Reviews of Paradox of Denial

 

Reviews written by Italian Metal Queen aka @Nights_Storm for Indie Metal / Rock bands

http://www.darklandpromotions.com/indie_reviews/arapacis

 

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ARAPACIS
10/2/2019 

AraPacis (Ara-Patches) is a female-fronted metal band hailing from Montreal, Canada. Formed in 2003 by guitarist Jerry Fielden, and fronted by Scots singer Shelle Macpherson, their main goal is to re-create some of the original aspects of 1970's Hard Rock and Progressive Rock and fuse it together with 21st Century Prog Metal, Doom Metal & Metalcore to make an interesting metal hybrid.
AraPacis is certainly a band that breaks all barriers, which is why I respect them. They can incorporate so many different genres into their music but maintain some order so it does not sound out of place. That speaks volumes for their artistic souls and creative minds.

Setting the pace is Order of the Ember Queen with electrifying vocals and heart pounding rhythm. I love the playful banter between the vocalist and guitar, then the mediator of the keyboards steps in to keep everything in check. I really appreciate the wide range of tempos and pitches in the song that keeps your interest throughout the song while at the same time, when it is over, leaves you wanting more. The keyboards add a touch of electronica sounds which puts me in the mindset of ELO but not sounding referential at all, merely a wink to their style.

 



Have you ever wondered what would happen if Metal met the Blues? Wonder no longer, AraPacis has answered that question with Dirty Soap. And it is surprising just how well the two go together, as well as a testament to the range this band of artists can create when they put their heart to it. The vocals go from haunting to gritty, while the guitar goes full on blues. Get to the guitar solo which that genre is known for and you all of sudden find yourself wanting to sit back in your chair while sipping some whiskey, thinking of days gone by.

At the beginning I said you would be on an adventure of musical genres with this album, and I was not lying. Propaganda Messiah has to be the most interesting example of this, with a mix of Death Metal and Beatnik style. You have the growling snarl of vocals then changing into an almost operatic style, not to be outdone by the guitars and drums which follow suit with the changing of styles. This song plays with your mind and ears in a delightful way because you don’t know what to expect next, which is sometimes just what we need in our lives.

 
If I had to choose a favorite song, which is really hard for me to do, I would have to say it is Spearhead. The vocals are spot on and the lyrics are powerful. It has a nice blend of hard rock and old school metal. It is a song that lingers in your mind and you will start singing in random places. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy the vocal range in this song in particular, often times vocalists will get in a rut and sing the same style to keep the album cohesive. They show you can have cohesion with variety. The rhythm of the drums and guitars are understated but definitely not out shined, they are just adding their own flair in their own subtle way.

If someone asked me to describe AraPacis and Paradox Of Denial in one word, I simply could not do it. That would be doing such a disservice to their unique style and the way they create music with such reckless abandonment. Their artistry is something you must experience for yourself and once you do, you will no longer see music in set terms and rules. You will see it as an organic creation from free spirited souls that just create music from their hearts and with their combined passion.

 

 


 

 

The Music Street Journal  

http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=106914&fbclid=IwAR24Kq79uB6IVwmcYp4jMt3g9IeAhyqh1ZEWBM8PwFjawDRAFgaoPd2CLjU

 


AraPacis

Paradox of Denial

Review by Larry Toering

Montreal’s AraPacis’ Paradox Of Denial is a seven-track release in a long line of releases by this  band that bring several hard styles of rock together, including prog and darker forms of rock and female fronted metal. This very interesting and long running outfit have done some remarkable things with guest artists playing on their albums over the years, including keyboard wizard Don Airey of Deep Purple. This latest release includes none other than David Stone on one of the tracks. He’s best known as a keyboard player who has been part of bands like Symphonic Slam, Max Webster and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Stone is playing live these days on a regular basis and he’s in fine form out there, and this band are the first to have him on a studio recording in many years.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2019  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

 

 
Track by Track Review
Order Of The Ember Queen

The first thing you notice is how well the production shines through, and the vocals of Michelle Macpherson are perfectly mixed with the rest of the arrangement. They waste no time getting into things with an early keyboard solo from David Stone in which he shines to the max. Being a big fan of his, it’s great to hear him after so long. The song is an over the top number that competes with the best of what AraPacis have to offer. No question about it, this is awesome.

