Japanese rock band SiM has officially revealed their new track “FREEZE ME UP” as the opening theme for the upcoming anime BLACK TORCH, marking a major collaboration that is already drawing attention from anime and music fans alike. The announcement arrives alongside the anime’s newly released main trailer, giving audiences their first preview of both the song and the series’ high-energy tone.
Following the global success of “The Rumbling,” which became a chart-topping hit as the opening for Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2, expectations for SiM’s next anime track are understandably high. Early reactions suggest “FREEZE ME UP” could continue that momentum, blending heavy rock elements with the dark, supernatural themes of the new series.
“FREEZE ME UP” Sets the Tone for BLACK TORCH
The newly released trailer showcases “FREEZE ME UP” as the driving force behind BLACK TORCH’s intense atmosphere. The track delivers a mix of aggressive instrumentals and emotional energy, aligning closely with the anime’s central conflict between humans and supernatural entities.
Frontman MAH shared insight into the creative process behind the song, explaining how the manga influenced his approach.
“Manga is a universe. There are as many galaxies as there are readers,”
he said.
“This song is my attempt to express, through sound and words, the BLACK TORCH galaxy that expanded inside my own mind.”
The comment highlights how deeply the band engaged with the source material, aiming to capture not just the story but its emotional scale.
BLACK TORCH Brings Shinobi and Supernatural Action Together
Based on the manga by Tsuyoshi Takaki, BLACK TORCH follows Jiro Azuma, a high schooler raised in a lineage of ninja who also possesses the rare ability to communicate with animals. His life changes after encountering Rago, a mysterious black cat who is revealed to be a powerful mononoke known as the “Black Star of Doom.”
The story quickly escalates into a battle against dark spirits, with secret organizations and conflicting motives surrounding Rago’s immense power. The series blends action, fantasy, and character-driven drama, making it a strong fit for SiM’s high-intensity musical style.
With a cast that includes Ryota Suzuki as Jiro and Yoji Ueda as Rago, the anime is backed by an experienced voice lineup. Production is handled by One Double-O studio, with Kei Umabiki directing and Yutaka Yamada composing the score.
SiM’s involvement in BLACK TORCH further cements their status as one of the most impactful rock acts in anime music today. Their 2022 hit “The Rumbling” not only topped Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart but also amassed over 100 million streams globally, introducing the band to a wider international audience.
Their signature style, blending metal, punk, and reggae influences, has made them a standout choice for anime projects that demand both intensity and emotional weight. “FREEZE ME UP” appears to continue that trend, reinforcing their connection with action-driven storytelling.
“FREEZE ME UP” will also be featured on SiM’s upcoming album HOOMAN AFTER ALL, set for release on September 2. The album marks the band’s first full-length project in three years and includes previously released tracks alongside the new anime theme.
In addition to the album launch, SiM is preparing for a North American tour that will take them across major cities in the United States and Canada. The tour reflects the band’s growing international presence, fueled in part by their success in the anime space.
