Look at that art! It’s my thing! Despite a long career full of twists and turns, God Dethroned is still here, ready to show us that making Blackened Death Metal is an art few bands have mastered to this level. However, I won’t lie—it’s been a while since the band really hit me in the liver, more precisely since Under the Sign of the Iron Cross (oh, people! That title would get you in so much trouble today!). Yet, we’re all in for redemption and a return to form here. So, is The Judas Paradox a fresh slap in our faces, or is it going to punch like a two-year-old? Stick around!
Alright, this is a change! I don’t have a PhD in God Dethroned, but it does sound like the band has tried to refresh its sound. There’s not much Belphegor here, nor just senseless blasting. The Judas Paradox relies heavily on its sense of drama and epic scale. It carries itself with a lot of pride despite how hostile it can sound to the uninitiated—but we are the initiated! And we can take it. I sort of like this more melancholic approach. The band takes more time to set up the atmosphere, and I like it way more than I expected. Honestly, when I got this promo, I was a bit “meh,” but keep realistic expectations, and life will surprise you!
It might be a coincidence, but a lot of what The Judas Paradox throws at us has a strong Eternal Storm feeling. Have these two bands been talking? That’d be such a strange and interesting crossover. Either way, there are some spectacular peaks here, and I don’t just mean the amazing guitar solos that will show you guitar nerds how to write something tasty, but also tracks that are infectious, heavy, and emotional. “The Judas Paradox,” “The Hanged Man,” and “Kashmir Princess” are, to me, the highlights of the album. Usually, I describe albums as one cohesive unity; track-by-tracks are boring, but those three are what Blackened Death should be! Fast, melodic, relentless, yet with feeling!
Now, no album is perfect, and there are a few things to keep in mind about The Judas Paradox. The first half of the album hits so hard that, even though the second half is great, it’s challenging to match the initial adrenaline rush. The album isn’t long by any stretch of the imagination, but the way it’s paced makes it feel slightly extended. Perhaps cutting off the interlude “Black Heart” would help, but it’s difficult to put my finger on it. Either way, if you love melodic bashing, you’ll find nothing wrong here.
God Dethroned has shown again that it is capable of giving us interesting work, despite all its years in the game. Also, it’s managed to tweak the formula a bit to keep things engaging and adapt with the times. Yes, I would’ve liked more highs, like anyone else, but I still found The Judas Paradox to be a pleasant surprise. By the way, it’s a total coincidence that we’re reviewing two Dutch bands in a row; we haven’t been paid by the Dutch Metal Cartel (we wish…), since, as you know, we’re all in for bribery at MER—just saying!
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Release date: 6 September, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/goddethronedofficial
Country: Netherlands
Score: Being betrayed for a good cause, or 3.8/5.0!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 