17th September 2024

Review: “Self Titled” by Paradis

Mixed and mastered by Charlie Wilson at Monolith Studios (War Grave, Cage Fight, Negative Frame) in the heart of London, the debut self titled EP from Paradis is the culmination of a years hard graft. A quintet who hail from distant lands and have a wealth of different influences, their mutual love of all things Metal brought them together in 2023 with frontman Jonny Weaver is flanked by guitarist duo Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase while a rhythm section of bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard provide the covering fire. Since then they have spent many hours, days and months locked in the rehearsal space, writing, recording and reworking material while breaking out for live shows like escapees from Arkham Asylum…

…Pandora’s box is opened with a cathartic vent from Weaver accompanies a DJent fuelled riff as “Boneyard” takes shape, part metaphor, part introspection and all mid tempo Progressive Metalcore. Musing on past mistakes without over playing it, the premise is a straightforward one which allows the band to build a framework of riffs and glorious little tapping sections around each scream-a-long chorus, the anger flowing through Weavers veins as he roars. A couple of well executed tempo shifts ensure this one will gain some traction, its positioning as an bulldozer of an opening cut ensuring it doesn’t get lost in the middle of the madness. Increasing the energy and intensity with a groove laden swagger “Reflections” then shapeshifts impressively as Weaver demonstrates impressive vocal range. After a punchy, muscular opening verse, he switches effortlessly between the harsh bark of the first cut to gravelly sung style that is reminiscent of Grunge inspired Nu-Metal bands of the early 2000’s. A nice counterpoint that doesn’t involve losing any energy or momentum it adds a fresh dynamic but what comes next, no one saw coming. Death growls are an unexpected step up in brutality which blows the mind before a bass drive and pick slide as Paradis play with depth, texture and tone in sublime fashion.

Returning to stomping mid tempo chugger territory for a Groove Death monster “Immortal” is interspliced with fleeting moments of choral vocals between pummelling percussion and earworm grade burly riffs, a solo pulled from the fires of hell itself and partially buried in the mix. As a style choice Wilson has made the rhythm guitars the boldest part of these tracks, followed by the vocals, the drums sounding a little flatter than perhaps they could have done. Vibrant leads give “Storm” a Melodic Death Metal edge after a hard hitting opening passage, the shift in to Deathcore influenced staccato riff breaks before the arrival of ethereal atmospherics tastefully done. That play on silence, a fleeting moment between the distorted tones is what the edge of the seat was made for. A fist pumping gang chant moment then finds the band in No Worth Of Man territory, the question being if those sickly sweet leads are a little too rich for their accompaniment. Once again making use of choral vocal harmonies as if they were orchestrations, “Walking Aberration” ensures the mighty river flows to the ocean deep with so much groove it would – what is that phrase Samuel L. Jackson uses? Oh – make your Mama cry. This time however the extended solo has a different energy to it, like a pulsating electric dynamo and the final breakdown section is the absolute Chef’s kiss moment. A solid start, this record will open many doors as the quintet begin their assault Europe… [7.5/10]

Track Listing