Paradox - Tales Of The Weird - review
Paradox - Tales Of The Weird - review
Tracklist
01. Tales Of The Weird02. Day Of Judgement
03. Brutalized
04. Fragile Alliance
05. Escalation
06. Brainwashed
07. Slashdead
08. Zeitgeist
09. The Downward Spiral
10. A Light In The Black [Rainbow cover][Japanese bonus]
A review by
R'Vannith December 29, 2012
A most likely cause for the new efforts of an old thrash act bearing a more modern sound is inevitably the production technology available. But along with the modernization of production in their post-2000 releases Paradox's thrash has become increasingly characterised by a heavy/power metal flavour. While some may find that such integration detracts from the edginess of the riffs it certainly bolsters tracks like the frenetically jumpy licks of "Day Of Judgement" granting a muscularity to the highly melodic guitar work.
Their secret weapon this time around is the time bending talent of Obscura and Spawn Of Posession guitarist Christian Muenzner. His presence partnered with Charly Steinhauer make the lengthier pieces like the over 9 minute title track pass with as much thrashing ferocity and consistency as the shorter energetic bursts of "Slashdead." Transitions from dual guitar lines to solos are typically standard and stubbornly refuse to show themselves at times and this does result in a slight over familiarity with the melodic leads.
Steinhauer's vocals rarely fall short of supporting the concentrated melodies though he occasionally slips into disharmonious moments such as in the chorus of "Brainwashed", where the guitars also stagnate somewhat. Generally he performs more than competently, bracing the album with his slightly accented and vigorous delivery.
Inclusions such as the usual atmospheric introductions and recognizably thrash interlude "Zeitgeist" all aid in the distinguishing between tracks. However the melodic riffs are so cogently expressed within each track that they offer clear distinction in themselves.
Before you lock in your favourite thrash releases from this year give a listen to this potentially worthy and irresistibly energetic contender.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 8 |
| Songwriting: | 8 |
| Originality: | 8 |
| Production: | 9 |
Comments
Comments:
5
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| thundercunt
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Posts: 677
Another great album from Paradox, and probably my favorite thrash release this year. Nice review! 
---- My lo-fi synth project: http://luciddreamer.bandcamp.com
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Paradox are a rare species. they're a German band that doesn't sound German. I've always thought that German thrash is inferior to American thrash, Paradox being one a very few exceptions.
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Once again a very average by these German thrashers.
---- Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.) 05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996 
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