EP Review: Paledusk – PALEHELL (Greyscale Records/SharpTone Records)

Japanese futuristic hyperpop metal trio Paledusk will release their new EP ‘PALEHELL’ on February 21st via Greyscale Records & SharpTone Records.

There’s a lot of noise being made about Paledusk, and I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I fully understand it, but that’s never stopped me giving something a go repeatedly in the hope that I will. What I do instantly recognise though, is just why this band has captured the imagination of some many people.

Putting it as simply as possible, it’s different, and I mean DIFFERENT. A band combining pop with metal is nothing new, but in such a way like this? No, that’s not happening much at all, and it is both laughably brilliant and laughably dumb. To call this band creative doesn’t quite do them justice, and they are undoubtably one of the most polarising bands because of all of this.

This EP features seven tracks, and it’s seven tracks of the absurdity that is Paledusk. Featuring a ton of guests like VIGORMAN, Kenta Koie from Crossfaith, Masato from coldrain, and CVLTE. Each got the memo and are more than happy to take part in the madness. Madness that goes from emphatic pop singalongs to volatile metal explosions. Paledusk can be as sugary as they can be heavy, and it’s a combination that constantly throws out unique listens.

While a track like I’m ready to die for my friends might just be too much for me personally, a track like the title track is bloody great. Then there’s the likes of Q2 that gets the balance of weirdness right, and delivers a stonking chorus, but contrasted by the utter messiness of RUMBLE. It’s a constant back and forth with Paledusk, but they’re undeniably difficult to put down.

This is how it starts, isn’t it? You sit there with a look of bemusement that slowly turns to a smile. I’m getting there, and this EP goes a damn long way to making me a fan.

Paledusk – PALEHELL Track Listing:

1. I’m ready to die for my friends (feat. VIGORMAN)
2. NO!
3. PALEHELL
4. Q2 (feat. Kenta Koie from Crossfaith)
5. RUMBLE (feat. Masato from coldrain)
6. SUPER PALE HORSE (feat. CVLTE)
7. TRANQUILO!

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Grayscale Records | SharpTone Records