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Rating: "Paradox" is magic in a torrential rain of uncontrollable emotions. The fourth chapter in the discography of the symphonic metallers from Copenhagen represents the perfectly successful blend of pomp rock and classical music, enhanced by atmospheres imbued with truly engaging mysticism.
Long compositions, constantly evolving musical landscapes, lyrics like wrenching nostalgic poems where the grandiose keyboards of leader André Andersen and the diamond voice of the prodigious D. C. Cooper, American singer in his second album with the Hunters, dominate.
A short and tearful intro introduces us to the first act, the sumptuous "River Of Pain", a piece that lives between enchanting ivory keys desperately clinging to solid walls of guitar, upon which majestic, powerful, and irredeemably dramatic vocals rise. In its seven-minute duration, the Danes outdo themselves, passing through pyrotechnic solos, female voices, and heart-stopping drum beats for a beginning that announces astonishing compositional ambitions.
"Tearing Down The World" spasmodically accelerates the pace, in a whirlwind of gritty riffs and acoustic-symphonic breaks of classic-AOR lineage, while the following "Message To God" raises, if possible, the emotional level of the platter. Opened by sadly dejected pianos, it unleashes into the rhythmic lines of a pulsating bass that culminates in energetic verses ready to duet with a chorus of exquisite class, all skillfully adorned by Andersen's dreamlike keys.
Sweetened by the splendors of the rock-ballad "Long Way Home", hypnotized by the baroque ghost typical of certain Queen, we are dragged into the progressive monolith of "Time Will Tell", a track where the band lets flow all the peculiarities that have made them unique over the years. Deep and harmonic vocals couple with endless rhythmic rides and accompanying riffs for sober and elegant symphonic soliloquies. The sensual guests Maria McTurk and Lise Hansen do the rest, enriching the choruses with ethereal weeping notes.
In "Silent Scream" the pattern does not change with Cooper perpetually in the spotlight, perfect in balancing cathartic peaks and seductive harmonies crossing the boundaries of pop while Jakob Kjaer's six-string incessantly paints solos of considerable emotional charge.
The substantial production on which the band relies reaches its peak in the sumptuous and solemn "It's Over", an incredible episode, steeped in refined sections reminiscent of the classical inextricably linked to the explosive hard-rock verve, solid and gritty as never before.
The conclusion is entrusted to slow acoustic notes supported by the grace of omnipresent masterful keys, bringing to an end the gallery of stormy harmonies that has raged for over fifty minutes of dazzling talent.
A concept album with pessimistic and melancholic lyricism, "Paradox" will surprise you, leaving you stunned by the quintet's ability to reach straight to the heart, despite using highly complex sound architectures. A long journey between tears irrigating cheeks suffering the rigors of cold and silent winters, where the sensitivity of sweet harmonies of golden talent illuminates the vast expanses of a glacial and irresistibly fascinating tundra.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 River of Pain (07:14)
I don't believe in tomorrows - you'll never change my point of view,
My fears and sorrows runnin' down my spine, I tell you.
I watch my people dyin', I watch them go - I don't know where...
The skies are crying, washing out their blood into the
The rivers runs away,
Turns red and looks like vein.
The rivers shows the way,
Away from bloody rain.
The Gods of war are callin', I hear their voices in the wind.
The sun is falling - another day is gone, another sin.
I see the star of sadness is touchin' bodies on the ground.
Somebody's madness just took my life and turned it upside down.
The river of pain - we're all betrayed and sold,
The river of pain - my land is dead and cold.
The river of pain - when I close my eyes,
The river of pain - spirit never dies...
My time has come I'm leaving, my mind is tearin' me apart.
I wanna die believing in common sense and wisdom of my heart...
04 Message to God (06:41)
The one who's watchin' over my shoulder - get a life! I see your arms are nailed to the cross, but your eyes are so alive. I never thought you're lying but now it's turned around, So many hearts are dying - you let them down, Over and over again... Can't reach you, can't meet you, I give you everything I've got. You hear me, don't leave me, It's my message to you, God. Can't see you, can't feel you, I've lost just everything I've got, Forget me, you've left me, It's my message to you, God... We're busy burnin' witches the way we learned from you. We're good at killing creatures, so teach us something new, come on! One of your own creations is kind of hard to understand, You, freak of nature - just tell me why did you create us man? Traces on the floor, I can't hear the door closing me. Right inside my dream, it's a sign from him - let me be. Sunrise through the dust - future is the past chasin' me. Shadows on the wall, voices down the halls calling me, Over and over again...
07 Silent Scream (06:13)
White dress, torture in disguise, pointin' flashlight right into my eyes.
Sharp pain every single night - every day I fight a hopeless fight...
Look, over thirty years I've wished that I was dead,
Somebody, help me out, 'cos I'm tied down to my bed...
I'm lookin' for someone to release me,
I'm waitin' for an angel from my dream,
I'm talkin' to all of you around me,
I'm asking you - tell me can you hear my silent scream?
Dear God gave me such a life full of pain, it's sharp just like a knife,
I can think, but I can not tell, what's life to you to me is hell.
I hear the storm outside - first crop just hit the roof,
I'd die to see the rain, but I can't ... move
... If living is my cross, so let me die or crucify me now,
But tell me, can you hear my silent scream?
Time stays still - only I can feel when the darkness will appear,
Every day I wished away my fear...
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By STIPE
One of those works that stay with you and hit you straight in the heart.
Everything is in its place; the arrangement could not be better.
