EP review by Lucas Bell
Just in time for their latest Australian tour (including a featured spot on CVLTFEST at the end of the month), Japanese hyperpop/metal sensation Paledusk, have blessed us with their first new multi-track release in close to four years, PALEHELL. The release includes multiple features, including massive international names like Kenta Koie from Crossfaith, and Masato Hayakawa from coldrain. This was personally a highly hyped EP, and I cannot wait to crack into this.
PALEHELL opens with ‘I’m ready to die for my friends’, featuring VIGORMAN. The song definitely gives very Bring Me The Horizon vibes, before around the two minute mark, the song shifts hard into something akin to a church organ. After about another minute, the song blasts into a ripping solo with some of the signature harsh vocals Paledusk are known for, before dropping back into the super poppy vibe set by the opening two minutes. This song to me, puts a case forward that we need more progressive pop & rock music, jumping around time signatures and tones throughout.
Before I realized it though, I was deep into the EPs second track, ‘NO!’. The song is a sick blend of the trademark Paledusk heaviness, with some awesome electronic music sprinkled throughout. The song is short and sweet, at less than two minutes. But it’s probably the most breakneck two minutes on the entire record.
Title track ‘PALEHELL’ starts off with an isolated, distant vocal from lead singer Kaito Nagai, before launching into a pretty cool singalong chorus. This is definitely a fun song that could be even more fun live. There is a breakdown around the 1:55 minute mark that I’m dying to see done live. Having seen this band live before, I can only imagine how fun that part would be during a live performance. The solo for this song rips too.
‘Q2’ opens with some cool etherial guitars, before dropping us into a really cool vocal melody. The song cutting between spoken word and impassioned singing wasn’t something I was fully expecting, but it’s definitely a welcome change of pace. Crossfaith lead vocalist Kenta Koie soars on the track as well, providing great support while not overcrowding the song. The fact both of these bands are on Alpha Wolf’s CVLTFEST festival later this month has me titillated at the chance to see this track live.
The third of four songs with featured artists, ‘RUMBLE’ is a straight up assault on the senses. This song was released as a single a few months ago, and is the longest song on the EP, clocking in at just under 5 minutes. But holy hell this song rules. Masato Hayakawa pours everything into his feature. Even though I’ve had a few listens of this song before I heard the EP dropped in full, this is definitely my favorite song on this release. The song weaves genres like threads through an expensive scarf. Every little detail is intentional, while serving its purpose to be the best it can be. Something I have said for years, and will continue to espouse, is that metal needs more saxophones. And I’m glad this song has one.
The last featured song on the EP is ‘SUPER PALE HORSE’, featuring J-Rockers CVLTE. The dueling synths and guitar riffs through the verses and choruses are sweet, with the dual vocals of CVLTE’s Aviel Kaei and Nagai singing the chorus a real highlight. The “na na na” breakdown before the solo should be a fun one live too, if they ever do it live.
The record closer, ‘TRANQUILO!’, is the shortest track on the EP, but it’s definitely the heaviest. The 85 second song encapsulate everything that gives Paledusk their shine. Ripping guitars, fast drumming, cool electronic breakdowns, and those trademark vocals that fans have come to expect and love from this band – who’s stock continues to rise with every tour and release.
Rating – 8/10
‘PALEHELL’ will be available everywhere Wednesday February 21 via Greyscale Records & SharpTone Records.
