Weapon – Drakonian Paradigm (2009)

After receiving this promo CD I was expecting and other, at best, average Black Metal band that needs to show off his evilness on the cover of the album. However, after a few times going over the CD I discovered that this Canadian act has more going on for them other than the whole satanic act.

Having a very solid production behind them, the band manages to release a Death/Black Metal album that features an old school sound with fresh elements thrown in. The band never stays stagnant with a particular style and mixed things up in all songs, being acoustic passages and the usage of sitar and grand piano, all these elements create a very dark atmosphere that the band uses to perfection.

The guitar riffing is pretty solid and complemented by very well arranged solos makes the band sound like they have been playing since the early 90’s but they have only been together for 6 years. The band’s sound has a very nice resemblance to when Rotting Christ first started but with a better production and a modern touch to it.

At some points of the album you can even get a little Heavy Metal vibe, but it’s very minimal and it actually helps the overall variety of the band’s sound. The drumming is very tight and takes control of all the changes throughout the songs, making the whole album a rollercoaster ride of different rhythms. Vocal wise, you have some shout-along parts, but it’s mainly a Death/Black mixture that never gets old and fits perfectly with the style of music the band plays.

I must say that “Drakonian Paradigm” is an album that took me by surprise because of its very interesting composition. Featuring many old school elements refreshed with the use of acoustic instruments and synth/piano, these things make the whole listening experience more enjoyable and different from most stuff out there. However these passages are not the only good thing of the album, the band’s knows exactly when to step it up and deliver a full speed aural assault.

Release: August 20, 2009

Country: Canada