Music Review: Paledusk’s self-titled album offers a fresh take on nu-metal
Experience a unique metal sound on the latest album from Japanese rock band Paledusk. The band, hailing from Fukuoka, Japan, has been creating music since 2015 but recently dropped their debut full-length album, PALEDUSK, on November 26th, 2025. Despite their years in the industry, Paledusk achieved significant international success in 2025 with their music making waves beyond their homeland.
In July 2025, Paledusk reached new heights. Their track “HUGs” was featured as the opening song for the anime Gachiakuta, premiering on July 6th. The song quickly became a fan favorite, garnering 7.5 million streams on Spotify, making it Paledusk’s most streamed song to date. Following this success, AEW wrestler Kazuchika Okada debuted a new entrance song, “C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y.”, featuring ONE OK ROCK, Paledusk, and Chico Carlito on July 16th. These events created excitement and anticipation for Paledusk’s album release.
With their eclectic sound, Paledusk delivers a mix of genres on PALEDUSK. From metalcore and nu metal to pop, punk, jazz, heavy metal, deathcore, electronic, and hip hop influences, the album is a musical journey. Tracks like “HUGs” and “I ♡ YOU BABY!!” showcase the band’s ability to blend different styles seamlessly. “PALEHELL” and “RUMBLE – feat. Masato (coldrain)” demonstrate Paledusk’s versatility, drawing from various musical elements.
Guitarist DAIDAI’s vision to revive the guitar solo in rock music shines throughout the album, notably in tracks like “NO WAY!! feat.粗品”. The band’s experimental approach to music is evident in “DIVE INSIDE FOREVER IN THE DARK”, a track that fuses deathcore and nu metal with rap vocals, creating a dynamic and intense listening experience. Meanwhile, “GOOD DEATH” and “AFTER DUSK – feat. AB” offer contrasting sounds, blending heavy metal with pop and rock influences.
PALEDUSK is a whirlwind experience from start to finish, showcasing Paledusk’s creativity and talent. Their willingness to push musical boundaries and explore diverse genres sets them apart in the rock music scene. If you’re a music enthusiast with an open mind and a love for eclectic sounds, Paledusk’s album is a must-listen.
In conclusion, Paledusk’s debut full-length album, PALEDUSK, is a testament to the band’s evolution as musicians and their commitment to crafting a unique and compelling sound. With a blend of genres and innovative musical arrangements, Paledusk proves to be a force to be reckoned with in the rock music landscape.