Why Angel Du$t proves the crossover between anime culture and hardcore music is actually peak

Why Angel Du$t and Anime Are Two Sides of the Same High-Octane Coin

If you’ve spent any time with the music of Angel Du$t, you know they aren’t interested in playing by the rules. Much like the best anime series, the band treats their output as an all-consuming experience. Their latest record, COLD 2 THE TOUCH, is a wild, genre-defying ride that mirrors the kind of emotional intensity fans reserve for their favorite seasonal marathons. It’s gritty, it’s unpredictable, and it absolutely hits.

I caught up with bassist Zechariah Ghosttribe to talk about the new album, the parallels between the mosh pit and the marathon, and—most importantly—how to capture that elusive Baki-level swag in everyday life.

From Studio Grinds to Shonen Protagonist Vibes

Creating COLD 2 THE TOUCH was a grueling process. Ghosttribe admits the studio sessions were no joke. Working under the eagle eye of producer Brian McTernan, the band pushed themselves to the limit, even if it meant skipping the gym for a week. “I took the L on working out, I took the L on nutrition,” he laughs. “But I’m really happy with what we got out of it.”

With a fresh lineup featuring Jim and Nick—the latter of whom absolutely nailed his first-ever recording session—the band feels sharper than ever. It’s that same "all or nothing" mentality that defines both the hardcore scene and the most legendary shonen protagonists.

Anime: The Soundtrack to a Hardcore Life

For Ghosttribe, anime isn't just background noise; it’s a lifestyle. Whether he’s reading One Piece on the road or diving into the strategy of the trading card game, he’s always got a series in the chamber. He credits late-night viewings of FLCL and Wolf’s Rain on Adult Swim for shaping his early obsession with the medium. "It was like the craziest thing you’d ever seen," he recalls of those early, formative nights.

The conversation inevitably turned to Berserk. Ghosttribe sees a deep connection between the "do or die" nature of the Black Swordsman and the ethos of the hardcore scene. Sometimes, he notes, you’re just pushing forward because you have no other choice—a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever found themselves deep in the chaos of a live show.

Style, Strategy, and Future Favs

When it comes to fashion, don't look for runway trends—look at the Soul Reapers. Ghosttribe points to Bleach, Soul Eater, and the undeniable aura of Baki as his ultimate style mood boards. He even went so far as to suggest that Ichigo Kurosaki would look right at home rocking Stone Island gear.

So, what’s on his watch list right now? He’s currently hooked on the high-energy absurdity of DAN DA DAN, alongside titles like Clevatess and Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. And if he had to recruit an anime character to join Angel Du$t on stage? Without hesitation, he says Black Star from Soul Eater would be on auxiliary percussion. “Him and Justice together? That’s just pure, unadulterated confidence.”

Whether you're looking for your next playlist obsession or a new anime recommendation, Angel Du$t is proof that if you’re going to do something, you should do it with everything you’ve got.

Check out COLD 2 THE TOUCH here, and be sure to catch the band when they bring that Baki-level energy to a venue near you.