Napalm Records
Release: 7 March 2025
Genre: Metal
Links: https://www.facebook.com/EdgeOfParadiseBand/
Line Up:
Margarita Monet – Vocals, Keys
Dave Bates – Guitars
Kenny Lockwood – Bass
Jamie Moreno – Drums
David Ruiz – Guitars
Tracklist:
1 Death Note
2 Give it to Me (Mind Assassin) (feat. Ben V. from Ludovico)
3 Prophecy Unbound
4 Sad Life of a Rose
5 Rogue (Aim for the Kill)
6 Hear Me
7 The Other Side of Fear
8 Martyr (Monster)
9 Relive Again
10 Falling Light
Los Angeles-based Hard Rock/Metal outfit Edge of Paradise has returned with a phenomenal new record titled “Prophecy.” The band has reached their pinnacle with this sixth album, now signed to prominent label Napalm Records.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with frontwoman Margarita Monet about their new record, touring plans, and the ongoing thematic concepts explored in this release. Edge of Paradise’s journey to “Prophecy” represents a fascinating evolution of sound and vision. As Margarita revealed in our conversation, the band as we know it today truly took form in 2017 with their “Alive” EP and “Universe” album, which established the conceptual framework that continues to define their music. “Before that, Dave and I were trying to figure out what we wanted our sound to be,” Monet explained, highlighting the years spent merging her classical piano background with Bates’ metal influences.
Since first hearing the opening track “Death Note,” I’ve had this album on constant repeat for weeks—the band has my undivided attention. “Death Note” is a fantastic composition from the outset, with Monet delivering crushing vocals that showcase her impressive range, complemented by an incredibly addictive chorus. The sound immediately commands attention. As Margarita mentioned in our interview, they’ve enhanced their lineup with a second guitarist wielding an 8-string, which has added remarkable depth and intensity to their music. This track features a punishing groove and an excellent mid-section breakdown that transitions into a tight drum/guitar combination, maintaining perfect momentum throughout. Superb!
What makes “Prophecy” particularly compelling is how it builds upon their established foundation while expanding their sonic palette. The addition of Doug Wayand on eight-string guitar has given Bates new territory to explore, resulting in their most cohesive work to date. Monet’s industrial elements, inspired by Nine Inch Nails and Rammstein, blend seamlessly with the classical and metal core, creating something genuinely distinctive in today’s metal landscape.
Photo Credit: Brendan Flavin
The excellence continues with “Give It To Me (Mind Assassin),” which opens with a sludgy groove that rapidly evolves into another blistering riff accompanied by Monet’s vocal onslaught. I’ve always appreciated the band’s industrial elements, and midway through this track, you hear the distinctive keyboard work that Margarita—an accomplished pianist since childhood—brings to the table, creating Edge of Paradise’s unique sonic signature.
Another standout track follows with “Prophecy Unbound,” where Bates delivers more progressive power metal-inspired licks from the beginning. The chorus, paired with Monet’s vocals, is simultaneously punishing and melodic—this song is absolutely devastating. The drumwork here is particularly impressive and thunderous, making it one of the album’s finest offerings.
“Sad Life Of A Rose” continues the string of stellar numbers, featuring perhaps Monet’s most bombastic vocal performance to date, complemented by exceptional keyboard work. The song soars effortlessly with melodic, enticing rhythm guitars creating an excellent composition. With “Rogue (Aim for the Kill),” the band crafts an anthemic masterpiece that perfectly showcases their richer, more powerful sound—one of my favorite tracks on “Prophecy” with an unforgettable edgy groove.
Beyond the music itself, Edge of Paradise has cultivated a rich multimedia dimension to their art. Monet creates paintings for individual songs, designs figurines, and has even released a graphic novel companion to their previous album “Hologram.” This album’s sci-fi themes represent the culmination of ideas explored across previous records – from digital consciousness to holographic reality – ultimately taking a stance that, in Monet’s words, “being human is a superpower because we can create something out of nothing, while AI creates something out of what’s already there.”
The more techno-driven “The Other Side of Fear” opens with a keyboard introduction reminiscent of the Mortal Kombat theme (for reasons I can’t explain). This track emphasizes the band’s industrial influences, featuring another irresistible chorus where Monet’s vocals reign supreme. Then there’s “Hear Me“—a late addition to the album with a fascinating backstory. Written and recorded in just days when they realized they were one track short before departing on tour, this piece presents Margarita at her most vulnerable. “It brought me back to my roots with just the piano and me,” Monet shared. “While all the songs are personal to me, this one is just so exposed – I have nothing to hide behind.” This rawness and perfect placement in the album’s sequence offers a moment of reflection and emotional depth. Magnificent.
I genuinely appreciate every song on this record, and it’s particularly rewarding to witness a band coming into their own, especially one that has been diligently working since 2011. As Margarita told me, they started from nothing. Now signed to a prestigious metal label with an impressive roster, the band deserves even greater exposure. This willingness to evolve continues to make Edge of Paradise one of metal’s most intriguing acts to follow. Catch them on tour with Delain and Xandria in North America beginning March 7th—the same day you can purchase their exceptional new release, “Prophecy.”
Written by: DJ
Ratings: 9/10
Editors Pick 
About Author
