PÁRODOS – Demo

Throughout 2016 we have witnessed a clear awakening of the extreme metal scene in the Campania region of Italy, after about a decade of almost utter silence (I still remember the last couple of relevant events in 2007, when such bands as Behemoth, Amon Amarth, Anathema, and others came over for live shows). The best part of it, though, is that apart from notable concerts, a brand new wave of extreme metal acts is finally rising from the region itself (which had been quite difficult for metal in the past).

It was just at one of these events (Fleshgod Apocalypse playing near Naples) that we had the chance to meet one of these emerging bands: Párodos. This project hailing from Salerno also includes someone we know: guitarist F. Oudeis (heard in his one-man project Taur-Im-Duinath), joining him in the line-up, G. Hybris (keyboards and synth), M. (vocals), G. Orion (bass), and G. Ephaistos (drums and percussions). Something that struck me right away in Párodos is their professionalism in every aspect of the job, even in things frequently taken for granted such as visuals or communication with partners and listeners via the internet or face-to-face. Just think that here we are talking about a demo recorded during a live session in studio, but its overall presentation and audio quality have actually reached levels that even more experienced bands can only see through a looking glass. A quick note about their name, clearly winking at the Campania region's ancient Greek past, and the somewhat intermediate position occupied by parodoi in theatre, a space halfway between on-stage fiction and the external world.

Now let's get to the actual music: this record includes an instrumental introduction and three full songs, clocking in at about twenty-eight minutes in total. After the intriguing keyboard intro we enter the world of "Space Omega", already showcasing the main features of the band: a vocalist really skilled in both clean and harsh styles, enthralling atmospheres alternatively weaved by keyboards or guitars, and then black metal strikes when needed. The second track "Heart Of Darkness" seems to confirm this positive first impression, and the fact that we are evidently dealing with a band mainly influenced by '00s/'10s metal, instead of the styles dating back to the end of the previous century.

Actually, in this demo by Párodos we can hear some Alcest, some Enslaved, even a little bit of Deafheaven, and not only these of course. The whole thing is obviously filtered through the band's own style and personality, which already appear quite clear and distinct (for example I have appreciated the Italian lyrics added in "Evocazione"). The band is starting to work on the official full-length debut in December 2016 at the Kick Recording Studio in Rome (famous for working with such acts as Hour Of Penance, Shores Of Null, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, to name a few), needless to say that Aristocrazia Webzine will follow the future endeavors of this project with great interest.