Texas band Paradise makes a striking impression with their self-titled EP, delivering a raw, gritty statement that carves a distinct space between thrash, hardcore, and punk-infused grooves. From the first notes of “Dead & Gone,” the band establishes a heavy, almost ominous presence. The riffs are sharp and thrashy, yet the deliberately muffled production gives the music a slow, oppressive weight, contrasting with bursts of fast double kicks and snappy snare hits that inject jolts of energy into the mix. It’s the kind of heaviness that commands attention, even when it feels buried under layers of distortion.
Throughout the EP, Paradise leans on deep, throbbing basslines and measured, deliberate drum patterns that drive songs like “A Call to War” and “Empty Threat” with a grinding momentum. The guitars cut through with sharper thrashiness at key moments, while the vocals sit distant and ghostly, creating space and atmosphere — though at times they feel slightly overshadowed. Backing vocals, however, shine through with clarity and intensity, adding texture and weight that elevate the simpler, chugging riffs.
Tracks like “Dustface” and “Seclusion” demonstrate the band’s versatility, shifting between groovy, Madball-esque rhythms and bursts of fast, thrashy energy. These contrasts inject life into the EP’s slow-burn aesthetic, revealing a band capable of balancing heaviness with movement and dynamics. While the song structures remain relatively straightforward, there’s a deliberate sense of pacing and tension that ties the EP together cohesively.
By the midpoint, some of the initial intensity softens slightly, but moments of deep, fuzzy bass and punchy drums reignite the energy without overcomplicating the arrangements. It’s clear that Paradise thrives on simplicity: thick, resonant bass, chugging riffs, and tightly executed rhythms form the backbone of their sound. The slightly obscured vocals may frustrate some listeners, but they contribute to an overall feeling of distance and menace, enhancing the EP’s dark, unpolished charm.
Overall, the Paradise EP is a compelling exploration of heaviness, groove, and attitude. It’s raw, unpolished, and unapologetically energetic, carrying an undercurrent of menace and grit that hardcore fans will appreciate. While not perfect, it offers a glimpse of a band still honing its craft — one capable of delivering both crushing riffs and dynamic rhythmic shifts, hinting at even greater potential in future releases.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
A Call To War
Dustface