Pressure Cooker

Guitarist Jerry Fielden goes into a ZZ Top blues shuffle on this, and it is an immediate surprise if you know his work. In fact, the lyrics even mention surprises, and it is one of their most accessible tracks in every department. It’s phat, crunchy and indie sounding with just the right amount of grit and even some pop sensibilities to it.

Propaganda Messiah
This is where things get crazy with the vocals hearkening back to more of what this band are usually known for. The vocals do bring some other elements as the song wears on, keeping it slightly pretty around the ugliness of the subject matter in which it completely fits. If you know this band, you’ll definitely-appreciate this. 
Dirty Soap
This is another point where the guitar is very bluesy, and the band very strong behind it. This also includes what is probably the best vocal performance on the album for those who like her voice this way. This is so slinky and laid back that it’s absolutely-mesmerizing and hypnotizing. What a killer little gem this is with some fantastic guitar work.
The Devil’s Prince
Along with the opening track, this is probably one of the most epic numbers on the disc. Both of-the songs are on equal levels and can’t be denied as the opus tracks on this release. This is great rock ‘n roll no matter how you slice it. Any song about satanic creatures roaming the earth has its values in the marketplace.
Spearhead
This is a story about the profits of doom, which by now speaks largely for itself. The lyrics drive everything home here for anyone into resisting  the fascist figures of society, and this song covers that subject very well. This is also where the messages in the lyrics cut through the most.
Paradox of Denial
The final piece is the title track, and it begins with some Keith Emerson style keyboard playing. It goes into a cool whispering vocal and some almost Indian style percussion before it picks up and goes into a Black Sabbath style guitar. It even gets black metal oriented on the vocals. It includes another change up in the mid-section before the guitar solo calls to mind players like Steve Morse and Tony Iommi. With those references in the same song, it’s just a wild combo if I ever heard one. The arrangement is also spiced up with strings to make it the amazing show of progressive rock it is.

 


Pop Rock Review  http://poprock.ca/albums/arapacis-paradox-of-denial

 

ARAPACIS, Paradox of Denial
9,5 sur 10

Analyse par Ricardo Langlois

 

 

Jusqu’ici, le Royaume du métal avait des maîtres et des serviteurs de classe. Ici même au Québec avec Voivod, Anonymus et Neuraxis. Mais mon Royaume accueille un nouveau membre qui s’ajoute : AraPacis. La voix de Shelle Macpherson rappelle celle de Lacuna Coil. La beauté de son timbre de voix combine le chant mélodique et le scream (Propaganda Messiah) en est une forte démonstration.

AraPacis est aussi le souffle et la guitare de Jerry Fielden. Explorateur doué pour le Blues (sur Dirty Soap), il dépeint en un rien de temps d’étranges fantasmagories.

 

Comment dépeindre Paradox of Denial? La carte des contrastes… Décrire le paysage de notre société avec des lignes de guitare omniprésentes suivis de développements méditatifs. Les effets de claviers à la Emerson Lake and Palmer. Tout cela me séduit parce qu’il y a ce que j’appelle le métal progressif avec le spectre du métal extrême. La voix de Shelle Macpherson me semble multidimensionnelle, comme si elle avait 2 ou 3 registres dans la même chanson. Sur Devil’s Prince c’est Jerry Fielden qui étonne (le chanceux qui a déjà jammé avec Frank Marino et joué aux côtés de Vince Marino de Mahogany Rush) .

Curieusement, il n’y a jamais de longueurs. Le chant théâtral y est pour beaucoup. Parfois on reste dérouté, surpris, sans mot. Comment être aussi intense sans tomber dans la caricature. Je pense aussi que les fans de Cradle of Filth pourrait y trouver leur compte. Une impression comme ça. J’insiste aussi sur l’énergie brute des compositions. La production est irréprochable, le son puissant, les arrangements somptueux. L’aspect prog et le coté obscur sont bien illustrés dans la pièce-titre. Comme si ce n’était pas suffisant (guitare acoustique et électrique, tablas, alto, violoncelle, harpe celtique et synthétiseur) apparaissent tour à tour comme un feu d’artifices. À la fin du morceau épique, la guitare puis les claviers qui me rappellent le meilleur d’ELP. Honnêtement je ne me lasse pas d’écouter cet album. L’imagination fait place à un sentiment de plénitude. Comment fait-on pour jouer sur plusieurs registres tout en étant original et moderne? Comment rester humble en étant un artiste (un band) original? Comment élaborer un tel générique? Des invités qui s’ajoutent comme David Stone (claviers, Rainbow et Max Webster), Lorrie Snyder (Montreal Blues), Steph Honde de Di Anno (oui, l’ex-Iron Maiden)… AraPacis ressemble à un poème de René Char. Il semble que l’on connait toujours à mi-chemin du commencement et de la fin du monde. Nous grandissons en révolte ouverte.

