Edge Of Paradise – “Prophecy”
Label: Napalm Records
Rating: 9/10
Review: Will
Edge Of Paradise have been on my radar for quite a few years. Their last release, 2023’s Hologram even cracked the WTR Top 10 albums of the year. So it was with eager anticipation that I dived straight into their latest release, Prophecy.
Let me start by saying that this is one hell of a HEAVY album! Both thematically and musically.
The concepts that the band tackle are always in the realm of an apocalyptic landscape where humans and machines are at odds, but “Prophecy” introduces “the existential crisis of what is commonly known as “The Singularity,” the prophesized moment in time in which humanity loses control of artificial intelligence, leading to potentially cataclysmic shifts to life as we know it“. A theme that we used to enjoy when Arnie was running around telling people he’d “be back”, but a little close to home in more recent times.
Margarita Monet’s vocal and keyboard work on the album are at peak! The emotion that she evokes in every lyric, sucks you into each song and story. Guitarist Dave Bates has created some really incredible riffs and arrangements. Some of the solos on this album are incredible. Newest member of the band, Doug Weiand, adds a new element to the Edge of Paradise sound as he brings along an 8-string guitar and it certainly adds a layered depth to these tracks. The drum work from Jamie Moreno on this album is phenomenal. Prophecy is chalk full of amazing tempo changes that keep you on your toes.
I’m not going to go through Prophecy song by song because it is full of a lot of highs. The immediate standouts to me were opener, “Death Note“, the pulsing riff of “Prophecy Unbound“, the industrial power churn during “Rogue (Aim For The Kill)” as well as the change of pace from “Hear Me” with a beautiful vocal/piano performance from Margarita. Ultimately this album excels because each additional listen produces something new.
Like every Edge of Paradise album, when you reach the end it feels like you’ve been taken on a journey. Prophecy is not something that you put on in the background. This is an album that you throw on some headphones for, sit back, and just get enveloped in all of it’s intricacies. Like an amazing wine, it’s complex with a lot of different notes that sometimes need a few tastes to truly realize it’s full flavor.
The trajectory that Edge of Paradise are on, especially with their last 3 releases, is undeniable. More people should start taking notice. I for one will be waving the EoP Banner wherever I can.
Prophecy will be released on March 7th.
Pre-order/get your Copy Here: https://edgeofparadisestore.com/
Tracklist:
1 Death Note
2 Give it to Me (Mind Assassin) (feat. Ben V. from Ludovico)
3 Prophecy Unbound
4 Sad Life of a Rose
5 Rogue (Aim for the Kill)
6 Hear Me
7 The Other Side of Fear
8 Martyr (Monster)
9 Relive Again
10 Falling Light
Edge of Paradise are:
Margarita Monet: Vocals/Keys
Dave Bates: Guitars
Kenny Lockwood: Bass
Jamie Moreno: Drums
Doug Weiand: Guitars
PRODUCED By / At: Edge of Paradise
RECORDED By / At: Mike Plotnikoff / West Valley Recording Studios
MIXED By: Jacob Hansen
MASTERED By: Jacob Hansen
PHOTOS By: Brendan Flavin
COVER ARTWORK By: Margarita Monet
