Quickly returning to the studio after releasing their first EP earlier this spring, PaleNeØ now brings forth their first full-length album to close out 2024. This time with almost all new tracks (thankfully bringing their “Alive” single back from the start of the year as well as older cut “Virtual Rebellion”), Score sets out to really showcase PaleNeØ at the close of the year. They stand at the cusp of doing some really incredible things, for those who want some unique quirks in their rock/metal hybrid.
With their previous EP titled ØCTAVE, and this album being called Score, it doesn’t take long to figure out that the band has some classical influences, particularly when jumping into the first song, “Allegro.” It’s something that you can hear in the guitar melodies (check out some of the solos), though it’s filtered through a number of other influences. “Allegro” brings us big electronic melodies that operate alongside the guitars, some heavier metalcore-influenced riffing, as well as some modern rock and pop elements, notably in the chorus. It’s a song that can get you fired up and dancing, and even bang your head around a bit at the same time. It sets the tone for the album well. Just don’t expect each track to repeat the same patterns.
“in Gloria Dei” wears more of it’s classical influences on its sleeves, yet at the same time it escalates its surroundings up to near black metal and gothic atmosphere at times, swerving into eerie carnival elements as well. “Crazy & Noisy & Cutey Magic” hits more modern elements, embracing nods to everything from rap to modern jpop idol flavors in it’s joyous dance energy, if only to drop things in more stunning territory by tossing in a stray core-driven breakdown with growls. “shichigatsunanoka” ramps up the guitar melodies to maximum levels, with moments feeling like something pulled from In Flames’ melodeath heydays, with a unique Japanese tint of course. “itechou no koku” thrusts further into rock territory, with some hints of frenzied classical influences popping out, featuring some absolutely fun yet complex riff patterns that you can later dissect out amid the spiraling keys. Lastly, there’s “cosmo shinjuu,” where rumbling, playful bass and keys clash with soaring guitar melodies and vocal hooks in a vibrant and thoroughly entertaining musical trip.
PaleNeØ solidify their position as a Japanese metallic/rock act that aren’t afraid to push boundaries in a way that seems exciting and fun. Score shows exactly what the group is capable of, and given the quick turn around from their EP this year, it seems like they have plenty of musical ideas up their sleeves that are bound to grab any listener’s ear that comes along their way. PaleNeØ serve up some intense yet entirely entertaining genre-fluid romps into intriguing territory.