My top 5 anime theme songs

I’ve just recently gotten into the world of anime and, say what you will about this particular genre of TV/film, it’s pretty hard to argue with the fact that there are some awesome anime theme songs out there. So, for this entry I’ll be discussing my top 5 favourite anime openings and endings.

5. “Wild Side” by ALI – opening theme from Beastars

The drama anime Beastars is a little bit…. odd, to say the least. It takes place in a universe where, instead of humans, we have a society of anthropomorphic animals and there are lingering tensions between traditionally carnivorous and herbivorous species. Its literally a more mature version of Zootopia. As for the opening theme, “Wild Side” by Alien Liberty International (ALI) is a low-key jazz/R&B/funk amalgamation with elements of rap and it marries up very well in my opinion with the mysterious but quirky vibe of Beastars.

4. “Sora Kakeagaru” by Raico – 1st ending theme from Onmyō Taisenki

Onmyō Taisenki is a fairly obscure action/mythological anime that ran from 2004-2005 and “Sora Kakeagaru” is a lo-fi alternative rock number that, along with the anime itself, has a really great uplifting energy to it. It also has a certain nostalgic value for me as its aesthetic reminds me of alt. rock/punk bands such as the Foo Fighters, Green Day and You Me at Six. This was what first got me listening to heavier styles of music so “Sora Kakeagaru” really resonates with the 16-year-old emo kid who thought it was cool and ‘edgy’ to wear band t-shirts to P.E classes and annoy everyone with useless knowledge about Blink-182.

3. “Core Pride” by UVERworld – 1st opening theme from Blue Exorcist

UVERworld are one of those bands who like to do a bit of genre hopping; from rock to hip-hop to industrial/techno sounds. They’ve provided a few different anime themes over the years for titles such as Bleach, My Hero Academia and Seven Deadly Sins but I particularly like “Core Pride” from Blue Exorcist because it’s a song that doesn’t really know what it wants to be. From the tasty slap bass-line in the intro, to the eccentric saxophone interludes, intermittent electronic curios and simultaneously rhythmic and melodic guitar parts (including an almost flamenco-style solo). There’s so much going on in this tune that it has no right to work, but it kinda does and is all the cooler for it.

2. “We’re Not Alone” by Coldrain – opening from Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin

I must confess that I’ve never actually watched Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it has an absolutely kickass intro. “We’re Not Alone” by Coldrain is classic metalcore at its finest, with some elements of post-hardcore to ensure maximum edginess. Its heavy, driving, emotional and melodic and is right at home as the theme for a dark thriller/drama type anime such as Rainbow.

1. “Zetsubou Billy” by Maximum the Hormone – 2nd ending theme from Death Note

To say that the band Maximum the Hormone are a tad peculiar would be among the biggest understatements that the universe has ever come across. To me, they’re best described as a bizarre mixture of experimental metal, alternative metal and hardcore with smatterings of hip-hop and gimmicky weirdness aplenty. These guys are like System of a Down on steroids, and that’s saying something. For me, the song “Zetsubou Billy” captures the essence of Death Note fairly well, particularly the sense of collected insanity that the main character Light Yagami (aka ‘Kira’) goes through after acquiring the series’ titular notebook.

Anyway, that was my top 5 anime themes. If you're also a fan of anime then what are some of your favourite themes? I'd love to hear what everyone likes.

Fuzzmaster out.