Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

PALEDUSK w/ Vatic & Earthbound
The Bergy Bandroom, Melbourne, Australia
October 8th 2024

Sometimes when one of the most exciting live acts in metalcore visits Australia and then puts on a last-minute show, you just have to take a flight. That’s exactly what this reviewer did when the curators of chaos-core Paledusk announced a (not-so) secret headliner at The Bergy Bandroom in Melbourne.

The eclectic band from Fukuoka, Japan had been touring down under as support for Aussie odd world legends Ocean Grove and decided that three shows was not enough. (Not surprising, I know of a time where the band did four sets in the space of just over 24 hours). Selling out on a Tuesday night, it truly was a testament to the relationship that the band has built with the Melbourne heavy music community.

Taking on the daunting role as show openers, Earthbound were more than up to the challenge. Armed with cheesy grins and some dapper tops, the local lads treated the audience to some heavy breakdowns and some video game inspired tunes. Creating a fun repoire with the punters and at times, even having the rest of his band laughing, Earthbound’s frontman led the band with his exuberant nature. Combined with a lethal weapon behind the kit, some gnarly riffage and stylin’ by both guitarists and some beefy bass lines, this band was as impressive as they were fun. By their third song, the pit had started to get moving, backing up my feeling that this band is definitely worth checking out when you get the chance.

In a juxtaposition to the first band, next to take the stage was Vactic. I say juxtaposition because while equally as intense, the energy is completely different. This was the first time I’ve seen this band since Paledusk’s Melbourne headliner in December 2022- something I realised the second they came out onstage. Their frontman has such an iconic presence, one not easily forgotten. In the space of two years, Vatic has taken their sound to a new level. Tight, melodic, emotional and hard-hitting, it is no wonder they proceeded to tear the place open. Slamming through their set with barely any breaks, their music took on various forms-their diverse influences evident. Darker than the other two bands on the bill, they delivered an intensity that was paramount for the audience to experience before being hit with the onslaught that was coming from the headliner.

For those familiar to Paledusk, you knew exactly what to expect when that siren sounded, and the lights turned red. From the reaction of the audience, there was a good mix of those familiar with the band and those who were witnessing them live for the first time. As Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ played through the speakers, drummer Bob made his way out. Hitting that beat that led to the guitarists Tsubasa and Daidai emerging from side of stage, everything was raring to go. Energy high, with Tsubasa spinning and Daidai doing his signature kicks, the ever-cool frontman Kaito joined his bandmates. Unfortunately, their intro was cut short, the energy stalled due to a technical issue. Kaito made the best of an awkward situation, addressing the annoyance of having to stop with a sense of dryness that had the crowd won over straight away. Once the issue was rectified, the band picked up where they left off, thundering into ‘Area PD’.

The energy only built from there. The band furiously powered through their discography. ‘Super Pale Horse’, ‘BBB’, ‘Q2’, ‘Black Ice’ and ‘Happy Talk’ all made the cut, along with ‘9 Smiles’ and ‘Wind Back’ for that added heaviness. At no fault of the band though, I do have to admit that there was something missing from the other Paledusk shows I’ve witnessed- and that may have been to do with the crowd. Perhaps it was the Tuesday night, but while those in the pit were going hard- for a no barrier show the lack of stage diving, going hard at the front and that high energy was missing a little. Not for a lack of trying on Kaito’s part. This took nothing away from the absolute stellar performance the Fukuoka foursome put on. Despite this, they smashed through ten songs without a blink, with even Kaito commenting that it felt like they had only been up there for a couple of minutes. Things took a little more turn for the better when they played ‘I’m Ready To Die For My Friends’, with those in the audience singing along and some even putting their arms around strangers to join in. Incredibly wholesome. ‘Tranquillo’ elicited a lot more energy and as they played through some of their final tracks that included ‘PALE HELL’ and ‘Rumble’, even those who had been determined to remain cool and nodding along, started to really loosen up and let the energy Paledusk wash over them.

Speaking of wholesome, this show was a testament to the relationship this band has had with Australia over the years, especially in Melbourne. Kaito spoke of Australia as the bands second home earnestly, not in an over-the-top way that singers will typically do, but a real genuine moment with the audience. There is a sense of honesty and gratitude that this band, especially their frontman, carries- that makes them so endearing to an Aussie audience. Finishing their set with the anthemic sing-along ‘Lights’, it was no surprise, the second the band walked offstage, a ‘one-more-song’ chant erupted through the room.

The band reappeared and instead of jumping straight back into the music, they took the time to sing Happy Birthday to their lighting technician Toshi, who they had brought to Australia for the first time. Following the celebrations, a great speech from Toshi and some more heartfelt words, the band gave us one more gift- their iconic track ‘Slay!!!’. The punters went off and it was the ultimate way to finish this intimate Tuesday night show.

From teaching the audience words in Japanese (don’t be surprised if you hear a bunch of Aussies in Melbourne yelling out ‘saikou’ to PROMPTS or Hanabie on their upcoming tour) to staying back after the show taking photos and drinking with fans- Paledusk have forged their own path into the hearts of the Aussie fans and this show was just another notch on the belt of this band’s growing legacy.

It was 100% worth taking that last minute flight.