Paledusk to make major label debut with ‘HUGs’, opening theme for Gachiakuta

Paledusk will make their major label debut with ‘HUGs’, the opening theme for the upcoming TV anime Gachiakuta. The release is a massive step for the Fukuoka-based experi-metal unit, arriving as they celebrate their 10th anniversary and their first release under avex’s A.S.A.B label.

Based on the manga by Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, the gritty battle-action series follows Rudo, a boy born in a slum where society exiles the descendants of criminals, and pairs its dystopian setting with Paledusk’s distinct brand of heavy, genre-straddling rock. Crunchyroll will stream Gachiakuta internationally from July 6th.

‘HUGs’ was written specifically at the request of Urana and Andou, who approached the band directly. Speaking on the collaboration, vocalist KAITO described the song as “filled with heart and blood”, adding, “Life’s too short not to try something wild”. Guitarist DAIDAI echoed the sentiment, saying the track speaks to anyone who has felt pushed aside:

“Even when you’re crushed or pushed down, you keep moving forward. That’s what ‘HUGs’ is about. It’s a song for the ones who dare to stand out. Let’s turn outsiders into allies, and turn the unknown into home.”

The track previews in the anime’s official trailer, which has drawn strong reactions from fans online, with comments highlighting the intensity of Paledusk’s contribution and its alignment with the series’ tone. As their first anime tie-in, the band see ‘HUGs’ as a pivotal release, one that channels a decade of underground grind into a new era.

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Alongside the digital release on July 28th, ‘HUGs’ will be issued as a CD single on September 17th. Two editions will be available: a standard edition and a deluxe first press version including nine collectible trading cards, four featuring Paledusk drawn by Urana, and five with anime visuals from Gachiakuta.

Formed in 2015, Paledusk have gradually built a reputation for their unorthodox approach to heavy music, securing label deals with Grayscale Records (AU), Avocado Bookings (EU/UK), and SharpTone Records (US). DAIDAI, who leads the band’s songwriting and production, has also gained attention for his contributions to international artists, including production credits on Bring Me the Horizon’s ‘Post Human: NeX Gen’, Lil Uzi Vert’s BABYMETAL collab ‘The End’, and ONE OK ROCK’s latest album ‘DETOX’.

They’ll also join ONE OK ROCK as support on the DETOX European Tour 2025, with UK dates at Manchester’s AO Arena, London’s O2 Arena, and Cardiff’s Utilita Arena.

‘HUGs’ is a shift into bigger territory for Paledusk, but the intent stays the same. “We’re throwing this sound out into the world”, says drummer BOB, “and we hope it reaches hearts far beyond Japan”.

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