« Procession«
Self-Released/Independent
2014
Calling Montreal their home, MADPARISH certainly “rock out” to the sound of their own drum and don’t necessarily follow what the majority of Metal bands are releasing these days. Riding high on the cusp of 1980’s Heavy Metal, the sextet craft loving odes to “free-wheelin’” acts that spawned an entire genre and helped bring it to the fore of public consciousness. Not merely a novelty act, MADPARISH deal in melodic hooks and choruses that will find many fans reaching new vocal heights. This year marks the debut full length in their discography with “Procession”, a high-octane romp if ever there was one!
From the outset, “Procession” firmly establishes itself with charismatic drive in “A Stitch in Crime”, using what N.W.O.B.H.M. bands of yore set in motion: a galloping rhythm. As Josh McConnell’s vocal range is immediately striking and drums pound away, the song is met with a feverish energy that continues on “Darkness Befalls this Cursed Land”. Here, the listener hears a slight delivery not unlike what IRON MAIDEN unleashed on their “Piece of Mind” album, back in ’83. The album’s momentum is broken somewhat in “Dawn of the Unforgiven”; a slow, meandering tune with a meaner swagger and ominous tone but still as perfect for headbanging as any other song, and an instant highlight.
What MADPARISH do very well is execute infectious songs that vary in rhythm while delving into technical territory without losing that catchy quality. “Experience Hunter” exemplifies this perfectly as others like “Doppleganger” and “The Rite of Belonging” explode with what surely will have fans chant the sing-along choruses with grins a mile long! “To Build a Fire” is musically accurate and if there’s a “single worthy” tune on tap, this would be it! Sure what MADPARISH offer on “Procession” isn’t anything the die-hards haven’t heard before but with the resurgence of traditional Metal, the Montrealers don’t sound like IN SOLITUDE, THE OATH or ENFORCER. Their sound is more a celebration of being a Metalhead than playing dark odes about occult-themed horror. So if you’re in the mood to kick back and enjoy a cold one with friends or “rock out” the old school way, then MADPARISH’s, “Procession” is highly recommended!
Standout Tracks: “Dawn of the Unforgiven”, “Doppleganger”, “The Rite of Belonging”, “To Build a Fire”
8/10
Chris
