Ash Again

"Ash Again" serves as a profound meta-commentary on the lifecycle of a VTuber persona and the concept of graduation (retirement from a specific character). The song explores the tension between the character (the shark, the entity bound by lore and management) and the soul (the performer behind the avatar).

The recurring theme of "burning it down" symbolizes the dismantling of the stage or the persona that has been inhabited for years. It suggests that for the artist to grow or move forward, the current structure must be destroyed. The line "Waves can't put out my flame" is a powerful subversion of Gura's aquatic lore; it asserts that her passion and spirit (fire) are stronger than the "water" (the shark character) that defines her public image.

The lyrics also touch upon anxiety and legacy. Phrases like "They say the memory of me is fading" reflect the fear of irrelevance common in the fast-paced streaming industry. However, the song counters this with defiance. By choosing to "tear it down" herself rather than fading away, she reclaims agency over her ending. The title "Ash Again" implies a phoenix-like cycle—reduction to ash is not death, but a prerequisite for rising again in a new form. It is a farewell that doubles as a promise of a new beginning.

The song opens with a confrontation between the protagonist and the inevitable passage of time. Facing the end of an era, the narrator describes a solemn walk towards a finality, resolved to dismantle what has been built. The chorus explodes with the command to "burn it down," asserting that the natural element of the protagonist—waves and water—cannot extinguish the inner flame that now drives them. There is a rejection of fading away; instead, the narrator chooses active destruction of the old self to pave the way for something new.

As the verses progress, the lyrics delve into the external pressures and the voices of others who claim the memory of the protagonist is fading. These voices urge the destruction of the current persona, chanting to "tear it down." The narrator acknowledges these hands pulling at their strings but ultimately seizes control, declaring that no more hands will guide their words. They swim against the current, navigating through the dark and the debris of the past, transforming from smoke back into rain—a cycle of elemental renewal.

The bridge and final sections shift from destruction to the promise of return. Amidst the ashes of the "world falling through," the protagonist affirms that if this is indeed the end, they will simply "do it again." The narrative concludes not with defeat, but with a triumphant rise from the blue, shining bright and acknowledging the love and connections that remain, promising that even as the form changes (turning to ash), the spirit rises again, cyclical and eternal.

Released on April 25, 2025, "Ash Again" marked a pivotal moment in the timeline of Hololive English. The track features a high-profile collaboration with Casey Edwards, the renowned composer best known for "Bury the Light" (Devil May Cry 5). This collaboration had been a long-standing wish among fans, given Gura's well-known love for the Devil May Cry franchise and her frequent karaoke performances of its soundtrack.

The song was produced by Cover Corp and released alongside a cinematic music video animated by Mazu, known for their work on previous Hololive fan animations and official projects. The release coincided with Gura's "lore" stream that hinted at major changes to her activities, leading many to interpret it as a graduation anthem or a "rebirth" song signaling a shift in her career direction. The production combines Edwards' signature heavy, adrenaline-pumping orchestral rock with Gura's distinct vocals, showcasing her range from soft, melancholic verses to powerful, belted choruses.

The song follows a generally regular rhyme scheme in the verses, often AABB or ABAB, which provides a marched, rhythmic stability fitting for an anthem. For example, "again/end" and "flame/name". This stability is disrupted in the pre-chorus to build tension.

The rhythm is driving and aggressive. The tempo is moderate to fast, typical of symphonic metal, with a heavy emphasis on the downbeat in the chorus to encourage headbanging. The lyrical pacing switches from staccato delivery in the verses (mimicking the ticking of time) to sustained, soaring notes in the chorus, mirroring the release of the "flame."

Musically, "Ash Again" is defined by the Casey Edwards signature style: a fusion of electronic synthesizers, driving metal guitar riffs, and sweeping orchestral strings. This creates a "final boss" atmosphere, elevating the song from a standard pop track to a cinematic event.

Vocal Techniques: Gura employs a lower, more mature register than her typical "cutesy" speaking voice, transitioning into a powerful belt during the chorus. The use of layered harmonies in the bridge creates a choral effect, enhancing the epic feel.

Literary Devices: The lyrics use juxtaposition (Smoke/Rain, Fire/Waves) to emphasize conflict. Repetition of the phrase "Burn it down" acts as a rhythmic mantra, building tension and releasing it with the heavy instrumentation of the drop.

"Ash Again" instantly became a landmark track within the VTuber community, trending globally on Twitter (X) upon release. It is widely regarded as one of the best "lore songs" in Hololive history, setting a new standard for musical production values in the industry. The collaboration with Casey Edwards bridged the gap between the VTuber fandom and the wider gaming/music community, attracting listeners who were fans of Devil May Cry.

The song became an anthem for change and resilience, frequently used in fan edits and tributes celebrating Gura's career. It solidified Gura's legacy not just as a streamer, but as a capable vocalist able to tackle heavy, complex genres.

The lyrics utilize a strong elemental contrast between Fire and Water. Gura, known as a shark from Atlantis (Water), uses "Fire" and "Ash" to represent change, destruction, and passion. The line "Waves can't put out my flame" symbolizes the performer breaking free from the constraints of the character.

• Ash: Represents the remnants of the past self. It is the physical evidence of a transformation that has already occurred.
• The Thread/Hands: "The hands that pull at my thread" is a metaphor for management, audience expectations, or the "puppeteering" nature of acting as a virtual avatar. Cutting or burning these threads signifies reclaiming total autonomy.
• Swimming against the current: A metaphor for going against the flow of expectations or industry norms. While a fish usually swims with the school, Gura chooses a difficult, solitary path to find her true self.

The central motif is the phrase "Burn it down." It is repeated throughout the chorus and outro, serving as the thematic core of the song—the necessary act of destruction. Another recurring element is the word "Again." Appearing in the title and the closing lines ("I'll do it again"), it emphasizes cyclicality. It suggests that this "end" is not a termination but one iteration in an infinite loop of creativity and performance.