Making their way for over a decade now, Edge of Paradise is a band that quickly strikes curiosity. Led by Vocalist Margarita Monet and Guitarist Dave Bates, upon first glance, you may think they are a European act based on the band’s name and imagery. However, this band is actually based out of Los Angeles and possesses a sound that is quite widespread. In fact, through the years they have toured rather extensively across the USA, and even Japan, spreading their music.
Now, for those unfamiliar with Edge of Paradise may ask – what does their music sound like? Well, that is hard to define, but the best way would be to call it a mix of Gothic, Industrial, and Symphonic Metal, mixed with a modern Hard Rock sensibility. A bit different from other acts that lean one way or the other, Edge of Paradise centralizes themselves in two different worlds that could appeal to a very broad audience.
This all-in mind, after years of releasing music independently the band signed on with Frontiers Music in early 2019 before releasing their album Universe that summer. A very strong debut with the label, they followed up with The Unknown in 2021, and now in 2023 re-emerge with Hologram. Released on July 14th, Hologram is the band’s sixth overall studio album, and features Monet, Bates, Drummer Jamie Moreno, Drummer David Ruiz, along with new Bassist Kenny Lockwood. Together they create an album that is captivating Modern Metal music from start to finish.
Ten songs in total, the sound is razor sharp itself, produced by the band themselves alongside Mike Plotnikoff (who has produced/mixed everything from Buckcherry to Three Days Grace). With this you get an album that is well balanced sonically to match the strong songwriting and performances of the band. Breaking it down, Monet’s voice is diverse, powerful, and quite seductive. Standing out, her tone and stylistically approach immediately grab you in a way that you want to listen to Hologram all the way through. Matching her are guitars that are intense, melodies that are catchy, and subtle mood setting elements that are effective.
With no letdowns, some of the best songs here include the title-track, “Soldiers of Danger,” “Faceless,” “One More Time,” and “Bailisk.” A few examples of what Hologram has to offer, each song is presented with thick grooves, fantastic melodies, and vocal outputs from Monet that are different each time around. And if you are trying to figure out a way to describe Monet, you could say her style is a hybrid of many others. However, you can hear hints In This Moment’s Maria Brink, to even Kate Bush here… that is how diverse she is!
All in all, Edge of Paradise’s Hologram is an album that is addictive. You will listen to it once, but then want to listen again and again. Preparing for a big year in 2024 with more touring, beyond Hologram, it is recommended to check out the more recently released reimagining of The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Disarm” where Edge of Paradise worked with Judge & Jury and Caleb Hyles for something very interesting. In the end, Cryptic Rock gives this new Edge of Paradise album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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