FOOL’S PARADISE is a progressive metal band from France and “Living in a Fantasy” is its second album. Here we have a very interesting case, as the band presents a very good album which is characterized by a remarkable improvement compared to the “Monopoly Society” debut five years ago.
At first, we must mention that Freddy Richard has replaced the original singer, something that brings a much more melodic aspect to the band. But also, the compositions this time are amazingly catchy and easy-listening without loosing the adventurous and dramatic side that the band has adopted. So, we are talking about a versatile new album that knows how to keep the balance between progressive metal and classic metal melodies, making the listening session extremely enjoyable.
FOOL’S PARADISE has a rich, personal and unique sound that is hard to be compared with other bands – even in the progressive metal genre – but imagine perhaps something between PAIN OF SALVATION, early to mid HELSTAR and LEVIATHAN from Colorado. The mixture works great, but especially the melodic tracks are exquisite. The fans of progressive metal will love the “A Silent Call” which is perhaps the best progressive metal song of the year. But the album is full of great compositions; from “A Place to Hide” to the amazing self-titled track “Living on a Fantasy” everyone will find melodies or heavier moments to fulfill their metal needs.
FOOL’S PARADISE give with their second album a very pleasant surprise to the fans of progressive metal, but the fans of the rest heavy metal genres will find many features of the band very appealing. “Living in a Fantasy” wins you over with its rich and diverse spirit placing FOOL’S PARADISE among the most promising bands of contemporary progressive metal.
