Paragon - Controlled Demolition

Paragon

Controlled Demolition

by Lior "Steinmetal" Stein at 25 March 2019, 3:21 AM

I literally held myself from taking on a PARAGON release and actually write about it. I don’t know why really? A stupid reason probably. This band has been around my wide Metal circle since their sophomore “The Final Command” album, dating back to 1998. More than twenty years later and I am anxiously tuning in to “Controlled Demolition”, newly released by Massacre Records, which recently returned the Teutonic veteran squad to its fold. I can’t really say that I was expecting anything fresh that would bite my head off clean, because when it comes to PARAGON, the last thing that I need is a new creative way to recapture my already ongoing attention.

The German war machine has been one of these relics that no matter what comes through their way, whether another era of Metal music or simply a new generation of fans, they would never let go of their way of producing the mightiest for of Metal. Business wise, it might not always be a smart move, however, why be a sellout? Correct, one should not. Therefore, “Controlled Demolition”, as previously made releases is written by the book and attacking with a sharp-edged hook.

Continuing the energetic path of Metal onslaught in the vein of HELLOWEEN / GAMMA RAY / IRON SAVIOR / ACCEPT, “Controlled Demolition” is a heartwarming headbanging mania of pure honesty, without playing tricks and games. It shares destructive zealous speed dominion, surging with decimating guitar riffery, brewing melody and crafty soloing, a true praise for the local Metal scene’s royal past and as icing on the cake, pure anthems for nostalgic sing-alongs to keep on in comfort. In comparison to the previous releases, there is a tougher edge to the songs, almost on the verge of Bay Area Thrash Metal elements with a few qualities that would also return the listener early Speed Metal acts, hence, you could argue that there is just a tiny bit of freshness to the mix.

In addition, I got to hand it for the band’s producer, studio engineer and backing vocals specialist, Piet Sielck, also known as the mastermind behind IRON SAVIOR. His work to strengthen the band’s sound impact is notable and heavily felt. Sielck has been producing the band for some time now, and it seems that the guys keeping sticking hard to the maestro.

It was quite expected but the first track that I was nailed to was the ACCEPTish kind of hit, “Mean Machine”. First time that I listened to it, I was with my 2-year-old son on my lap, and he was fondly looking at me while I headbanged myself silly. This is one of those rare perfectly timed and written melodic and heavy songs that a band should play on each set, make it part of their legacy. “Blackbell”, on its mid-tempo heaviness, such an IRON SAVIOR meets ACCEPT in its vibe, immensely strong with an iron fist. The more serious “Deathlines” epic up next, sounded to me like one of these futuristic war tales, a true mature approach, well written, a true dramatic slow tempo, mostly, anthem driven tune, bound by the truth of steel. There is not a good PARAGON album with blazing speedsters, “Musangwe (B.K.F.)”, and especially “Reborn” with its HELLOWEENish melodies, are bound to blow your mind, such ferocity at your command is a true Metal feast right there.

Like I said, at least for me, to expect anything new or contemporary out of PARAGON would be a mistake, as it would never happen. I like it that way, they stick to their guns and they do it amazingly well. Praise the heroes of Heavy Metal.