If you fused the complexity of Periphery, the manic charm of Dance Gavin Dance, and the cinematic flair of The Dear Hunter, you’d start to get a picture of what Pale Kaiori is doing with their new single, “kill(screen);”—but even that doesn’t quite capture the chaotic beauty of it.
From the first second, this song kicks the door in with a virtuosic guitar riff that could’ve been ripped straight out of a Polyphia playbook, only to twist itself into a rhythmically tight, genre-blurring rollercoaster. It’s Post-Hardcore that slaps with Djent grooves, Progressive Metal ambition, and yes—an undeniably Pop-Punk heart.
Vocalist/guitarist John Alsop, who also self-produced the track, delivers soaring vocals that ride atop the chaos like a defiant shout into the void. There’s a sincerity in his delivery that makes the message of the song hit even harder. And that message? It’s a double-edged warning and a call to action.
“kill(screen);” takes aim at modern society’s obsession with screens and curated realities, dissecting the slow erosion of our individuality. But it’s also a nod to the literal kill screen in programming—an end to a process, a stark reminder that life can stop instantly. It’s a powerful metaphor wrapped in a song that dares you not to headbang and scream along.
The music video leans into the band’s charm, with jump cuts to members jamming in what looks like a budget motel room. It’s chaotic, playful, and completely self-aware—just like the track itself.
Fans of Hail The Sun, Pierce The Veil, and Dance Gavin Dance are going to devour this. But what makes Pale Kaiori stand out is their clarity of vision. They’re not just trying to impress with technical chops; they’re communicating something raw and real, something worth listening to.
“kill(screen);” is a genre-bending, brain-melting ride that’ll leave you humming the melody while reconsidering your relationship with your phone. Pale Kaiori is definitely a band to watch—and more importantly, listen to.
Connect with Pale Kaiori:
https://www.instagram.com/palekaiori/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/palekaiori/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZyfIxqeG7vd8CgjSFiVZh?si=7Iq7FyLYRr6OfjCpBpinog
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNQfe28f0ZeRgc92WWIbTw
https://www.tiktok.com/@palekaiori
Bio:
Pale Kaiori is a four piece progressive post-hardcore band from St. Louis, Missouri. The band was formed in 2020 by John Alsop as the main composer/producer and Daniel Tilson as lead guitarist and visual director. Shortly after the release of their EP “Notions From The Void” they found two additional members to complete the line-up. With one EP and three singles out on all streaming platforms, Pale Kaiori is gearing up to release their second EP this year. The band played their first run of shows in 2024 with acts such as: Hail the Sun, Eidola, Royal Coda, Archers, and A lot Like Birds and is eager to get back on the stage soon to promote their newest material.
