EDGE OF PARADISE
Prophecy
Napalm Records

EDGE OF PARADISE have always strived to push boundaries, to take music to the very edge and see what happens when they jump head first straight into the abyss… and on album number six they have outdone themselves. “Prophecy” is a hard hitting, no nonsense assault on the senses as they try to get us all to wake up and embrace the strength inside and not give in to the grim prediction of the end of the world being brought upon by humanity’s loss of control over artificial intelligence.

EDGE OF PARADISE was born out of a chance meeting of vocalist Margarita Monet and guitarist Dave Bates in 2011 in Los Angeles, California. They have had a few member changes over the years, but the band is completed by David Ruiz (guitar), Kenny Lockwood (bass) and Jamie Moreno (drums).

“Death Note” opens the album in explosive fashion as Margarita’s powerhouse vocals rip and tear through line after line of some very combative lyrics as she urges us to break free from our isolation brought on by our over reliance on technology, the gloves are off now and the fight is well and truly on.

Next up is the irresistibly catchy “Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)” which ups the ante as the fight steps up a gear. The drive is relentless and the chorus catchy as hell as the guitars of Dave Bates and David Ruiz rock out with Monet’s vocals, showing off their grit here as she belts out this real anthem of rebellion.

The stand out track for me has to be “Prophecy Unbound”. The stomping drums by Jamie Moreno along with the thunderous bass by Kenny Lockwood really get it going before Margarita’s vocals soar with venomous intent to deliver a resounding call to arms. All of this is surrounded by luscious layers of synths and this gives it a real cathartic feel, almost like we have broken free and now we can finally see the light.

“Rogue (Aim For The Kill)” is a real hard rock belter with its infectiously catchy opening before we bring it all back down a notch with the sombre “Hear Me” as the ethereal vocal lines carry us through the darkness that persists in this loud artificial world.

EDGE OF PARADISE are always looking for interesting new ways to connect to their fans and to help spread the messages in their music, so alongside the album release there is also a graphic novel entitled “Hologram And Slaves To Forever” which has been released and is available in digital and physical formats via the band’s website. This additional material is a wonderful extra for fans and something I wish more bands would embrace.

“Martyr (Monsters)” is another fantastic track with its thunderous opening giving way to a mid tempo groove which has a real purposeful stomp to it. The solo is short but sweet and the vocals are insane here. Margarita’s control, range and delivery are outstanding and really show why she was named as one of Metalholic’s Top 25 Women in Hard Rock/Metal.

The album closes with the stunning “Falling Light” which weaves its magic back and forth as the anthemic chorus is belted out by an impassioned Margarita before the guitars go on full attack mode and then switch to a soaring solo before we sail once more on the ethereal ocean waters of the introspective lyrics.

I am falling through endless meanings
I’m chasing time that’s fleeting
To find out what I’m seeking
And I will find my meaning
I am the falling light

EDGE OF PARADISE keep pushing boundaries and will only go from strength to strength with this album. They are on tour soon, supporting Delain and fellow record label mates Xandria, so if you get the chance, go and see them and definitely grab a copy of “Prophecy”, it’s a truly fantastic album, you will not be disappointed.

Russell Mulock-Bentley