Paradox (British band)
| Company type | Independent music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 in London, England |
| Founder | Michael ("John Tarantula") |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Christian black metal music, demos, compilations |
| Owner | Michael ("John Tarantula") |
Paradox was a Christian black metal group established in London in 1996 by guitarist and vocalist Michael, who performed under the name "John Tarantula". At that period, they were reportedly the sole dark metal ensemble in London advocating Christian themes. Originally formed as a family trio, they independently released their demo The Outcasts in 1997 through their own label, Tarantula Promotions. In 1998, the band expanded with the addition of a new vocalist, followed by their second demo, Through Pain There Is Joy, in 2000. Subsequently, Paradox reassembled around Michael as a quintet, with an additional part-time keyboardist joining later. The band ceased activity in 2002, issuing their final two tracks on the compilation Overcome or Burn Forever in Hell/Arachnid Terror Sampler, which also featured songs from fourteen other artists. Following the breakup, Michael initiated new ventures Bloodshed and Slimegem and continued promoting Hamal 'ak Hamashith via Tarantula Promotions.
History
Prior to embracing Christianity in 1995, Michael performed covers of bands such as Burzum, Darkthrone, and Beherit. His conversion led to the dissolution of his original band and the creation of Paradox in 1996 alongside his father and brother. The band's name symbolized the contradiction of a Christian group playing dark metal music. Their debut demo The Outcasts (1997) received modest acclaim from UK publication Cross Rhythms Magazine. In 1998, vocalist Grey "The Invocator" joined; although not a Christian himself, he supported the band's spiritual objectives. The 2000 demo Through Pain There Is Joy garnered improved reviews, solidifying their distinctive role as London's only Christian dark metal act.
After several lineup adjustments, Paradox grew to include Jasen "White Stick" on drums, Jeff "Death Warrior" handling bass duties, Sam "Yellow Terror" on guitar, and Grey as vocalist. In 2000, Rose "Dark Faery" joined part-time to provide keyboards. They commenced professional studio sessions but announced their split in 2002, releasing their concluding tracks on the split EP and sampler Overcome or Burn Forever in Hell/Arachnid Terror Sampler, which featured prominent Christian metal groups like Frosthardr, Pantokrator, and Soul Embraced. After disbanding, Michael pursued the Bloodshed and Slimegem projects to maintain his involvement within the Christian metal scene.
Style and influences
Paradox characterized their music as "Holy Black Sludge", a fusion of death, black, and doom metal. Critics have variously categorized their sound as black metal, dark metal, or death metal. Michael acknowledged primary inspirations drawn from pre-Christianity era recordings, including Cathedral's Forest of Equilibrium, Autopsy's Mental Funeral, Unholy's The Second Ring of Power, Beherit's Drawing Down the Moon, Winter's Into Darkness, extensive works by My Dying Bride, as well as influences from Havohej, Abruptum, and vocal styles reminiscent of Burzum.
Tarantula Promotions
All releases by Paradox were independently issued through Tarantula Promotions, a label overseen by Michael. Following the dissolution of the band, the label went on to support acts such as Bloodshed and Slimegem, while a close associate launched Hamal 'ak Hamashith—meaning "destroying angel" in ancient Hebrew—under its banner. Tarantula Promotions also established a distribution agreement in the United Kingdom with Nordic Mission. Additionally, Michael produced the newsletter Fangs of Life, aimed at highlighting bands with uplifting lyrical themes, which was a primary motivation behind the release of the Arachnid Terror Sampler compilation.
Discography
- The Outcasts (1997)
- Through Pain There Is Joy (2000)
- Overcome or Burn Forever in Hell/Arachnid Terror Sampler (2002)
Lineup
- Final Line-Up
- Michael "John Tarantula" (1996–2002) – guitar, vocals
- Grey "The Invocator" (1998–2002) – vocals
- Jasen "White Stick" (2000–2002) – drums
- Jeff "Death Warrior" (2000–2002) – bass guitar
- Sam "Yellow Terror" (2000–2002) – lead guitar
- Rose "Dark Faery" (2000–2002) – keyboards
- Former Members
- Michael's brother (1996–2000) – drums
- Michael's father (1996–2000) – bass