Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast – A Deep Dive into the Enigmatic Band

Ave Mujica, the latest musical act to emerge from the BanG Dream! franchise, has captured the attention of fans and critics alike with their dark, dramatic, and musically complex style. Their journey, chronicled in the new anime series BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, is a compelling exploration of ambition, identity, and the hidden struggles within a band, setting it apart from other music anime with a heavier, more mature tone. The series premiered on January 2, 2025, in Japan, and is available to stream on platforms like Crunchyroll.

The Genesis of Ave Mujica

Ave Mujica is the sixth real band within the BanG Dream! multimedia project, following in the footsteps of popular acts such as Poppin’Party, Roselia, and RAISE A SUILEN. The band’s formation was first teased in the anime series BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, where several members were introduced as supporting characters before coming together to form this intriguing new group. Ave Mujica’s formation was a result of Sakiko Togawa’s invitation to other troubled young women, and their journey together is explored in the anime series, BanG Dream! Ave Mujica.

The group officially debuted on April 11, 2023, with their first single, “Kuro no Birthday”. The band’s members were initially shrouded in mystery, with their identities and appearances kept secret, adding to their enigmatic persona.

Members and Their Roles

Ave Mujica consists of five masked female members, each with a stage name that reflects their persona and role within the band:

• Doloris (Uika Misumi): The vocalist and lead guitarist, voiced by Rico Sasaki. Doloris is at the forefront of the band, delivering powerful vocals and intricate guitar work. Her stage name, “Doloris”, hints at the pain and sorrow that might be a driving force in her music.
• Mortis (Mutsumi Wakaba): The rhythm guitarist, voiced by Yuzuki Watase. Mortis adds depth and texture to Ave Mujica’s sound, providing the necessary structure alongside Doloris. Her stage name “Mortis”, which translates to “death” in Latin, continues the band’s somber tone.
• Timoris (Umiri Yahata): The bassist, voiced by Mei Okada. Timoris lays the foundation for the band’s complex rhythms and melodies. The name “Timoris” suggests fear and apprehension.
• Amoris (Nyamu Yutenji): The drummer, voiced by Akane Yonezawa. Amoris drives the band with her powerful and precise drumming. Her name, “Amoris”, alludes to love and affection, contrasting with the darker themes of the other band members.
• Oblivionis (Sakiko Togawa): The keyboardist, voiced by Kanon Takao. Oblivionis is the mastermind behind the group’s formation, with a desire for a ‘perfect’ band. Her stage name, “Oblivionis,” is a Latin term that refers to forgetfulness and oblivion.

Music and Style

Ave Mujica distinguishes itself with a distinct sound that blends elements of symphonic rock and metal. Their music is characterized by:

• Dark and Emotional Sound: The band’s overall style is much heavier than previous bands in the franchise, with a focus on intense emotion and powerful performances.
• Symphonic Rock and Metal Influences: Ave Mujica’s music often incorporates orchestral arrangements and heavy guitar riffs, creating a dramatic and immersive soundscape.
• Intricate Instrumentals: Each member contributes to the band’s complex and layered sound, showcasing their individual talent and musical expertise.
• Unique Visual Kei Aesthetic: This genre is characterized by striking makeup, costumes, and performances, which is present in Ave Mujica’s presentation.

Their mini-album “Alea jacta est” (“The die is cast” in Latin), which includes the singles “Kuro no Birthday,” and “Mas?uerade Rhapsody Re?uest,” showcases the band’s unique sound, and was released on September 13, 2023. The album’s title itself reflects the band’s dramatic and decisive nature. The band has also released other singles including “KiLLKiSS”, “Georgette Me, Georgette You”, “Ether” and “Symbol” series which explore the various facets of the band’s musical direction. In addition to their original music, Ave Mujica also participates in the “BanG Dream! Cover Collection Extra Volume” showcasing their versatility.

“The Die is Cast”: Anime Series

The anime series BanG Dream! Ave Mujica delves into the band’s formation and the members’ individual struggles. It explores the internal dynamics of the band, as well as their external challenges. The series is a direct continuation of the themes introduced in BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, providing a more in-depth look into the backstories of the members, their motivations, and their individual conflicts.

Key aspects of the anime include:

• Intense Drama: The series tackles heavier themes, delving into the members’ personal issues.
• Character Development: The series explores each member’s history, motivations, and the reasons behind their joining the band, revealing the complexities of their characters.
• Musical Performances: The anime features captivating musical sequences, highlighting Ave Mujica’s dynamic performances and the members’ musical talent.
• Band Dynamics: The anime focuses on how the members of the band interact with each other and how these relationships affect the band as a whole.

The series’ narrative strikes a balance between intense drama and the musical theme, and is described as an immersive watch experience.

Storyline

The anime’s storyline revolves around Sakiko Togawa’s band, Ave Mujica, who achieve commercial success through live performances and media appearances. The series delves into the mystery of why Sakiko continues to carry the weight of others’ lives while hiding her own secrets behind a mask. The anime also explores the internal conflicts that arise within the band as some members express dissatisfaction with the band’s direction and their own conflicting intentions.

The first episode, titled “Sub rosa” (Under the Rose) sets the stage for the band’s journey. It showcases Sakiko’s dedication to creating the perfect stage for their next big performance, and hints at the discord that simmers beneath the surface. Later episodes, such as “Quid faciam?” (What should I do?) explores Mutsumi’s exhaustion and the repercussions of her mistake during a live performance. “Acta est fabula” (The play is over) continues the series’ focus on the development of the band and its members.

Live Performances

Ave Mujica has already performed several live shows, including their “0th Live,” where they debuted in cloaks and revealed themselves before the final song. This performance, and others, emphasize the band’s dramatic stage presence and commitment to their unique identity. Their 2nd Live “Quaerere Lumina” was held in Kanagawa, with live footage included on the limited edition of their album “ELEMENTS”. The band’s 4th live concert, “Adventus”, was held on December 15, 2024, at The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza. A joint live performance with MyGO!!!!! is also scheduled for April 26-27, 2025, at K-Arena YOKOHAMA, further solidifying their position within the BanG Dream! franchise.

The Future of Ave Mujica

Ave Mujica is poised to become a major force in the BanG Dream! universe. Their distinct style, complex characters, and dramatic storyline set them apart from other bands in the franchise. The anime series is expected to reveal more about the band’s mysterious origins and their individual struggles, and further expand on the members’ respective stories. With new music and live performances on the horizon, Ave Mujica promises to be an act to watch for fans of music anime and beyond.