ERADICATOR were formed in 2004 and they are from Lennestedt, Germany. The Thrash Metal outfit release their sixth full-length album. “The Paradox” was mixed and mastered by Sebastian Levermann (MOB RULES; ORDEN OGAN; RHAPSODY OF FIRE). The album has a length of more than 50 minutes, and it was released via German label Metalville, which has many progressive, Power, and Heavy Metal bands among their current roster. The album starts with a short atmospheric intro to “Beyond The Shadow’s Void”, driven by the guitars and bass, transitioning into powerful guitar riffing at mid-tempo. The riffing is direct and simple and is supported by strong basslines. The vocals are harsh and vary between the medium and higher end of the vocal range with little tonal shifts throughout the track. The lead guitars provide an extra layer during the track and the lead guitar solo is very contributing to the song.

“Drawn In Chaos” is a fast Thrash Metal track. The riffing is tight but also playful. The vocals use higher pitched notes compared to the opening track. During the chorus parts, the vocals follow the melodies, which introduces a bit of catchiness to the track. Highlight is the excellent lead guitar solo. “When The Shooting Begins” continues with the pace of the preceding track during the verse parts. There are tempo and rhythm changes during the track with the fast verse parts and the mid-tempo bridges and chorus parts. The riffing is tight and traditional Thrash Metal riffing during the verse parts, and more thunderous during the chorus parts. The extended mid-tempo break with the extended lead guitar solo is certainly the best part of the track. “Kill Clouds” is a mid-tempo track with catchy melodies and a few Groove Metal vibes. The melodies are dark and have some melancholic features at times. “Kill Clouds” is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

The title track is a mixture of mid-tempo verse parts and fast chorus parts. The riffing is direct and tight, and the basslines are crunching. There is a lot of double-bass drumming during the chorus parts. The break starts very abrupt and with a very melodic theme compared to the rest of the track. It is more a ballad-esque break for the lead guitar solo, but somehow ERADICATOR manage to circle back to the next verse part. “Hell Smiles Back” is a mid-tempo track and during some parts, it is a head-banger. There is quite a bit of complexity during the track with a few twists in tempo and rhythm. The chorus part is almost anthemic with a sing-along chorus line. The best part of the track is once again the lead guitar solo. “The Eleventh Hour (Ramble On)” has a quiet start with the guitars and they provide a dark melodic framework. After the extended instrumental intro, the track develops into powerful slow track, driven by the guitars. It is like the album ballad during the first four minutes of the track with the guitars being the strong element of the tracks. I am not sure that the vocals fit in very well to those ballad type of tracks. However, after four minutes or so, the track changes into a mid-tempo Thrash attack with tight riffing and vocals that are much better suited to the sound. “The Eleventh Hour (Ramble On)” is with almost seven minutes playing time the longest album song.

“Perpetual Sacrifice” is a combination of fast verse parts and mid-tempo chorus parts. The riffing is punishing, and the basslines are, once again, strong. However, the outstanding part of the track is the extended lead guitar solo. “Fake Dealer” is a track that leans more towards mid-tempo, although there are a few subtle changes in the rhythm and towards faster tempo. It is a very melodic song and that is in particular evident during the extended lead guitar solo. The chorus part follows catchy melodies with anthemic chorus lines. The album finishes with the fast “Debris Of Demise”. Introduced by orientally inspired melodies provided by the guitars and strong basslines, it develops into a track of changing tempi and rhythms, switching between fast, mid-tempo, and down-tempo parts. The latter one occurs during the break at a sluggish rhythm, following the oriental melodies, which is followed by the lead guitar solo.  “Debris Of Demise” is one of the best album tracks and a good way to end the album.

ERADICATOR deliver a decent Thrash Metal album. “The Paradox” is driven by excellent guitar and bass work but lacks the simplicity and directness of traditional Thrash Metal at times. I feel that occasionally there is too much complexity in the songs. The album highlights are the lead guitar solos, they provide an additional dimension to the tracks. The album is well produced. Many Thrash Metal fans will like what they hear, but those who love speed and aggressiveness in Thrash Metal may switch over one or the other album track.