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Heresy (1989)
Paradox’s Heresy improves upon their debut in every way. While Product of Imagination wasn't bad, this might as well be a different band. The vocals are stronger, the riffs are sharper and more memorable, and the overall sound is heavier and more focused. Even though they’re a German thrash band, this isn’t the raw, chaotic style you might expect. Instead, Heresy takes a more epic, melodic, technically precise approach. I’ve always felt like this sounds like the album Anthrax should have made as a follow-up to Spreading the Disease, had they remained serious and not turned into clowns.
The songwriting is tight, with well-structured arrangements and plenty of strong vocal lines. Paradox doesn’t feature the usual thrash vocals. This guy has a great voice and actually elevates the songs. His range works with the tight, technical riffs and is kind of reminiscent of Joey Belladonna. The guitar tone is sharper and heavier than on the debut, somewhere between Ride the Lightning and Spreading the Disease. And speaking of the guitar work—this album is packed with technical solos that not only showcase the band’s musicianship but also complement the songs without ever feeling overblown or out of place.
Highlights include tracks like "Heresy," which almost feels akin to Metallica’s “Fight Fire with Fire” or “Battery”, a great opener that sets the tone for the whole record. Then there's “Killtime,” with the surprisingly intense tremolo riffs that sound ahead of their time. “Crusaders Revenge” is an aggressive track that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Testament’s The Legacy. Really, choosing favourites with an album this consistent is a difficult task. There is not a weak song to be found here. Heresy is highly recommended!
The songwriting is tight, with well-structured arrangements and plenty of strong vocal lines. Paradox doesn’t feature the usual thrash vocals. This guy has a great voice and actually elevates the songs. His range works with the tight, technical riffs and is kind of reminiscent of Joey Belladonna. The guitar tone is sharper and heavier than on the debut, somewhere between Ride the Lightning and Spreading the Disease. And speaking of the guitar work—this album is packed with technical solos that not only showcase the band’s musicianship but also complement the songs without ever feeling overblown or out of place.
Highlights include tracks like "Heresy," which almost feels akin to Metallica’s “Fight Fire with Fire” or “Battery”, a great opener that sets the tone for the whole record. Then there's “Killtime,” with the surprisingly intense tremolo riffs that sound ahead of their time. “Crusaders Revenge” is an aggressive track that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Testament’s The Legacy. Really, choosing favourites with an album this consistent is a difficult task. There is not a weak song to be found here. Heresy is highly recommended!
(10 May 2025)
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