Edge of Paradise – Universe

 Starting off on gentle keys and soft, almost whispered vocals “Fire” soon develops into an upbeat and dynamic track that works well as a neat introduction to this album. The breezy “Electrify” spices things up with incredible vocals, especially during the chorus, and a very danceable (though not necessarily headbanging) rhythm, making it a definite highlight of the album. And speaking of incredible vocals, the way Margarita Monet uses her voice throughout this album gives the music so much variety and richness, adding touches of fragility and sensibility on certain parts of songs that should show vulnerability, while in other instances she sounds so powerful and intense, with singles “Universe” and “Alone” perfectly highlighting these sides of her vocal delivery. There is something mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, about her vocals, which are among the best features of this album.  

Another important aspect of their music is the way the band have managed to bridge the metal world with the more accessible side of pop / dance music. As such, the techno / industrial influences of their music can be heard on “Hollow” and “Perfect disaster”, where the repeating drum rhythm is perfect for jumping to the beat, while the guitars and vocals provide contrasting melodies and harmonies. The ballad “World” offers doses of fragility and vulnerability, that I’ve mentioned earlier in regard to Margarita’s vocals, in spades, greatly helped by the ominous backing orchestration and sorrowful piano melody.  “Stars” is another stand out track on this album, which I wouldn’t be surprised to see performed at Eurovision, it has that poppy, breezy quality to it, while the lyrics are as personal as they are universal, and the vocal melodies are quite catchy and uplifting. Plus, the message is a pretty positive one (the chorus states that “we are free to reach the stars”), and we all need some positivity and optimism in our lives. Rounding off this album is the instrumental “Burn the Sun” where the band’s metal side shines a bit more, with the guitar being more in the fore-front, backed up by pounding drums and even some atmospheric keys, in the background, to darken the mood.