As the saying goes, it takes a really heavy storm to appreciate the clear sky to follow and I generally tend to agree, especially when the same is applied to the music industry: no other band can better illustrate this than the German Power/Thrash Metal outfit Paradox. Having gone through a heavy case of depression as a result of the loss of close members of his family, Charly Steinhauer (guitars/vocals) managed to pull himself together and together with the remaining three musicians that put together Paradox's current line up brought to life the band's fourth studio effort, entitled "Electrify" - an album that will take metalheads throughout the world by complete surprise.

Paradox were one of the few Teutonic Thrash Metal bands of the 80s whose sound was predominantly influenced by the US Metal scene and bands like Metallica, Testament and Crimson Glory and "Electrify" is indeed another product of that same formula. What makes this album stand out, especially from the numerous so called '80s sounding' releases that pop up in hundreds (if not thousands) every day, is the fact that it manages to re-create that same atmosphere that made people appreciate the band in the first place, as well as sounding fresh at the same time and capable of competing with a release from any modern band.

I do not believe that the band could choose a better opening track for this album than the five minute Thrash explosion "Second Over Third By Storm". I cannot possibly see how anyone could resist the fast rhythmical Metallica-sounding riffs that work as the backbone of this composition or its melodic and amazingly catchy refrain that is 'embroidered' by powerful vocals and a beautifully performed twin guitar melodic theme - a killer combination indeed.

After "Paralyzed", a relatively short melodic theme which pays tribute to bands like Crimson Glory (especially as far as vocals are concerned), the listener should expect to come across a fresh set of crunchy Testament-esque riffs as presented in "Monument" and then enjoy the charming melodies of "Portrait in Grey" - a powerful mid tempo composition whose crunchy riffs and Iced Earth sounding rhythmical melodies will appeal to both old and young metal fans alike. The second half of the album is almost as impressive as the first, being equally divided between modern and 80s sounding compositions.

The two songs that I found completely irresistible are "Infected" and "Cyberspace Romance" - the former being a fast pace rhythmical composition based on Iced Earth/Testament sounding riffs and short flamboyant Metallica-sounding solos, whereas the latter is a Power Metal ballad whose vocal melodies carry the seal of Matt Barlow (Iced Earth), leaving the album to close with yet another stick of furiously fast Thrash Metal dynamite, namely "Electrify".

"Electrify" is one of those albums that is capable, not only of winning you over in no time, but also of 'imposing itself' in such a commanding way that it will take quite a long time before you decide to remove it from your CD player. The only reason why I chose not to give it the highest possible rating is because the numerous superbly performed ideas on this album have been presented to us before by some of the biggest bands in Metal. Anyhow, the fact remains that this is yet again another great effort by Paradox - one that will hopefully not go unnoticed by those of you who appreciate good quality Metal.

****½

Review by John Stefanis