In 1992, two years later after the recording of their first unreleased EP ‘’I’’, PARADOX have moved forward with a notable evolution in the band’s sound.
(More about the first EP of 1990 you can read in the review here)
With a refined line-up that saw Todd Hamby taking over bass duties, Wade Carpenter on drums and the addition of John Griffin on keyboards, the founding duo of the vocalist Sonny Reynolds and the guitarist Marc Crotts recorded their second EP.
The sophomore and previously also unreleased (up to now) EP, presents a more polished and intricately layered soundscape. The compositions feel more complete, the arrangements are richer, demonstrating a maturity that demonstrates the band’s growth as musicians and songwriters.
While still firmly rooted in their melodic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock / AOR foundation, the added a textural depth in the songs with a very successful usage of keyboards that provided a fuller and more expansive sound.
The band did not only progress musically but also lyrically. They felt not satisfied with writing songs only about sex, parties and rock and roll, so they comprised lyrics that were dealing with social critique and personal or philosophical subjects such as spiritual awareness.
Musically though, the band again paid homage to their most basic influences, which were bands such as QUEENSRŸCHE (‘’Operation Mindcrime’’ era) and RUSH (‘80s era).
The band continues to be defined by this musical duality, on one hand leaning to US Metal in songs like the brilliant ‘’Can’t Stop the Violence’’ and ‘’Pray Away’’ and on the other hand their Hard Rock / AOR alter ego self emerges on the songs ‘’Restless Spirit’’, ‘’Have Faith’’ and ‘’Love Is Right’’.
It is amazing how the vocal extension of the recently late Sonny Reynolds is capable of shifting its timber in different songs, one time reminding Geoff Tate and the other time reminding Geddy Lee.
All these five songs are for one more time, like in the first EP but with a different beauty, nothing less than a collection of extremely passionate and soul-lifting songs, with captivating melodies and remarkable musicianship, that will compensate greatly those metal fans who will make the choice to add both the band’s previously unreleased EPs to their collection.
‘’ II’’ has been released on the 17th of January 2025 by Heaven and Hell Records and is available on CD and Digital format.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
