Customer Reviews

Riot Squad

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Not sure how a great band like Paradox can escape conversation regarding masterpieces in thrash metal. This is not cookie-cutter thrash, whether it be throwback 80's style or some of the newer thrash/hardcore blends. This is unique stuff, highly technical and yet head-banging. The song writing is light years ahead of a lot of pretender bands have out there. Musically, it's fierce, yet controlled. It's the perfect blend of calm and chaotic.

Anybody that likes thrash metal with a groove needs to pick this bad boy up NOW!

2009's Riot Squad is the fifth studio album from long-running German thrash metal outfit Paradox. Despite a history dating back to the mid `80s, Paradox doesn't have too many albums to their name, but Riot Squad has to be counted among the band's best works.

This is just a very strong thrash metal album. I guess thrash means different things to different people these days, but what I'm talking about is Bay Area style thrash with some classic heavy metal touches. Despite being from Germany, Paradox has always had more in common stylistically with bands like Testament and Forbidden than Kreator or Destruction. Riot Squad has that classic 1989 thrash vibe, full of energy and unrelenting speed. There are some melodic touches, but not many. For the most part it's all about the speed. Highlights include "Riptide," "Planet Terror" and "Suburban Riot Squad."

If you followed Paradox back in the `80s, you're going to love Riot Squad. If you missed them the first time around but are a fan of old school thrash/speed metal, you'll definitely want to give this album a try. Unfortunately it looks like this may be Paradox's final album, as the band announced it was splitting earlier this year. Who knows, given Paradox's history they may be back in 2020 with a follow-up album!