Already impressing this scribe through their previous release Influence Denied back in 2021, German thrash unit Eradicator celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band on this sixth studio album The Paradox. Choosing to stimulate minds in deep lyrical thoughts about the dichotomy between human thought and action plus the ambivalence that occurs out of this, topics like human denigration between perpetrators and victims, environmental destruction in a sci-fi / space debris filled fictional world, and the ubiquitous peace through war landscape go in tandem with a dynamic melodic thrash approach. The additional death metal vocal textures beyond heavier, mid-tempo groove-like sequences should attain further deep dives beyond the faster, consistent headbang-driven affairs that take place throughout the course of the record.
Intertwining clean / atmospheric guitar lines injects a diverse, ominous musical landscape right away on the opener “Beyond the Shadow’s Void”, flange effects kicking in next to some progressive cymbal/snare hits before Sebastian Stöber’s normal sadistic roars take over (think a clearer Schmier here) during the mostly mid-tempo riff-oriented proceedings. For those who love swinging for the fences thrash of a Bay Area meets domestic Teutonic variety, look no further than “Drown in Chaos”, the Exodus-like “Hell Smiles Back” or hefty bass / guitar syncopation assault in the gallop-fueled “Fake Dealer” to get your valuable needs met. Those that enjoy stretching the template into semi-ballad, clean horizons will enjoy the almost seven-minute “The Eleventh Hour (Ramble On)” – where specific elements rival the work of classic Megadeth or Metallica in terms of classical / cultural textures before gear shifting into speedier, crunchier terrain for the back half of the arrangement.
Lead breaks between Sebastian and second guitarist Robert Wied reach heroic proportions, a great mix of tradeoffs throughout where each musician injects bluesy aspects next to some serious shred runs that always fit the context or mood portrayed track by track. It’s clear throughout the record that these gentlemen have a firm grasp on what they want to achieve through their influences – striving for a sound that doesn’t gravitate too hard in one stock supply of riffs or similar tempos as to tire out the listeners. Sebastian’s additional growl-laden vocal components on specific tracks (especially in the chorus department) ensure more extreme effectiveness, never taking away from the harmony-oriented / catchy parts that take shape on the musical horizon. Closer “Debris of Demise” could be another benchmark track for the band – the bass play from Sebastian Zoppe outstanding, while the stop / start guitar and drumming shifts harken back to late 80s Heathen / Metallica territory.
The Paradox combines all aspects of the Eradicator playbook into a thoroughly enjoyable thrash outing that never sounds dated, and that’s all one could ask for this deep into the band’s extensive career. Commence circle pits, summoning the vitality that keeps the movement alive into its third generation and beyond.