Myth & Roid

Myth & Roid is a Japanese pop rock project unit centered around the production duo Tom-H@ck and hotaru. As of 2025, the group is on hiatus following the departure of vocalist KIHOW in 2021. They are best known for their anime tie-in songs, particularly the Re:Zero ending themes "STYX HELIX" and "Stay Alive," which have amassed tens of millions of streams. Their sound blends orchestral rock with electronic elements, creating a theatrical, high-energy style that has made them a beloved presence in the isekai anime scene. Though they never achieved mainstream pop stardom, their music remains a defining part of 2010s anime culture, with a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate their catalog.[edit]

Myth & Roid was conceived in early 2015 by Tom-H@ck, a veteran anime composer known for work on K-On! and The Idolmaster, and hotaru, a lyricist and novelist. They envisioned a project unit where vocalists would rotate, allowing the music to shift with each new voice. The group's name combines "myth" and "android," reflecting a fusion of fantasy and technology. They held auditions and selected Mayu Yoshioka as their first vocalist, drawn to her powerful, high-register voice. The trio recorded their debut single "L.L.L" for the anime Overlord, which was released on August 26, 2015. The song's aggressive orchestral rock sound immediately caught attention. Their first EP, also titled Myth & Roid, came out the same day and charted at #45 on Oricon. The group quickly gained traction in the anime community, leading to more tie-in opportunities.

In 2016, they released "STYX HELIX" and "Stay Alive" for Re:Zero, which became their breakthrough hits. These songs showcased Mayu's vocal range and the duo's knack for blending emotional melodies with rock instrumentation. After Mayu departed in 2017, the group recruited KIHOW, whose lower, soulful voice brought a new texture. Her debut single "Tit for Tat" for Boogiepop and Others marked a shift toward a more pop-rock sound. The group continued releasing EPs and albums, including e.v.e.r.g.r.e.e.n in 2018, and maintained a steady presence in anime music until KIHOW's departure in 2021. Since then, the core duo has focused on other projects, and the group remains inactive.[edit]

Myth & Roid's sound is a fusion of orchestral rock, electronic elements, and J-pop sensibilities. During the Mayu era (2015-2017), tracks like "L.L.L" and "The Lost One" featured aggressive guitar riffs, double bass drumming, and sweeping strings, leaning toward symphonic metal. Mayu's high-pitched, powerful vocals added a theatrical quality. With KIHOW's arrival in 2017, the music shifted toward a more melodic pop-rock and alternative rock style, as heard in "Tit for Tat" and "Shoujo Shikkaku." The orchestral arrangements remained, but the metal influences softened. Lyricist hotaru's narrative-driven lyrics often tell fantasy or sci-fi stories, fitting the anime they accompany. Tom-H@ck's production is polished and dynamic, blending live instruments with electronic beats. The group's versatility allowed them to adapt to different anime tones, from the dark fantasy of Overlord to the emotional weight of Re:Zero.[edit]

Myth & Roid's music became synonymous with the isekai anime boom of the 2010s. "STYX HELIX" and "Stay Alive" from Re:Zero are considered iconic tracks, often cited as defining songs of the decade in anime circles. Their work on Overlord, Made in Abyss, and Cautious Hero cemented their reputation as go-to artists for fantasy series. While they never crossed over into mainstream Western pop culture, their influence is felt in the anime music scene, inspiring later acts like ZUTOMAYO and ReoNa. The group's use of orchestral rock in anime openings and endings helped popularize the genre blend. Their song "Frost" also appeared in the mobile game Arknights, demonstrating their reach into gaming. Despite their relatively small discography, their tracks remain staples on anime streaming playlists and at conventions.[edit]

Myth & Roid does not have an official fandom name, lightstick, or fan color. However, fans often use blue and white penlights at live shows, a nod to the group's aesthetic. The fanbase is primarily composed of anime enthusiasts who discovered the band through series like Re:Zero and Overlord. Online communities on Twitter and Reddit share covers, translations, and discussions of the band's lyrics. No major organized fan projects have been documented, but the group's music continues to be celebrated in fan-made videos and tribute performances. The lack of official merchandise and the group's hiatus have kept the fandom relatively small but dedicated.[edit]

The name Myth & Roid is a portmanteau of "myth" and "android," reflecting the concept of blending fantasy with technology. Tom-H@ck is a prolific anime composer who also wrote music for K-On! and Sword Art Online. hotaru is also a novelist and has written light novels that tie into the band's story-driven lyrics. "STYX HELIX" was originally written as a ballad before being rearranged into a rock song for the anime. The group has never performed outside of Japan, and their live shows were limited to small venues. After leaving the group, KIHOW launched a solo career under her own name.[edit]