a train, a short walk to where I was staying that night and then some time to relax before the show—but the anticipation at finally getting to see the band and speak to them filled me with excitement. I was also riling myself up with the knowledge that I would finally, finally get to hear the groups latest single, Crimson Desire, live; this is a song that was made to be sung in front of a crowd, and it was the very song I wanted to hear most from Re:O that night.

So with that excitement only growing the later the day became, I headed over to Camden to find the Fiddler’s Elbow, a pub that boasts itself as a legendary venue for live music in London. Regardless of the genre or how new or seasoned a group or performer is, the Fiddler’s Elbow aims to bring a plethora of music to its stage for fans of music to enjoy.

When I finally reached the venue, I was greeted by the sight of someone I had not expected to see just yet. There, standing just outside the doorway was Rio, dressed in a gorgeous purple and black outfit styled around the traditional kimono. With cute smile and an abundance of energy, Rio immediately beckoned me into the building to introduce me to her bandmates and Rogue Awakening, another group that would be playing alongside Re:O and the Italian rapper Red Sky, who the group has previously collaborated with for the song Kanashimu Toki Wa (Reloaded).

Continue reading →

Music Review

Re:O Leave You Craving For More in Their New Single ‘Crimson Desire’

August 18, 2025 Kelly Leave a comment

Article written & edited by Kelly-Mae Matt

Returning to their darker roots in their much-anticipated 9th single release, Japanese-British Metal x Darkpop band Re:O have brought us Crimson Desire, a powerful track that explores the realisation that what you have is not enough despite the fact that you sacrificed most of your life to get where you are.

Released on August 13th, 2025 on various streaming platforms, Crimson Desire continues to showcase Re:O’s versatility as musicians in this powerful addition to their discography that aims to blend aggressive instrumentation with harmonious vocals, and pivots from the groups usual signature blend of Japanese styled synths.

Continue reading →

Guest Article, Music Review

MAZE Take No Enemies In Their First EP, ‘BLASTELLA’ – EP Review

July 27, 2025 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Review by Benny, AKA @Codomomentality

For forever now, people have been waiting for a proper MAZE release outside of their usual digital single releases. As of 2022, the group has released seven singles under their current name, however if we were to include their discography from when the group had been known by miscast, then altogether the group has released a whopping 19 singles, with the first 12 being released between the years 2019–2022. Considering the group continues to still play some of those songs at their live performances, I have decided to include them as a part of their overall discography.

In late 2019, the group had released a self-titled mini-album consisting of 4 tracks, however since then we have only been given singles. With their 2022 rebrand to group we know now, MAZE have continued to release music at a slightly slower rate, and the fans have only become hungrier for more.

Continue reading →

Music Review, News

Explore the Depths of Grief & Loss in Re:O’s New Single ‘Violets’

April 9, 2025 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Article written & Edited by Kelly-Mae Matt

After tapping into their darker side in their previous single, The Haunted, Re:O have since returned with their 8th single, Violets, which explores the depths of grief and combines Re:O’s signature blend of metal riffs with sombre and harrowing melodies and synthonic instrumentation.

Set to release on all streaming platforms from April 9th, 2025, Violets is a song that will captivate listeners through its mesmerising vocals, haunting piano melodies and its use of sombre and harrowing melodies that perfectly capture the feeling of grief and pain. For fans of Alternative Metal, Industrial Metal, Metalcore, Goth, J-Pop, Dark Pop, Nu-Metal, Post Hardcore and Rock, Violets is sure to bewitch both seasoned and new listeners of Re:O’s music.

Continue reading →

Conventions, Feature Article

A Day At London Anime & Gaming Con

March 11, 2025 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

All photos taken by Kelly-Mae Matt
Article written and edited by Kelly-Mae Matt

Recently, I was able to attend my first convention in over two years. Now, I am not an avid convention goer by any means, nor am I the sort of person prone to finding myself in overly busy places for the pure sake of it. With that said, I will go where the idols go, and if a convention is where they congregate, then by all means, take me there, too.

