FMA Reviews: Paragon: Force of Destruction

Originally reviewed here.

If I had to think of one genre that Germany is particularly well-known for in the metal world, I would probably have to pick power metal. Not to suggest that other genres are not done well, obviously I am a huge fan of German thrash, but the country really produces a lot of good power metal bands. And not the overly flowery types like Sonata Arctica, real power metal. With groups like Helloween, Blind Guardian, Grave Digger, and Running Wild among others, Germany is definitely a hotbed for power metal.

Paragon is a German power metal band that has apparently been around for more than 20 years but has heretofore escaped my notice. I do not seem to be alone in this respect as a cursory glance at their discography on the Encyclopedia Metallum indicates only one or two reviews for most of their full-length albums. This is the band's first release on a more recognizable label.

This is definitely high-quality power metal without any of the elements that have caused the genre to come under scorn. There are no symphonic elements. There are no hapless ballads. There are no overly-wrought vocals. This is just straightforward power metal. It is fast and exciting. Paragon live up to the reputation of some of their more famous power metal countrymen here.

Paragon sound a lot like Grave Digger. The music is fast and intense and infectious as all hell. The guitar riffs are clearly influenced by giants of the genre like Judas Priest and Accept. The vocals are even harsh and gritty, sounding much more like Grave Digger's own Chris Boltendahl. This is no-frills, take-no-prisoners power metal. If that sounds good, then this should definitely be checked out.