PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Mike Paradine, drummer with ArcticFlame, has released his first solo album “Death In The Family”. The album is a collection of personal songs, the subject matter consists of his on going feud with certain family members, growing up in the late 70’s, early 80’s in Bayonne, New Jersey, 9/11 and his battle with cancer as a 13 year old.
The album ranges from heavy metal to hard rock to rock, so there is a real range of styles here. Influences cited include KISS, Deep Purple, Motorhead, Alice Cooper and Guns n Roses.
Joining Mike Paradine on the album are three of his bandmates from ArcticFlame and Richard Holmgren from the band Wolf.
The range of style included here does make the album feel slightly disjointed, but not excessively so, and it does mean there is plenty of variety to keep people interested – there’s nothing worse than listening to albums where all the tracks sound pretty much the same with no variety.
Comments on a few of the songs
The opening track, “Venom and piss” is one of the heavier metal tracks on the album.
“Monsters Ball” isnt about Lady Gaga – it’s scarier than that (ok only just) – it’s about various serial killers at the same party.
My favourite song by far is “On a tuesday morning (The John J Harvey)”, a very radio-friendly rock song about a fireboat that despite having been retired from service played an important role in the events of 9/11 when it was called into service again to help. A superb track.
“Parasite” is a cover of the song by KISS, and is very well done here.
This is a very good album, and well worth checking out.
“Death in the family” is available now from most online stores.
Rating: 7/10
Mike Paradine Group are:
Mike Paradine – Drums, Vocals (ArcticFlame, Balistik Kick)
Richard Holmgren – Vocals (Wolf)
Michael Clayton Moore – Vocals (ArcticFlame)
Jeff Scott – Bass (ArcticFlame)
Dave “Ghost” Manheim – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboard (Supernatiral, Society Killers)
Kilroy – Guitars
Track listing:
1. Venom and piss
2. Rise up from the grave
3. Monsters ball
4. On a tuesday morning (The John J Harvey)
5. These are the days
6. Parasite
7. Suzie with an uzi
8. Taste my fist
9. Bow down to the queen
10. The dust
