Edge of Paradise

Edge of Paradise is an American hard rock/heavy metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2011. The band currently consists of Margarita Monet (lead vocalist/pianist), Dave Bates (guitarist), David Ruiz (guitarist), Jimmy Lee (percussionist) and Vanya Kapetanovic (bassist).[1] The band is known for its heavy guitars complemented by industrial and classical influences, as well as Monet's large vocal range.[2][3][4] In 2012, Monet was featured in Metalholic’s "Top 25 Women in Hard Rock and Metal."[5]

For other uses of the title "Edge of Paradise", see Edge of Paradise (disambiguation).
Edge of Paradise
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Hard rock, heavy metal, industrial rock, symphonic metal
Years active2011–present
LabelsFrontiers Records
Websiteedgeofparadiseband.com
Members
  • Margarita Monet
  • Dave Bates
  • David Ruiz
  • Jimmy Lee
  • Vanya Kapetanovic
Past members
  • Nick Ericson
  • John Chominsky
  • Kevin Katich
  • Gene McEwen
  • Kurt Schaeffer

History

Formation

The band was formed in 2011 after Margarita Monet met guitarist Dave Bates on a freelance project. At the time, Bates was part of a band called "Bleed" with singer Robin McAuley, bassist Tony Franklin, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Edge of Paradise reworked Bates' unreleased songs and included them in the band's debut album.[6]

Mask (2011)

The group's debut album, Mask,[7] was released on September 15, 2011 by Melrose Music Studios. It features a rhythm section consisting of Gregg Bissonette on drums and Tony Franklin on bass.[8]

Immortal Waltz (2015)

Edge of Paradise's second album, Immortal Waltz,[9] was released on May 22, 2015 via Pure Steel Records and Soulfood.[10] The album was produced and mixed by Michael Wagener,[11] the album cover art was created by Timo Wuerz,[12] and the music videos for the singles "In a Dream"[13] and "Rise for the Fallen"[14] premiered via the magazine Revolver. The album was voted album of the week by Revolver's readers.[15]

Alive (2017)

Edge of Paradise's third release, the EP Alive,[16] was released March 10 via ILS/Universal.[17] The six-song EP entered the Billboard charts upon its first week of release, on Billboard's Current Hard Music Albums chart at #58 and Top New Album Artist chart at #94.[18] The songs have more of an industrial feel to the music, using vocal effects, more rapid drum beats and more distortion to provide the album a different character than the symphonic-sounding Immortal Waltz.

Alive gained acclaim from music critics, who called the band a hard rock sensation.[19] Bravewords.com described the EP as a "whole new world, another planet".[20]

The single and title track "Alive" was released on February 3,[21] followed by the music video which premiered on Metal Underground[17] on February 10, and released on Vevo.[22]

Alive was produced by Chuck Johnson, mixed by Jay Ruston, Mike Plotnikoff and Michael Wagener.[23]

"Mystery" (music video)

The music video for "Mystery" from the band's EP Alive premiered on Loudwire.[24] It placed in top 10 videos on Loudwire's Battle Royal at #2 in its first week.[25] Music critics praised the song for its songwriting and performance.[26] The band dedicated the song to Monet's cousin, opera singer Oganes Georgiyan, who died in the plane crash of Russian TU-154 flight (a dedication appears at the end of the video).[27]

"Shade of Crazy"

Edge of Paradise released the song "Shade of Crazy" and its accompanying music video[28][29] on July 26. The video premiered on Revolver's website;[30] the song received its radio debut on a major Los Angeles radio station (95.5 KLOS).[31] The song was produced by veteran producer Chuck Johnson, and mixed by Jay Ruston. It was noted as "sounding heavier while still showcasing [the band's] symphonic and theatrical edge."[32]

Adding David Ruiz (2017)

In 2017, recognizing the need for an additional musician to buttress their sound, Edge of Paradise hired guitarist Dave Ruiz, a friend of bassist Nick Ericson. According to Monet, "He thickens up our sound, adds depth and more energy to our live show." [33]

Femme Festival (2017)

Edge of Paradise joined the lineup for Femme Festival, a megaconcert of female-fronted hard rock and heavy metal bands, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Edge of Paradise was the only American act. Although Alive had a more industrial sound, the band also has a strong symphonic sound from Immortal Waltz, which mirrors many of the European acts who come from symphonic and European power metal influences. Edge of Paradise was well-received among the European fans. The new song, "Face of Fear", was played at Femme Festival.

Universe (2019)

Edge of Paradise has been writing for a forthcoming album due for release in late 2019. The band announced their new album to be titled Universe, due for release in August 11, 2019.[34]

Reception and popularity

After the release of their first album, Edge of Paradise toured over 20 states, sharing the stage with Kamelot,[35] Chris Broderick of Megadeth, Bullet Boys, Hellion, Helmet, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, and Michael Angelo Batio.

