Edge Of Paradise – Prophecy
Edge Of Paradise – Prophecy
Napalm Records
Release Date: 07/03/2025
Review by Beth Morait
8/10
Being the dramatic type, anything with the word ‘cinematic’ in the description automatically piques my interest. And that word, along with the spectacular album cover art of Edge of Paradise’s new album, “Prophecy”, made me give this more than a second glance when it dropped in our inbox. And I’m very glad, because it’s well worth a listen. And while I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s cinematic as such, it’s Heavy Rock that’s bordering on Modern Metal, which is definitely my bag.
Hailing from the USA, Edge of Paradise are a band that have a decent track record, with a bunch of critically acclaimed albums, and tours with the likes of Lacuna Coil, DragonForce, and Amaranthe behind them. The thing that makes this album ‘cinematic’ is the concept, rather than the music though. It’s a collection of songs inspired by, and standing up against, ‘The Singularity’ – the prophesized (and seemingly ever-closer to reality) takeover of humanity by artificial intelligence.
With this theme in mind, it’s no surprise that the album kicks off to a powerful start with ‘Death Note’. Crunchy chugging guitars and an adventurous bassline take the lead, with epic, powerful vocals over the top, provided by lead vocalist Margarita Monet. It’s in a minor key, giving it an air of sorrow and pain, along with the urge to rise up against oppression. There’s a spoken drop towards the end of the song that adds to this.
Away from the theme, this, and to be honest, the rest of the album tracks, are all great standalone songs, with catchy melodies that you can crank up loud and sing along to. They like to throw in some atmospheric samples too, giving it a Modern and Industrial air, which is added to by the metallic distortion on the guitar and bass. ‘Rogue (Aim for the Kill)’ is a decent example of this, with an Industrial, almost Cyberpunk feel to some of the bridges.
Planting the Rock seed, however, are the guitar solos which appear in various different places throughout the album, such as half-way through ‘The Other Side of Fear’. Face-melting!
‘Sad Life of a Rose’ takes a different path, as it’s a ballad. But it’s not your usual ballad, because it’s as powerful, and the vocals are as hard-hitting as the other tracks. It’s just slower! We do get one other true ballad on the album, which I think is probably my favourite track, too. ‘Hear Me’ is a song that’s stripped right back to very gentle keys, clean guitars, and bass played in the higher register. Margarita brings the power in her vocals right down too. It makes it really mournful, and beautifully tender. And the lyrics further increase the feelings of sorrow and hopelessness.
There’s a big commercial edge in the band’s sound too. Tracks like ‘The Other Side of Fear’ could quite easily stand up in a mainstream chart, offering something that everyone can get into.
My only concern with this album, and sound, as it is with a lot of bands, is this year is already looking ridiculous for outstanding new music, and I’m not sure this stands out from the crowd far enough to be remembered. And that would be a shame, as it’s a great album that I like a lot. If Hard Rock/ Modern Metal floats your boat I think you will too, so check it out!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Death Note
02. Give it to Me (Mind Assassin) (feat. Ben V. from Ludovico)
03. Prophecy Unbound
04. Sad Life of a Rose
05. Rogue (Aim for the Kill)
06. Hear Me
07. The Other Side of Fear
08. Martyr (Monster)
09. Relive Again
10. Falling Light
LINKS:
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