Alea Jacta Est (EP)
Alea Jacta Est is the debut extended play by Japanese metal band Ave Mujica. It was released on September 13, 2023, by Bushiroad Music.
Background
On April 11, 2023, Ave Mujica debuted with the digital release of their single Black Birthday. The formation of Ave Mujica was teased during the fourth concert of MyGO!!!!! two days prior the single's release. On June 4, 2023, the new started group held their first concert entitled Ave Mujica 0th LIVE「Primo die in scaena」 at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo. During this concert, the names of the fictional band members were revealed, while the member's identities of the real-life group remained hidden. After this concert, the release of the first mini album as well as the second concert were officially announced.Reception
NBT describe the band's sound as dark and emotional incorporating elements of symphonic rock and metal.Writing for Sputnikmusic, SaiseiTunes declared BanG Dream! a personal guilty pleasure. While being ashamed to admit to have enjoyed the anime productions the reviewer denied being ashamed enjoying the musical outputs of the franchise. As by the time of reviewing Ave Mujica's debut EP the band had not received an in-anime story the writer was able to review Alea jacta est solely by the music without any in-universe context needed. According to SaiseiTunes, the overall sound of Ave Mujica sets itself apart sowewhat from Roselia by "generally being moodier and heavier." The riffs feel more metal-inspired and the choir-esque backing voices "offer a more eerie sound." The lyrics feel far more mature to any of the franchise's predecessors, with explicit references to blood, sensuality and even satanism present. Despite the praises, the reviewer noted that this band is still part of the BanG Dream! franchise which means Ave Mujica still fits within the idol-esque formula that previous bands had established.
The EP's last song, Ave Mujica, was listed as bonus song on JRock News's Top 25 anime opening and ending songs list of 2023.