When I do attend a convention, however, you will typically find me around the stage area, watching a performance or two and waving a penlight. And despite what I say about rarely attending conventions these days, I do love the variety of performances that happen there. Whether it is a full-fledged group or a Kaigai idol just starting out, conventions have become a haven for those who love the art of the performer, and London Anime & Gaming Con is no stranger to hosting some of the best that the UK has to offer when it comes to performers, old and new alike.

Continue reading →

Feature Article, Idols, Interviews

A Reason to Never Oshihen: An Interview with GARUDA, HALUKA and Satanic Punish at Ikigai Vol. 2

March 3, 2025 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Kelly, Amanda
Translators: Justin, Baz

Hosted by The Chocolate Brothers and the Dutch Idol Community and held between September 20th in Arnhem, The Netherlands, and September 21st in Koln, Germany, Ikigai Vol. 2 saw the return of GARUDA and Satanic Punish on European soil, as well as marking the debut of DIABLEVOIX’s Haluka in her first overseas tour.

For these two evenings, fans of these three acts had the chance to experience a show filled with incredible vocals, relentless energy, and the possibility of a strained neck the following morning, thanks to all the headbanging that went on.

For some fans, however, the weekend did not end at the Blue Shell with a final song, as those who had purchased off-kai tickets had the absolute pleasure of joining GARUDA, Satanic Punish and DIABLEVOIX’s HALUKA for an off-kai event the following Sunday.

It is also that, on this day, Beyond Senpai’s Kelly and Amanda were fortunate enough to attend as well and, for the first time since this site’s inception, both Amanda and Kelly were given the opportunity to deliver their first in-person interview to these three legendary performers.

So, it was with a great amount of nerves and some shoddy Japanese pronunciation that our interview began. With the help of Justin and Baz, who aided in translating the performers answers for us, Beyond Senpai joined Yuffie, Haluka, Manamu and LinLin at the front of the event hall to deliver the Ikigai Vol. 2 Interview, right in front of the fans…

Continue reading →

Idols, let's talk about

A Reason To Live: Why I Love Satanic Punish

October 3, 2024 Kelly Leave a comment

When I first met Satanic Punishes Manomu in Germany at IKIGAI Vol. 1 in 2023, she asked me what kind of idol groups I liked during one of our first cheki sessions. I answered honestly, expressing my love of cute and orthodox idol groups such as Houkago Princess, LONDON BLUE and others. Then Manomu asked:

“If you’re a fan of cute idols, why do you like Satanic Punish?”

I didn’t know how to answer that. I just do. Honestly, I forgot I was even asked this until the same question was posed to me this year during IKIGAI Vol. 2, this time from the groups newest member, LinLin. “You like cute groups? So why Satanic Punish?”

It was almost like Déjà vu and, once again, I couldn’t give a decent answer. All I could say was “I really like the lyrics,” and the group itself. This time though, the question stuck with me and has since made me really think about why I like Satanic Punish.

I don’t think there’s ever an easy answer as to why you like something as much as you do. There are multiple factors that come into play, from how something looks to how it makes you feel deep down; those sorts of feelings and reasons can be hard to articulate in any form I think, but as always, I will try my best.

Continue reading →

Idols, Music Review

Expressing The Duality of Human Nature: A Look At GCiB’s Suki ni nare! and Aishite

September 15, 2024 Kelly Leave a comment

*All images used within this post have been sourced from @gcib_official on Twitter.

Since unveiling their brand new line-up back in June of this year, idol group GCiB have started making waves the social media platform Twitter (otherwise known as X). With a mission to grow their fanbase both nationally and internationally, the group have begun posting in both Japanese and English while also promoting their latest releases, Suki ni nare! and Aishite, both of which have been teased on social media ahead of their release.

Originally making their debut in February 2022, GCiB — originally known as Girls Crying in Bathroom — is a girls’ dance and vocal group that wish to go beyond the mere cuteness we expect from idols and express their strength, fragility and versatility through their music. With a major line-up change in the last quarter of 2023, the group has since returned to the idol scene as a 5-member unit from June of this year.

Comprised of original members Suzuki Nanaka and Suzuki Minami, as well as new members Aicha, Kosaka Momono and Isshiki Hanane, GCiB have now made their re-debut with two new tracks that are sure to entice fans both old and new into their unique worldview.

Continue reading →

The music and culture webzine