Je vous ai présenté ma façon de voir le groupe et j’ai la prétention de vous dire qu’ils ont les clés du Royaume du Métal 9,5 sur 10

Notes de l’auteur
Pour plus de détails, consultez les sites ; Arapacis.com ou arapacismtl.bandcamp.com. Je tiens à remercier Junior Picard pour ses précieux conseils. Finalement, le poème cité est de René Char, Les Matinaux, NRF Gallimard.

BANNIÈRE: THOMAS O SULLIVAN
WEBMESTRE: STEVEN HENRY
RÉDAC’CHEF: MURIEL MASSÉ
ÉDITEUR: GÉO GIGUÈRE

 


Femme Metal Webzine Review http://www.femmemetalwebzine.net/reviews-2/ara-pacis-paradox-of-denial-2019

Author Harrie de Haas Updated on     September 9, 2019 Categories Reviews
ARAPACIS – “PARADOX OF DENIAL” (2019)
Independent Release

Review by Harrie de Haas


“Paradox Of Denial” (release date August 19th) is the 7th full length album of the Canadian band “AraPacis”. “AraPacis” is a female-fronted metal band hailing from Montreal, Canada. Formed in 2003 by guitarist Jerry Fielden, and fronted by Scots singer Shelle Macpherson, their main goal is to “re-create some of the original aspects of 1970’s Hard Rock and Progressive Rock and fuse it together with 21st Century Prog Metal, Doom Metal & Metalcore to make an interesting metal hybrid. And looking at the personal influences of the band members you can imagine there are is a lot of music from the 1970’s Hard Rock in their music.

Aldo Jerry is a multi-instrumentalist (guitars, synths, mandolin, bass and drums), they had the help of a lot of friends on “Paradox Of Denial”. I will tell you later who they are.

With all the different influences they have it’s hard to start listening to an album like this. Is it really a Hard Rock album or is it more metal hybrid as they call it? The only way to find out is to listen to the album and hear what they have made of it. So, I did and I can tell you that I didn’t expect an album like this. The album contains 7 tracks and they are all totally different, I think. They used a lot of different styles and that shows the versatility of “AraPacis”.

The first track on the album is “Order Of The Ember Queen”. It starts as an old school hard Rock classic. I even thought in the beginning I was listening to a “Black Sabbath” song with a female Ozzy. But when the keyboards got in it could be Deep Purple you’re listening to. But it’s just a wonderful Hard Rock track with a lot of varieties in it. “Pressure Cooker” sounds complete different, it’s a track with a lot of blues in it. “Propaganda Messiah” let’s hear us a growling Shelle. Most of the track is pure dark metal but with a few intermezzo’s with go from dark to opera. But I have to admit that’s not the best part of song. “Dirty Soap” is a jazzy number, not my kind of music, but it shows again what this band is capable of. I can enjoy “The Devil’s Prince”, it’s going a bit rougher again. A song where music and voice match wonderful. A bit psychedelic, but wonderful to listen to. And back to the simplicity of rock with “Spearhead”, a song in which I recognize a band as “Accept”. The last track of this album, the title track of the album “Paradox Of Denial”, is the longest one (9.46). A real nice ending of the album, I think. Maybe a little bit too long but it suits wonderful. “Paradox Of Denial” is an album with a lot of different faces. But it shows us how versatile this band is. Both Shelle and Jerry did a great job on this album and showed us that there are lots of opportunities to make an album with different styles of music. The music is extremely well cared for and I can say the same about the lyrics. And this all together with the voice of Shelle, it’s an album that perfectly fits in the album collection of everyone who likes Hard Rock.

