Death Note — All Theme Songs

2 Openings · 2 Endings

Death Note Opening Themes

OP 1Eps 1–19

"the WORLD"

by Nightmare

About the artist: Nightmare is a Japanese visual kei band known for theatrical, dark rock. the WORLD perfectly encapsulated Death Note's operatic, grandiose tone from episode one.
Fan reception:: One of the most acclaimed anime openings for tone-matching. The visual of Light holding the Death Note while roses fall remains iconic.
OP 2Eps 20–37

"What's Up, People?!"

by Maximum the Hormone

About the artist: Maximum the Hormone is a Japanese metal band known for manic, genre-blending aggression. Their second opening signalled the shift from L to Near as Death Note's moral centre.
Fan reception:: Controversial on release — many fans preferred the WORLD — but now recognised as perfectly capturing the second half's chaotic energy.

Death Note Ending Themes

ED 1Eps 1–19

"Alumina"

by Nightmare

About the artist: Nightmare's ending gave Death Note its most melancholic register — a piano-driven rock ballad that dwelled on the tragedy of the premise.
Fan reception:: One of the most beautiful Death Note songs. The animation showing L's final moments retrospectively is devastating.
ED 2Eps 20–37

"Coda - Death Note"

by Maximum the Hormone

About the artist: Maximum the Hormone's second contribution brought the same chaotic energy to the endings, creating a stark contrast with the first half.
Fan reception:: Polarising but respected. Its aggression felt appropriate for the increasingly unhinged second half.

Death Note Theme Song — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Death Note opening theme song?

The first Death Note opening theme is "the WORLD" by Nightmare, playing during Eps 1–19. One of the most acclaimed anime openings for tone-matching. The visual of Light holding the Death Note while roses fall remains iconic.

Who sings "the WORLD" from Death Note?

"the WORLD" is performed by Nightmare. Nightmare is a Japanese visual kei band known for theatrical, dark rock. the WORLD perfectly encapsulated Death Note's operatic, grandiose tone from episode one.

What episodes does "the WORLD" play in Death Note?

"the WORLD" by Nightmare is the Death Note Opening 1, playing during Eps 1–19.

Who sings "What's Up, People?!" from Death Note?

"What's Up, People?!" is performed by Maximum the Hormone. Maximum the Hormone is a Japanese metal band known for manic, genre-blending aggression. Their second opening signalled the shift from L to Near as Death Note's moral centre.

What episodes does "What's Up, People?!" play in Death Note?

"What's Up, People?!" by Maximum the Hormone is the Death Note Opening 2, playing during Eps 20–37.

What is the Death Note ending theme song?

The first Death Note ending theme is "Alumina" by Nightmare, playing during Eps 1–19. One of the most beautiful Death Note songs. The animation showing L's final moments retrospectively is devastating.

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