EDGE OF PARADISE – Universe (2019)
Formed by singer/pianist Margarita Monet and guitarist Dave Bates in 2011, Los Angeles based EDGE OF PARADISE has made a name for itself in the metal scene with the release of well-received independent albums and heavy touring, both nationally and internationally. The band’s new album – and first for Frontiers – “Universe”, was produced by Mike Plotnikoff (Halestorm, Three Days Grace) and mixed by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat, Pretty Maids).
“Universe” brings together a symphonic and classic metal approach with more contemporary sounds.
Formed by singer/pianist Margarita Monet and guitarist Dave Bates in 2011, Los Angeles based EDGE OF PARADISE has made a name for itself in the metal scene with the release of well-received independent albums and heavy touring, both nationally and internationally. The band’s new album – and first for Frontiers – “Universe”, was produced by Mike Plotnikoff (Halestorm, Three Days Grace) and mixed by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat, Pretty Maids).
“Universe” brings together a symphonic and classic metal approach with more contemporary sounds.
Margarita Monet has a powerful yet gentle sounding voice, and while she’s the star of Edge In Paradise, the band concentrated here into a more complete, cohesive sound than before. All is benefited by the addition of second guitarist David Ruiz.
Edge Of Paradise’s songs are heavy and poppy at the same time, quite punchy, however the band creates an interesting sonic palette mixing dense guitar riffs and the groovy rhythm section with synth-orchestrated passages.
Trying to avoid the common skeleton of this genre, Bates arrange many of the songs with a melodic structure, and the layers of instrumentation provide the heaviness. This, juxtaposed to Monet’s smooth clear vocals results into a compact, modern sound.
Title track ‘Universe’ is extremely catchy and hook-laden, ‘Fire’ has radio poential, there’s a poppy chorus to ‘Perfect Disaster’, while ‘Electrify’ has a chorus that will stuck in your head if you press the repeat button.
‘World’ is the closer to a ballad here, more a slow tune with atmosphere and Monet’s husky vocals.
Edge Of Paradise’s ‘Universe’ is a very solid, well written album, all lush modern from instrumentation, arrangements and especially, production. It’s pretty different from what you hear nowadays regarding female fronted projects, and entertaining.
01 – Fire
02 – Electrify
03 – Universe
04 – Alone
05 – Hollow
06 – World
07 – Perfect Disaster
08 – Face of Fear
09 – Stars
10 – Burn the Sun
Margarita Monet – Vocals, Keyboards
Dave Bates – Guitars
David Ruiz – Guitars
Vanya Kapetanovic – Bass
Jimmy Lee – Drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Universe-Edge-Paradise/dp/B07VW3HJ93