Review – 88/100

Tracklist:

Order Of The Ember Queen
Pressure Cooker
Propaganda Messiah
Dirty Soap
The Devil’s Prince
Spearhead
Paradox of Denial
Line Up:

Shelle Macpherson – Vocals
Jerry Fielden – Guitars, backing vocals, synths, mandolin, bass, drums
Guests:

Steph Honde – lead guitar in “Paradox Of Denial”
Mark Focarile – synth lead in “Paradox Of Denial”
Dwane Dixon – lead guitar in “Dirty Soap”
Gillan Macpherson-Briggs – back vocals in “Spearhead”
Philippe Mius D’Entremont – cello in “Paradox Of Denial”
Gwendoline Krasnicki – viola in “Paradox Of Denail”
Kayla Dixon – lead vocals first verse and back vocals on rest in “Dirty Soap”
Lorrie Snyder – scat jazz vocals in “Propagandha Messiah”
David Stone – keyboards in “Order Of The Ember Queen”
Links:

Ara Pacis Website

facebook.com/AraPacis

twitter.com/AraPacis

arapacismtl.bandcamp.com

myspace.com/arapacis

reverbnation.com/arapacis

 


The Metal Mag review https://www.themetalmag.com/arapacis-paradox-denial-cd-july-2019-black-house-records

 

Arapacis : “Paradox Denial” CD July 2019 Black House Records.

 

Arapacis : "Paradox Denial" CD July 2019 Black House Records.
Arapacis : "Paradox Denial" CD July 2019 Black House Records.

Arapacis : “Paradox Denial” CD July 2019 Black House Records.

Arapacis : “Paradox Denial” CD July 2019 Black House Records. Canada Rock / Heavy / Blues band. As usual it is hard to define what genre this album will fit in as Jerry Fielden likes to mix up different styles to express is feelings. Always having his wife Shelle Macpherson on the vocals, and now their son on one song. The couple always creating special compositions that can be recognized by the style those two ones are putting into all of their albums. They have their own style even if they are allowing other musicians to participate to their music.

Their univers is just a mixture of music that speaks to everyone. The guitars inspired by the great legends , the raw voices jumping to melodies ones. Arapacis has made an album that can be called an evolution of all their efforts since they started. This new album is having a piece of each of their previous efforts getting it a mature approach to perfection.

Each song has a special sound reminding many decades of music from the seventies to the eighties… A brilliant cover artwork and photos in the leaflet. By listening to this album you will enter in another dimension, Arapacis one! If you are an avid fan then you know where you’re going to.

Influences varies from The Runaways, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Beck, Steve Ray Vaughan,… it is has no limits ! You will find your like through this piece of art.

Guests:

David Stone (Rainbow/Max Webster) on song 1 keyboards
Lorrie Snyder (Montreal Blues/Jazz singer) on song 3 scat jazz vocals
Dwane Dixon (Montreal bluesman) on song 4 lead guitar
Kayla Dixon ( Witch Mountain/Dress the Dead) on song 6 lead vocals first verse and back vocals on rest
Gillan Macpherson-Briggs (our 8-year old son) on song 6 back vocals
Steph Honde (Di’Anno/Hollywood Monsters) on song 7 lead guitar
Mark Focarile (Mile Marker Zero )on song 7 synth lead
Philippe Mius D’Entremont (Montreal cellist)  on song 7 cello
Gwendolyne Krasnicki (Montreal violist) on song 7 viola

Seven songs with great solos, heavy pounding tunes and a groovy feel. “Pressure Cooker” ,  “The Devil’s Prince” , “Spearhead” , “Paradox of Denial” all songs have a special mood and will get to you easily.

Have a taste:

Recorded and mastered by the couple , they once again prove you can make great albums with the will to. We also can thank them for sharing their vision with great musicians they have as guest on this album. A must have 100/100.

 


 

Rock Queen reviews  https://jennytate.wordpress.com/2019/08/02/arapacis-paradox-of-denial

 

Arapacis – ‘Paradox Of Denial’  by Jenny Tate

Founded 2003, by guitarist Jerry Fielden, Arapacis is a female fronted metal band, from Montréal, Canada. Scots vocalist Shelle Macpherson fronts. Jerry also features on bass, drums, drum programming, synths and mandolin. The ethos of the band is to emulate certain elements of 1970’s hard rock and prog rock and combine it with 21st-century prog, doom and metal, creating an intriguing hybrid. They succeed in doing just this. Especially with this new release.

