PALEDUSK Make Major Label Debut With Explosive New Single ‘HUGs’

Japanese genre-bending heavy outfit PALEDUSK have made their major-label debut with HUGs, a blistering new single released via avex’s A.S.A.B imprint. The track also serves as the official opening theme for the new anime series Gachiakuta, bringing the band’s chaotic, emotional, and futuristic sound to a wider global audience. HUGs marks a major milestone for the Fukuoka-based band as they celebrate their tenth anniversary and enter an exciting new era.

Blending nu metal, metalcore, glitch, and hyperpop, HUGs showcases PALEDUSK at their most experimental and dynamic. The track is a sonic rollercoaster — at once crushing and euphoric, chaotic yet calculated. Lyrically, it explores themes of pressure, identity, and resilience, mirroring the intensity of Gachiakuta’s dystopian narrative. Vocalist Kaito describes the song as being “filled with heart and blood,” while guitarist DAI-DAI calls it “a song for those who move forward, even when crushed.”

The music video for HUGs further amplifies the track’s impact, combining high-speed visuals, anime aesthetics, and the band’s explosive performance style into a captivating cinematic experience. The single is also the lead track from a special CD release, arriving September 17, 2025, which includes four versions of the song and limited-edition artwork by Gachiakuta creator Kei Urana. This physical release cements the strong connection between the band and the anime’s creators, who personally requested PALEDUSK to write the opening theme.

With HUGs, PALEDUSK are not only breaking into the mainstream — they’re rewriting the rules. The track is a bold declaration of intent from a band that refuses to be boxed in, and the first of many steps in what promises to be their most ambitious chapter yet. As Gachiakuta gains international attention, so too will the unrelenting energy of PALEDUSK.

Get the single: https://asab.lnk.to/HUGs