STOLEN MEMORIES – Paradox

7/10

STOLEN MEMORIES - Paradox - 7/10

7/10

Summary

Dooweet Records
Release date: October 27, 2017

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Paradox is the third album from French Progressive Metal band Stolen Memories. Current members are Najib Mafta – Vocals Baptiste Brun – Guitars and Keys Antoine Brun – Drums and Backing Vocals Olivier Dalmas – Bass. Paradox features many of the crucial elements of a great Prog Metal record. Soaring vocals, haunting keys, tight and syncopated drums, and detuned guitar an bass groovin hard in the lower registers. Stolen Memories kicks off with “Red Spring” a groove laden rocker with progressive elements tastefully interspersed. The only downfall is that the lead guitar is a little wanky.

The strength of the first song is the strength of the album, and the weakness of the first song is the weakness of the record. Brun is obviously an accomplished player. The songs are well written. The rhythm guitars are tight and clean. The lead guitar is just over the top and almost noisy. It calls to mind Vinnie Vincent on the first Invasion record. Every song would have benefitted from some restraint. Some more melodic soloing as opposed to tricks and a million notes. The melodic bass guitar intro the drives “Obedience” is a great example of purposeful chops. The guitar solo starts out like its going somewhere, but quickly descends into wankery. The record could also benefit from some more processing on the vocals. They are a bit loud, and a bit dry. There are some mix issues, but overall, a very listenable effort, and some great songs. Fans of Prog Metal will find something to enjoy in Paradox.

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Author

Stevie Shred

Stevie was a reviewer here at Metal Express Radio. He is currently the lead guitarist for Melodic Rock band Red Reign, based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Red Reign toured with Tesla in 2017, and shared the stage with Dokken, FireHouse, Lita Ford, Kix, Quiet Riot, and others at various dates around the US in 2018. Stevie heard his first KISS record at the age of 6 and was immediately hooked on Rock and Roll guitar. Over the course of years his tastes evolved, graduating from KISS to Ozzy and Van Halen; and then into Hair Metal. Over time, harder and faster music drew him. Bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Anthrax led the way, and Killswitch Engage took him over the top. Stevie has a deep passion for the guitar, not only playing them, but building them as well.
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