The Weeknd’s New Song Samples ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Theme

The Weeknd debuted a new song sampling the theme from Neon Genesis Evangelion on September 19 at the Belluna Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Vocalist Abel Tesfaye performed the track with Yoko Takahashi, the Japanese singer behind the series’ opening theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” The release date of the song is yet to be revealed.

The visuals in the live performance included art by Japanese director Yoko Taro, which added flashing imagery from the writer-director’s 2007 video game NieR and clips from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a science-fiction anime created by Hideaki Anno back in 1995. It is considered to be one of the most highly influential anime series in the ‘90s. The Weeknd released his last album titled Hurry Up Tomorrow in 2025. The film of the same name starred Tesfaye, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan.

Elijah Pareño

Music Writer

Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.

In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.

Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter

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• In This Article:
• Neon Genesis Evangelion
• The Weeknd