Kaonashi release experimental metalcore EP on Equal Vision Records

Kaonashi release new EP, The 3 Faces of Beauty: A Violent Misinterpretation of Morgan Montgomery, on Equal Vision Records

Share intense music video for “We Got One”

Photo Credit: James Perry

Today, Philadelphia, PA based band Kaonashi release The 3 Faces Of Beauty: A Violent Misinterpretation of Morgan Montgomery, on Equal Vision Records. The EP is first of three in a series told from the perspective of the main characters of Lemon House High, the concept the band set forth on their 2018 EP, Why Did You Do It?, and continued on 2021’s Dear Lemon House, You Ruined Me: Senior Year. The story is a tale of love, loss, violence, heartbreak and identity set in the lives and families of Morgan Montgomery, Casey Diamond, and Jamie B. Moore. On this release, the band shares Morgan’s viewpoint through chaotic, experimental metalcore while addressing topics like bullying and self-acceptance.

On the subject matter, Peter Rono expands:

“Topics such as societal pressure, race, homophobia and dysfunctional family are all covered in this new release. I want the listeners to feel the sadness and anger of this character so they have a different perspective on young Black people.”

Having already shared videos for “I Hate the Sound of Car Keys” and “Humiliation Ritual,” the band add to their cinematic world with the release of “We Got One.” The enraged track is one of Kaonashi’s heaviest, as Rono’s high-pitched meets deep shrills vocal delivery is corralled by relentless guitars and a meaty breakdown. The video, done in grayscale with pops of red, sees the band give a crushing performance between scenes of Morgan’s stressful life that leads to a breaking point. You can watch it HERE.

As Lemon House High serves as the center point of Kaonashi’s lyrics, the sound on the EP is just as prevalent. Songs move from loud to quiet and back again. Guitars twist and turn through irregular scales, with many of the riffs improvised on the spot in the studio. Pulsating drums break through moody cymbal crashes. And holding it all together is Rono’s unique timbre. A brighter sound ends EP closer “Exit Pt. V,” hinting at what’s to come next from the ever genre-pushing band.

The 3 Faces Of Beauty: A Violent Misinterpretation of Morgan Montgomery is available for purchase now though Equal Vision Records. The EP was produced, mixed, and mastered by Evan Sammons.

Kaonashi has recently toured across North America with Hail The Sun, opened dates for From Autumn To Ashes and Bleeding Through, and joined Coheed and Cambria on the S.S. Neverender cruise in Fall 2023. The band has record releases shows in Philadelphia and Baltimore this weekend, and will head out on a US co-headline run with Mugshot this March. Full dates below.

Kaonashi is Peter Rono (Vocals), Ryan “Pao” Paolilli (Drums), Alex Hallquist (Guitar, Vocals), Sidney Williams (Guitar) and Ryne Jones (Bass).

The 3 Faces Of Beauty: A Violent Misinterpretation of Morgan Montgomery Tracklist:

1. Humiliation Ritual

2. We Got One

3. I Hate The Sound Of Car Keys

4. Sarah & The Scraped Knee

5. Exit Pt. V (Shame on a Nigga)

Tour Dates:

Jan 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Cousin Danny’s

Jan 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Ukie Club

Jan 28 – Baltimore, MD – The Crown

Mar 15 – Albuquerque, NM – Ren’s Den

Mar 16 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s

Mar 17 – Abilene, TX – The Zone

Mar 19 – Little Rock, AR – Vino’s

Mar 20 – Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone

Mar 21 – Huntsville, AL – Insanity Skatepark

Mar 23 – Hollywood, FL – American Legion Post 92

Mar 24 – Bradenton, FL – Oscura

Mar 26 – Knoxville, TN – Brickyard

Mar 29 – Greenville, SC – The Radio Room

Mar 31 – Erie, PA – Basement Transmission

Apr 2 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry

Apr 3 – Louisville, KY – Mag Bar

Apr 4 – Indianapolis, IN – Healer

Apr 5 – Cincinnati, OH – Legend’s

Apr 6 – Des Moines, IA – Lefty’s

Apr 7 – Lincoln, NE – Cosmic Eye

Apr 27 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Death Fest