Will’s journey in Wistoria: Wand and Sword perfectly mirrors the real-life path of rock fusion band ASH DA HERO. Formed in September 2021, the four-member group — comprising vocalist ASH, Sato (bass), WANI (drums), and Dhalsim (DJ) — seeks to produce a unique sound through their genre-blending songs. Following the release of the Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 2 opening theme song, “BELIEVERS,” Anime Trending caught up with ASH and the band via email to discuss their songwriting process, their work with producer Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata, and how their musical journey connects directly to the heart of the anime.
Were you familiar with Wistoria: Wand and Sword before starting work on the “BELIEVERS” theme song? When did you first learn that you’d be involved?
ASH: It was an amazing surprise because it’s one of my favorite series. We received the offer during last year’s world tour, so I ended up composing music and writing lyrics in hotel rooms and even on airplanes.
Could you describe what it was like working with Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata this time?
ASH: If I’m the sword, then he’s like a mage. The first demo we made was straightforward rock, but through his bold arrangement, it evolved into a grand, symphonic anthem with a huge sense of scale.
Could you share details about your songwriting process for “BELIEVERS,” and the message you wanted to convey with the song?
ASH: I started by creating the topline. I recorded the acoustic guitar and vocals on my iPhone’s voice memo app, and then used that as the foundation to design the sound and complete the demo. I then handed that demo to Lefty, and he continued developing the arrangement in the studio until it reached its final form.
This song tells two stories. One is the story of Wistoria and Will. The other is the story of ASH DA HERO. There are a lot of parallels between our journey as a band and the story of Wistoria. Our path has never been smooth sailing either. We’ve come close to breaking down many times, close to giving up, and yet we always get back on our feet and keep chasing our dreams.
The lyrics of this song don’t just tell the story of Wistoria. They also carry a message for everyone out there taking on a challenge.
Do you have a favorite character from the series? Someone that you maybe took as an inspiration while working on “BELIEVERS?”
ASH: I really like Will! I was inspired by his way of living when creating this song, and he always gives me courage.
“BELIEVERS” is your third single, and it includes several notable tracks in addition to the theme song for Wistoria: Wand and Sword, such as your band’s cover of “MANIFESTO” (originally written by ASH for GYROAXIA from ARGONAVIS) and a new version of “Prologue,” your very first song from about 10 years ago. Since then, the band has worked on many projects and gone on several tours. Looking back on that first song, how do you feel about your journey and how far you’ve come?
ASH: It definitely hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There have been good times and bad. Even so, thanks to all the staff and fans who support us, we’re still able to keep doing what we do today. We’ve even been able to cross borders and perform in the U.S. many times. My heart is full of gratitude and respect for everyone involved with ASH DA HERO.
Now that the second season of Wistoria: Wand and Sword has debuted alongside “BELIEVERS,” how does it feel hearing your song in the series and reaching a global audience?
ASH: I’m truly happy and deeply honored. I hope that people all over the world can receive even a single spark of courage from “BELIEVERS.”
Questions by Gerrymelyn Casupang and Tamara Lazic. Edited by Isabelle Lee and Tamara Lazic.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Crunchyroll.
Want more ASH DA HERO? Connect with the group on their official website, YouTube, and social media accounts on X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Weibo. You may also visit the MoooD Records official homepage and stream “BELIEVERS” online.