The boundary-pushing Japanese band Paledusk, celebrated for their genre-blending alt-heavy sound, is making their major label debut with “HUGs” a dynamic and hard-hitting track crafted as the opening theme for GACHIAKUTA, the highly anticipated TV anime series premiering on July 6 across 28 Japanese networks and streaming globally on Crunchyroll.
Born from a direct request by manga creators Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, “HUGs” unleashes a powerful surge of intensity, unfiltered energy, and emotional catharsis an ideal soundtrack for the anime’s gritty dystopian setting.
Key Visual:

“HUGs’ is a track filled with heart and blood. It’s not just a song – it’s a beginning”, says vocalist KAITO. “We’ve been a band for over 10 years, and this moment feels surreal. With the support of our team and fans, we’re ready to push into new territory. Life’s too short not to try something wild.”
“Even when you’re crushed or pushed down, you keep moving forward. That’s what ‘HUGs’ is about,” shares guitarist DAIDAI. “It’s a song for the ones who dare to stand out. Let’s turn outsiders into allies, and turn the unknown into home.”
“We’re so proud to be making our anime debut in the same year as our 10th anniversary,” says guitarist TSUBASA. “KAITO poured himself into the lyrics, and DAIDAI pushed the production to its absolute limit. We really hope you feel the weight and love we put into this song.”
“This track is one of our most meaningful works,” adds drummer BOB. “It wraps chaos, heaviness, and humanity into one. We’re throwing this sound out into the world – and we hope it reaches hearts far beyond Japan.”
Artist photo:

“HUGs” will be released digitally on July 28, with a limited-edition CD to follow on September 17. The CD will feature four tracks, including a TV-size version, and the first pressing comes with nine collectible trading cards. These include exclusive illustrations of the members of Paledusk, drawn by GACHIAKUTA creator Kei Urana.
More about Paledusk:
The band signed a contract with Australian label Grayscale Records in 2020, EU/UK label Avocado Bookings in 2021, and US label SharpTone Records in 2023, and has performed at numerous overseas festivals and live shows. The four-piece band from Fukuoka, Paledusk consists of Vo.KAITO, Gt.DAIDAI, Gt.TSUBASA, and Dr.BOB.
The band’s unique stance and presence have gained tremendous support not only from metal and rock listeners, but also from hardcore, hip-hop, and other genre-defying cultures, and the band’s sound is evolving into a new phase. DAIDAI’s songwriting creativity has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, and his participation as a producer on Bring Me the Horizon’s new album “Post Human: NeX Gen” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Rock Albums Chart and reached #3 on the iTunes Overall Albums Chart. He also wrote/arranged the music for Lil Uzi Vert’s “The End ft. BABYMETAL” and contributed to ONE OK ROCK’s new album “DETOX” with the songs “Puppets Can’t Control You” and “C.C.”. ‘t Control You,” “C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y. feat. Paledusk and CHICO CARITO,” “+Matter “+Matter”, and co-wrote and arranged three songs with ONE OK ROCK. He has collaborated with numerous world-class artists and has garnered recognition both in name and reality.
They are now the No. 1 young band in terms of both ability and talent, which everyone has been waiting for.
Source: Avex press release
© Avex Music Creative Inc.
© Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and KODANSHA/ “GACHIAKUTA” Production Committee
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