They’ve previously played alongside the likes of Blaze Bayley, Uli John Roth, Anvil, Raven, The Agonist, Doro and more. 2006 saw the 1st of their many releases, ‘So Many Leapers’. The next album, ‘Consequences Of Dreams’, launched in 2009 and their 3rd, ‘Netherworld’, came out digitally, in 2011 and on CD in 2012. ‘Déjà-vu’, a remix EP of older material, appeared in 2013, followed by 4th album, ‘A Disturbing Awakening’ (2014), ‘System Deceiver’ (2016), ‘Obsolete Continuum’ (2018) and the most recent production, is their other EP collection of older tracks, entitled ‘Deja Doom’, also in 2018, on Blackhouse Records.

To date, a selection of guest contributors have featured on their albums, including: Guy Leblanc (RIP) of Carmel and Nathan Mahl, Steph Honde of Di’ Anno and Hollywood Monsters, Don Airey, of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Jethro Tull etc, Vinnie Appice, of Black Sabbath, Dio, David Stone, of Rainbow and Max Webster and John Gallagher, of Raven, etc. This, their 7 track 7th album, ‘Paradox Of Denial’, is released August 2019.

Order Of The Ember Queen – Introing with a very bluesy groove, with a strong folky element, conveyed in a heavy vocal. Straight away, there’s a powerful catch to it and a slight early psychedelia echo, playing around with a hint of sci-fi. Loving those sharp feminine vocals! A clear edge of punk attitude shows through them and 3/4 in, you’ll hear some inventive riffs. It’s a very fulsome track, with plenty of percussion elements. Breathing through the space, before the end, there’s a very refreshing tinge to this.

Pressure Cooker – Opening on a gorgeously sexy deep heavy blues riff, it’s addictive, from the off. Vocals combining lilting Kate Bush styles, with strong punk and groove. Tons of character to this. Again, some great riffage and a strong southern rock beat. It’s a brilliant combo of vocal acuity and solid instrumentals, almost sludgy, in their tone and emphasis. Just a fresh, vibrant track.

Propaganda Messiah – Starting off on a slight slide riff, now the vocals move into death growl territory. Suddenly alternating that with more sharpened tones again, further emphasising the depth of the accompaniments. Shifting up the scales now, taking it into lighter arenas, showcasing the riff mastery. Definitely a notable edge to those blackened sections, on which, it closes.

Dirty Soap – Drums opening, with a solid, inherently sensuous blues riff. Honestly, you could just climb inside that riff. Those fabulously high-pitched vocals return, complemented perfectly by the beautifully melodic riffage, with which, they’re in sync. This here is some heavy duty chemistry and a rare type, at that. Still, injecting a few more ragged edges, just adding magic and ending on a gloriously indulgent laugh, while the riff slides out, beside it).

The Devil’s Prince – Heavy combo of drums and riffs intro’s, getting right into its stride and showcasing the blues, in traditional fashion. The Whitesnake influence is well audible here. This time, the vocals fade into the background, in places, displaying a softer side. Next, a descending tower of riff scales does its thing, before returning to more of a slide emphasis. Lots of clear cymbal action, too. The timing’s exquisitely good, showing natural flow. Vocals emitting a final darkened shriek, before the sound takes us elsewhere, to a looser, more laid-back arrangement, altogether, yet still reflecting a few tighter riffs, as it fades out.

Spearhead – Solid riff and drum beat opens. Instantly catchy melody, this time, with a second female vocalist joining the first. More of a vocal emphasis here, with a slightly simpler accompaniment, but still exploding into colourful flashes of light, here and there. It’s just so plausibly performed, with almost palpable conviction. Razor-tipped vocals give it so much flavour and it ends on a lightly sinister riff.

Paradox Of Denial – Wow! Fabulously exotic intro! Real instrumental quality. Whispered vocals adding to the intrigue, before segueing into singing, in those incredibly heightened tones. The blacker aspect interweaves them again, as the deep, down tuned, stoner-type accompaniments do their thing. Gradually moving into much softer landscapes, with a mystical edge, before taking it back up to solid, floor dropping stuff, once more. It’s a real interplay of conflicting styles. Coming together, in a show of multicoloured sounds, at the end.

Overall – Impressive stuff. ‘POD’ is Arapacis’s best album yet. It’s solid, with an intuitive grasp of expression and it’s altogether heavier than before, yet still leaves room for lighter sections, where necessary. Vocally, there’s a real standout quality and generally, a great blend of depth and light. The feel for the groove is immense and the blues aspect shines out. A remarkable album, both unique and classic, in delivery.

10/10 **********

For fans of Whitesnake, Voodoo Blood, Kate Bush, Muddy Moonshine, Electric Wizard.

