Hayden Capuozzo, known as the DJ and producer Kayzo, is cementing his spot in the world of rock and electronic music with his new album, Unleashed. Teaming up with some of the most revered artists in alternative and modern rock, Kayzo has created a crossover genre that challenges sonic boundaries with its versatile sound.

Unleashed delivers a genre-defying, electronic-rock hybrid album featuring some serious scene heavyweights. All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth, Underoath, Of Mice & Men and the late We Came As Romans vocalist Kyle Pavone are among the incredible collaborations who also played a large role in Kayzo’s musical influences.

Read more: Kellin Quinn launches podcast as part of Dreamer mentorship project

“It was a really special experience,” Kayzo says. “Being able to translate my experiences with these bands’ songs and the influence they had on my upbringing to now influencing my music was pretty full circle.”

In fact, it’s a full circle that the DJ and producer still has a hard time believing actually happened.

“I often found myself listening back to the early versions of the record in my car and being like, ‘Is this really happening? Are these songs I wrote with the bands?’” he shares.

Creating a record with no boundaries and a unique, barrier-breaking sound is no easy task.

“I’ve had sessions where stems from band to myself have been passed and that, at the beginning of writing this record, felt more comfortable,” Kayzo explains. “But as time went by, I really felt like I was missing out on something here.”

Stepping out of his comfort zone proved to pay off for the artist in a massive and rewarding way.

“When I was finally able to get in the studio with these guys, sit down, talk face to face and exchange creative ideas in real time, that’s when the real magic happened,” he says. “I was able to show them how I wrote as a producer, and they were able to bring their unique songwriting to the table. It was incredibly rewarding to begin the studio cutting vocals, guitar, etc. with these guys. I ended up learning so much.”

Read more: WCAR guitarist reflects on healing process after the passing of Kyle Pavone

Unleashed can only be described as a “genre hybrid,” with one track in particular sticking out a little more than the rest. “LA Never Says Goodbye” features ARMNHMR and Pavone, the latter of whom tragically passed away last year.

“It was heartbreaking to lose Kyle so soon,” Kayzo says. “We were able to speak quite often about music and the song specifically before his passing, and I think lyrically this one will hit home to a lot of people.”

While Kayzo doesn’t mark Pavone’s first electronic collab as he’s featured on Jauz’s “Frequency,” the moment continues to build on the late singer’s genre-melding dreams. Kyle’s father, Vince Pavone, speaks highly of the track, saying it’s monumental for his late son.

“The collaboration with Hayden was a professional milestone,” Vince explains. “Kyle always wanted to fuse metal with electronic music. The fact that he was able to participate on such an important album was a dream come true for Kyle.

“As far as the release of the song, our family is grateful,” he continues. “We are grateful for Hayden and his team for performing this song at festivals and shows all year, exposing Kyle’s talents to new audiences all over the world. By including this song [on his] album, it will allow Kyle’s fans to hear his incredible voice one last time.”

This month will mark one year since Kyle passed away from an accidental drug overdose. While the past year has not been easy, Vince sees the track’s release as a way of continuing his legacy.

“It has been a long, difficult year for us,” he reveals. “The release of this album, almost exactly one year since the tragedy, has given us the opportunity with the help of many to cement Kyle’s legacy as an artist and also to help prevent further tragedies by directing his portion of the song proceeds to the Kyle Pavone Foundation.

“As far as the song goes, ‘LA Never Says Goodbye,’ and neither do we. We will never say goodbye to Kyle because his life lives on with his music and fans. We love the song and, like Kyle, are very proud of this work.”

Unleashed is available now via Ultra Music here. You can stream “LA Never Says Goodbye” featuring Pavone and ARMNHMR and check out the full tracklist below.

Tracklist:



1. “Alone” feat. Our Last Night

2. “Before The Storm” feat. blessthefall

3. “Up In Flames” feat. Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low

4. “Monster” feat. Tynan, Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire

5. “Dark Skies” feat. ALRT

6. “ Lost” feat. Xo Sad

7. “LA Never Says Goodbye” feat. ARMNHMR, Kyle Pavone

8. “ARK” feat. 1788-L

9. “Antidance” feat. k?d

10. “Night Terror” feat. YULTRON, Of Mice & Men

11. “Wasted Space ” feat. Underoath

12. “Wait It Out” feat. Micah Martin

13. “Fight For Love” feat. Micah Martin

14. “Our Times Run Out” feat. Boys Of Fall

15. “Cruel Love” feat shYbeast, Frank Zummo