Many times over I've been told that "metal is not what it used to be", "it has become a mainstream thing man", or similar bull crap. It's a good thing that I get to write here and have the chance to check on many new, underground, and indie metal bands, reminding me that metal is alive. Such is the case here. Croatian RISEN TO RECLAIM present us their sophomore album "Paradox", keeping the flag of heavy metal high.

Starting with "God of War", right off the bat RISEN TO RECLAIM show that they mean business. Solid riffing, intricate lead licks, anthemic chorus, hell yeah! "Minutes" follows, keeping the pace strong, alternating between bone-crushing riffs and melancholic leadwork. "Colors Never Change" shows what these guys are really made of.  Showing their numerous influences (I can hear hints from RAGE, early SAVATAGE, METAL CHURCH, QUEENSRYCHE and even PARADISE LOST) RISEN TO RECLAIM incorporate all these elements through their individual filter, ending with what I could describe as contemporary heavy metal. "Wasted" and "The Final Walk" follow in style, taking both aforementioned elements (jugged riffs and melodic passages) to greater extremes. The ballady (take care, ballady, not ballad) "Without Remorse" calms emotions a bit, only to lead us to the most aggressive numbers, "Part of You" and "Slave", with the short acoustic interlude of "Obscurity" between those two.

Throughout the album we get solid riffs on every song, great melodic licks, fantastic vocal performance by Tihomir, a solidly packed rhythm section, aesthetic consistency giving a concept feeling, and great production to make the whole experience even more rewarding.

Seriously, if RISEN TO RECLAIM can do that as an indipendent band, I wonder what more they could give with the backing of a major label. After listening to "Paradox", and their previous album "Explicit Imagination", I really can't wait till their next release!