Paledusk

Paledusk are a Japanese metalcore band formed in Fukuoka in 2015. The current five-member line-up comprises vocalist KAITO, guitarists DAIDAI and TSUBASA, bassist John, and drummer BOB. Their music combines the down-tuned guitars and breakdowns of metalcore with hip-hop, electronic dance music, pop-punk, and occasional jazz influences, often changing tempo and direction several times within a single song. KAITO moves between harsh screams, shouted passages, and melodic vocals, while DAIDAI is responsible for much of the band’s songwriting and production. Their unpredictable arrangements, colourful presentation, and energetic live performances have become central to their identity.

Following their debut EP, ‘obsidian’ (2015), Paledusk developed through Japan’s hardcore and metalcore circuit with releases including ‘War Declaration’ (2017) and ‘Blue Rose’ (2018). Their 2020 EP ‘HAPPY TALK’ marked a significant change in direction, combining progressive guitar work with programmed beats, electronic effects, and abrupt shifts in rhythm. Tracks such as ‘AO’ and ‘HAPPY TALK’ helped establish the sound that would define their subsequent releases, while ‘LIGHTS’, originally released in 2018 and re-recorded for the EP, became an enduring part of their live performances. The band’s growing international following led to partnerships with Australia’s Greyscale Records in 2020 and American label SharpTone Records in 2023, alongside touring opportunities with acts including Alpha Wolf, Polaris, and Bring Me the Horizon.

Paledusk continued experimenting with their sound through singles such as ‘SLAY!!’ featuring rapper Hideyoshi and ‘RUMBLE’ featuring Masato of coldrain. Their sixth EP, ‘PALEHELL’, arrived in February 2024, bringing together collaborations with CVLTE, VIGORMAN, and Crossfaith alongside some of the band’s heaviest material. During this period, DAIDAI also established himself as an international songwriter and producer, contributing to Bring Me the Horizon’s ‘AmEN!’, ‘DArkSide’, and ‘Kool-Aid’, as well as Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘The End’ featuring BABYMETAL. His production work subsequently extended to ONE OK ROCK’s 2025 album ‘DETOX’, which featured Paledusk and rapper CHICO CARLITO on ‘C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y.’.

In July 2025, Paledusk made their Japanese major-label debut through Avex’s A.S.A.B imprint with ‘HUGs’, the opening theme for the anime Gachiakuta. The collaboration came directly from manga creators Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, who requested the band for the adaptation. Their first full-length album, ‘PALEDUSK’, followed on 26th November 2025, a decade after their independent debut. Its 12 tracks brought together earlier favourites and new material, including ‘NO WAY!!’ featuring comedian and musician Soshina, ‘I ♡ YOU BABY!!’, and ‘SUPER NATURAL HIGH’ featuring rapper Tsubaki. The album arrived shortly after Paledusk supported ONE OK ROCK on their European arena tour, including a performance at London’s O2 Arena in October 2025.

Paledusk began 2026 with their first nationwide Japanese headline tour, What is Paledusk??, which visited 14 live houses before concluding with larger concerts in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. Their first full European and UK headline tour followed in May, supported by Knosis, with a sold-out London performance at The Dome. The band also appeared alongside ONE OK ROCK at Japan National Stadium in April and joined the cross-genre project YAO with ONE OK ROCK, Awich, and CHICO CARLITO in June. In September, original bassist John officially rejoined after returning as a support musician in 2024, completing the band’s current five-piece line-up. Their subsequent single, ‘GOLDEN GOAL’, was inspired by a football match they attended in Britain and released on 23rd September 2026. Paledusk began another US headline tour in October, with their next EP, ‘LIVE!!’, scheduled for January 2027 alongside their largest Japanese headline tour to date.