GOD DETHRONED: The Judas Paradox (DEATH METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

The veteran musicians of God Dethroned are back to spread sonic miasma and bloody guitar riffs. At the helm of this ship, the musicians forge ahead against all odds, maintaining a consistent level of quality in their musical output. Their previous album, Illuminati, rich, intelligent, and catchy, seemed to open the door to new, less predictable ambitions... Four years have passed and despite the departure of drummer Michiel van der Plicht to Pestilence, replaced by Frank Schilperoort, the band remains as strong as ever. They are releasing their new album, “The Judas Paradox,” adorned with a sublime cover and eagerly awaited like the Messiah... Will the band offer new elements to break the impression of linearity?

The album seems to be driven by a constant rage, and that seems to be its greatest quality. The violence often comes through, even if it seems to be softened by the melodic passages (“Asmodeus”). Because the melody creeps in everywhere, into the smallest cracks, the tiniest guitar phrases, culminating in the hypnotic and captivating “Hailing Death.” The guitar lines are simple, catchy, and immediately accessible, while the solo parts are superb and almost shred-like. But far from softening the riffs, they establish an explosive violence (“Rat Kingdom”). Unfortunately, the songs offer predictable structures and few detours on a well-marked path... Perhaps “Black Heart,” a frightening instrumental, attempts this sidestep, or “Kashmir Princess” when it adorns itself with variations, heavy silences, or icy synthesizers. This black anger seems to remain at the doorstep of God Dethroned and be a facade, because on rare occasions the band reconnects with primal anger through blasts, vocal vomit (“Hubris Anorexia”) or suffocating ultra-violence (“Broken Bloodlines”).

“The Judas Paradox” is a predictable album with few passages that bring out its deep darkness. The music is performed to perfection: impeccable riffs, grandiose solo parts, and imperial vocals, but this is not enough to elevate the album to the pantheon of works that matter. The calibrated approach struggles to stand out by taking risks or building the unhealthy atmospheres characteristic of black death... By trying too hard to conform, the identity fades away. - Official website

GOD DETHRONED

THE JUDAS PARADOX

NUCLEAR BLAST

DEATH METAL