Paragon: Force of Destruction

Paragon has been around for nearly twenty years, but somehow I've missed out on hearing their music until now. Even though I can't compare this release to what's come before, I can say that this is a strong release, one that offers listeners a mixture of heavy riffs, impressive hooks, strong vocals, pounding drums, and fist-pumping choruses. Even better, none of the songs on this album feel wasted. It's true that all of them are basically drawing from the same formula, but they do not generally disappoint. I was especially impressed with the playing on this album; Martin Christian's guitar parts, for example, were always fast and engaging. Andreas Babuschkin's voice, likewise, was consistently strong and confident, giving listeners just enough of his dramatic vibrato to keep them engaged. Paragon has been through lots of lineup changes, but they sound here like they've regained some of their passion.

For readers, like me, who are new to Paragon the easiest way to describe them is as a second-generation Accept. I realize the comparison may not be entirely fair, but from song to song and hook to hook, these guys belong on a listening list next to their more-famous German forebears.

My favorite track was the fast-paced "Bulletstorm," a song that begins with a driving guitar part on the low end and a blistering lead track added onto the higher end. The song is reminiscent of 80s traditional metal, but it demonstrates that there is still life in that particular style. I could have done without the laser sound effects at the end of the song which sounded rather silly. There are a few other moments that seem unnecessarily dramatic--the narration half-way through "Blood and Iron, for example--but the album sticks to its guns. Fans of traditional-sounding heavy metal will find plenty to enjoy here.

Track Listing:
1. The Last Day on Earth
2. Iron Will
3. Tornado
4. Gods of Thunder
5. Bulletstorm
6. Blood and Iron
7. Blades of Hell
8. Dynasty
9. Rising from the Black
10. Demon's Lair
11. Secrecy

Added: November 7th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2056
Language: english

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