Recorded and mixed by Jerry Fielden.
Mastered by BandLab
Produced by Jerry Fielden and Shelle Macpherson
Production Assistance – Jenny Haan (Spearhead)

Cover art – Michael Lee Jackson
Background Pics – courtesy of NASA
Layout – Jerry Fielden

Featured guests:
David Stone (Rainbow)/Max Webster – track 1 – keyboards, Lorrie Snyder (Montréal blues/jazz singer) – track 3 – scat jazz vocals, Dwane Dixon (Montréal Blues man) – track 4 – lead guitar, Gillan Macpherson-Briggs (JF and SM’s 8 year old son) – track 6 – backing vocals, Kayla Dixon (Witch Mountain/Dress The Dead) – track 6 – lead vocals, 1st verse and backing vocals, on rest, Steph Honde (Di’ Anno/Hollywood Monsters) – track 7 – lead guitar, Mark Focarile (Mile Marker Zero) – track 7 – synth lead, Philippe Mius D’ Entremont (Montréal cellist) – track 7 – cello, Gwendolyne Krasnicki (Montréal violinist) – track 7 – viola.

http://www.arapacis.com
http://www.facebook.com/arapacis
http://www.youtube.com/arapacismtl

  

 


The Metal Gods Meltdown review https://www.themetgodsmeltdown.com/arapacis-paradox-of-denial

 

AraPacis

                                                                                                          Title:Paradox of Denial

                                                                                                          Label: Independent

Canadian Rockers Ara Pacis return with “Paradox of Denial" An eclectic mix of Hard Rocking Progressive Metal with many exciting twists and turns as you journey through this seven-track monster.

The Album gets under way with the cracking “Order of The Queen” and you start to feel like you are being taken on a majestic journey as AraPacis mix it up on this opener with an appearance from Rainbows David Stone it sure whets your appetite for whats to follow as “Pressure Cooker” has a downtrodden Bluesy effect and sees the super talented Shelle Macpherson stretching her Vocal chords as Jerry Fielden lets loose some killer riffs this is a pure master piece with its down and dirty grooves, love it and one of my favourite tracks alongside  the next track “Propaganda Messiah” a progressive Metal piece that astounds you with its grunge fuelled opening that then breaks into something astounding as the track progresses surprises and enthrals one with the growls from the pits of hell from Macpherson that then turns into a short operatic piece, with a bit of Jazz fusion all mixed together it works and is really different and leaves this reviewer open mouthed.. like... WOW! A song I have gone back to constantly!

 

Next you feel like ya sitting on the stoop drinking a beer on the bayou as the Bluesy “Dirty Soap” floats out of your speakers a track to wash away your sins, its quite unique and as the song progresses you really will be amazed. “Devil Prince” is full of infectious grooves and again continues to show case Shelle Macphersons talents as the band battle  a prince of the Devil. Kayla Dixon from Witch Mountain features on the excellent “Spearhead” a song about the state of todays world with no privacy, corrupt leaders and evil that seems to be infecting our lands, this is an intelligent and telling piece with some tasty musicianship entwined with devilish growls.

F

By Seb Di Gatto

AraPacis

                                                                                                          Title:Paradox of Denial

                                                                                                          Label: Independent

 

Canadian Rockers Ara Pacis return with “Paradox of Denial" An eclectic mix of Hard Rocking Progressive Metal with many exciting twists and turns as you journey through this seven-track monster.

The Album gets under way with the cracking “Order of The Queen” and you start to feel like you are being taken on a majestic journey as AraPacis mix it up on this opener with an appearance from Rainbows David Stone it sure whets your appetite for whats to follow as “Pressure Cooker” has a downtrodden Bluesy effect and sees the super talented Shelle Macpherson stretching her Vocal chords as Jerry Fielden lets loose some killer riffs this is a pure master piece with its down and dirty grooves, love it and one of my favourite tracks alongside  the next track “Propaganda Messiah” a progressive Metal piece that astounds you with its grunge fuelled opening that then breaks into something astounding as the track progresses surprises and enthrals one with the growls from the pits of hell from Macpherson that then turns into a short operatic piece, with a bit of Jazz fusion all mixed together it works and is really different and leaves this reviewer open mouthed.. like... WOW! A song I have gone back to constantly!