Metalholic stated, "Monet's voice is something that you don't expect, earth-shattering range, rich tone, pure power and strength. That girl can sing and she sings with her heart and soul, I think that's what literally hypnotizes people. There is something iconic about her. She can be idolized not only by generations that are into heavier music but also by the kids that are growing up on pop culture".[36] Hard Rock Haven claimed, "The band can not only put on a show, but they are great songwriters as well. With their memorable hooks and huge choruses, listeners can hum their tunes long after hearing them play. There is no doubt in my mind that Edge of Paradise is on their way to the big stages; they are bound to break through."[37]

Immortal Waltz received critical acclaim as well. The blog The Metal Pit stated, "Immortal Waltz by The Edge of Paradise is one of the most unique-sounding albums I’ve heard in a long, long time."[38]

Rockers United

Edge of Paradise is part of Rockers Against Trafficking, a foundation created by Kevin Estrada to raise awareness about human trafficking.[39]

References
  1. "EDGE OF PARADISE Announce New Lineup; Post Update From Studio". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  2. "The Edge of Paradise, 'Immortal Waltz' – Album Review". Music Enthusiast Magazine. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  3. "INTERVIEW: MARGARITA MONET OF EDGE OF PARADISE - RockRevolt Mag". Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  4. "LIVE! | Edge of Paradise". Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  5. Rose, Rustyn (December 8, 2012). "Top 25 Women in Hard Rock and Metal for 2012". Metalholic. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
  6. "Edge Of Paradise – In A Dream". Screamer Magazine. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  7. "Mask by Edge Of Paradise on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  8. Kam, Chee. "EDGE OF PARADISE to Release New Album 'Mask'". PureGrainAudio. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  9. "Immortal Waltz by Edge Of Paradise on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  10. "Immortal Waltz". Puresteel-shop.com. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  11. "Michael Wagener's Discography". Michaelwagener.com. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  12. "Edge Of Paradise: Immortal Waltz". Purerock-records.com. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  13. "Edge of Paradise Premiere New Song and Music Video, 'In a Dream'". Revolver. Archived from the original on 2015-09-29. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  14. "Edge of Paradise Premiere New Music Video, 'Rise for the Fallen'". Revolver. Archived from the original on 2015-09-30. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  15. "Album of the Week: Edge of Paradise, 'Immortal Waltz'". Revolver. Archived from the original on 2015-10-12. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  16. "Alive - EP by Edge of Paradise on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  17. "Edge Of Paradise Premieres 'Alive' Video". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  18. "EDGE OF PARADISE Hit Billboard Charts With Alive EP; Live Dates Announced". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 2017-03-26.
  19. "Hard rock sensation Edge of Paradise drop their third release". Rock At Night. 2017-03-25. Retrieved 2017-03-26.
  20. "EDGE OF PARADISE – "Alive Is A Whole New World, Another Planet"". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 2017-03-26.
  21. ""Alive" from Alive - Single by Edge Of Paradise on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  22. "Edge Of Paradise - ALIVE". YouTube. 2017-02-10. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  23. "EDGE OF PARADISE Release Music Video For 'Alive' EP Title Track (February 10th, 2017)". Metalforcesmagazine.com. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  24. "Edge of Paradise, 'Mystery' - Exclusive Video Premiere". Loudwire. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  25. "Battle Royale: Message From Sylvia Hold Off Edge of Paradise for Video Countdown No. 1". Loudwire. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  26. "Alive - EDGE OF PARADISE". Blabbermouth.net. 2017-04-01. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  27. "Edge Of Paradise - Mystery". YouTube. 2017-04-21. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  28. "THE EDGE OF PARADISE reveal their 'Shade of Crazy' in new video". Metalholic. 2016-07-26. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  29. "Shade of Crazy - Single by Edge Of Paradise on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  30. "Edge of Paradise Premiere New Music Video, 'Shade of Crazy'". Revolver. 2016-07-26. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  31. "Edge Of Paradise". Frosty, Heidi, & Frank. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  32. "Edge of Paradise Unleashes Video For New Single 'Shade Of Crazy;". Icon vs. Icon. 2016-07-26. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  33. "Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise". Hardrockhaven.net. 2018-01-02. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  35. "Heavy Metal Band Edge Of Paradise opened for Kamelot". TheRealMusician.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  36. "Concert Review: LA's Edge of Paradise Bring Tsunami to Hawaii". Metalholic.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  37. "LIVE! | Edge of Paradise". Hardrockhaven.net. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  38. "Edge of Paradise: Immortal Waltz". Themetalpit.net. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  39. "Stp, Megadeth, Fear Factory, Ministry, Ex-Slayer Members To Perform At 'Rockers Against Trafficking' Benefit". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
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