Edge Of Paradise have always had ambition – cinematic hard rock with grandeur, power, and a sense of the theatrical – but Prophecy feels like the moment everything steps up a level.
Opener “Death Note” is heavy, modern, and expertly delivered, with a change of pace mid-track only adding to its menace. From there, it’s clear this is a heavier incarnation of the band. “Leave It To Me (Mind Assassin)”, which features Ludovico Technique, turns the dial up even further.
Margarita Monet’s vast vocal range is on full display during “Prophecy Unbound”, and it’s hard not to feel like this is a band approaching the top of their game. Even when the tempo drops – as on the hauntingly atmospheric “The Sad Life Of A Rose” – there’s a darkness that lingers.
“Rogue (Aim For The Kill)” invites lazy Halestorm comparisons, but it’s got its own identity – and was clearly made to explode in a live setting. “Hear Me”, meanwhile, is almost fragile in contrast, and utterly compelling.
Elsewhere, “The Other Side Of Fear” weaves hypnotic hooks into its choral melody, while “Martyr (Monster)” is simply massive – proper, pounding metal.
There’s an increase in texture too, with “Relive Again” and the stunning, slow-build closer “Fading Light” hinting that Edge Of Paradise are far from finished evolving.
Co-produced with Mike Plotnikoff (Nita Strauss, Apocalyptica, Daughtry, Three Days Grace) and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Arch Enemy, Evergrey), the record sounds huge – and so does the band.
If Prophecy is the future, it’s looking very bright indeed.