 

Next you feel like ya sitting on the stoop drinking a beer on the bayou as the Bluesy “Dirty Soap” floats out of your speakers a track to wash away your sins, its quite unique and as the song progresses you really will be amazed. “Devil Prince” is full of infectious grooves and again continues to show case Shelle Macphersons talents as the band battle  a prince of the Devil. Kayla Dixon from Witch Mountain features on the excellent “Spearhead” a song about the state of todays world with no privacy, corrupt leaders and evil that seems to be infecting our lands, this is an intelligent and telling piece with some tasty musicianship entwined with devilish growls.

Final track “Paradox of Denial” has you floating on a magic carpet of hard rocking delights with the bonus of appearances from Mark Focarile (Mile Marker Zero) and Steph Honde (Hollywood Monsters) it’s a steller end to an Awesome platter!

 

So, to sum up:

This is an Album featuring many guests and truly is a work of art and a must have in your Record / Download collection. I love how Metal is constantly evolving and "Paradox of Denial" has to be up with one of the releases of the year, its a work of art..

Talking of art, the cover was designed by Ian Gillans Guitarist Michael Lee Jackson!

 

Review: Seb Di Gatto               Score:9/10

Reviewed:30/07/19                                               Facebook

 

1.Order of The Ember Queen

2.Pressure Cooker

3.Propaganda Messiah

4.Dirty Soap

5.Devils Prince

6.Spearhead!

7.Paradox of Denial

 

Band Members:

Shelle Macpherson- Lead Vocals;

Jerry Fielden - Lead Guitar,  Synthesizers, Drums, Bass, Back Vocals, Mandolin;

 


Metal Maidens Review  http://www.metalmaidens.com/Cdreviews2n.htm

 

ARAPACIS-Paradox Of Denial (independent)
ARAPACIS presents their new album and I'm always very curious in which direction they are heading to this time. Everything seems to be possible for this band from Montreal, Canada. The sound of the seventies will always play a major role in the music of ARAPACIS and by judging from the first notes of opener "Order Of The Ember Queen", we are in for a real treat again. The seven songs are worthy of forty minutes of hard rock and progressive orientated rock, topped by the pretty voice of Michelle Macpherson, who always knows to impress me with her great voice. The fuzzy guitar solo will switch into a dazzling piece and the keyboard part, that follows next, is from nobody else but David Stone, the former RAINBOW keyboard wizard. In "Pressure Cooker", the voice of Michelle reminds me a bit of the raspy voice of Grace Slick, while the guitar part of Jerry Fielden sounds slow and heavy here. Sometimes Michelle's voice has got some nasty high pull outs, that seem to come from the tip of her toes. So far, so good. After that, it's time for some remarkable sidesteps in "Propaganda Messiah", which is more or less a cross between death and black metal. Apparently, nothing is quite what it seems in ARAPACIS. The operatic vocal part in the middle of the song comes as a huge surprise and so does the amazing guitar part later on in this death metal ear attack. Which music style didn't they implement in their sound just yet?? Oh, a jazzy part would suit really well here. Now everybody's mind is gone. "Dirty Soap" is moving to a totally different direction, the blues. As a matter of fact, it's a slow blues tune with a leading role for the amazing and impressive guitarists, Dwane Dixon and Jerry Fielden. In the first part of "The Devil's Prince", you will enjoy the dreamy voice of Michelle. It may take you away to a different universe, but there is also a guitar part, in which Jerry freaks out. This is definitely a song with many different faces, which is what I like so much about this band. They can make the impossible possible. Again there is a seventies vibe in this one. The very surprising twist at the end of the song turns it into another outstanding musical idea. Obviously, there is never a dull moment on this album. In "Spearhead", it's time to rock with a capital R. The raw edges in the voice of Michelle sometimes sound like growls and Jerry completely goes out of his mind in the guitar part. It's a great up-tempo rock song. And before you know it, you have arrived at the last song on this album, the ten minute title track, "Paradox Of Denial". This track contains a few different musical elements again, like death metal growls, psychedelic progressive parts and also some doomy riffs. Once again, it's an interesting and exciting musical journey of this Canadian outfit. ARAPACIS consists of Michelle Macpherson on lead vocals, Jerry Fielden on guitars, synths and studio drums, Jean Audet on bass, Gwendolyne Krasnicki on viola and violin and David Stone on keyboards. Visit their official website at: https://www.arapacis.band and FB page on https://www.facebook.com/arapacis for all the latest information that you need. [9 points] (Toine van Poorten)


 


 

 

 

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