Formed by Margarita Monet and Dave Bates in 2011. Few months after formation, the band released their debut album ‘Mask’ that featured rhythm section of bassist Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm) and drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth Band). ‘Mask’ came at #6 most added on national CMJ radio, right behind Machine Head and solidified existence of Edge Of Paradise. An album chock-full of industrial-tinged metal coupled with soaring vocal hooks, was greatly received by critics and fans worldwide.
Interview Meikee Magnetic
Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born in Armenia, when I was 3 my family moved to Moscow, Russia. After that at 11, we moved to the US, Houston, TX, then I went to study in New York City. Finally I came to Los Angeles, where I’m based now, it’s been quite a journey!
The group was formed in 2011, since then until now what positive differences have you noticed when it comes to writing music?
It’s night and day, we sound like a completely different band now. Dave (the guitarist) and I are the founding members, and it took us a while to really find our sound. We come from very different backgrounds, Dave is a heavy metal guy, and I come from classical music and theater. I also love experimenting with industrial and symphonic layers, so all the years, kind of shaped us into what we are today. Our last album Universe, is really what defines the sound of the band.
Pre-Pandemic did you have a tour in the works, how did having to post pone it impact you emotionally?
Yes, we had a US and Canadian tour with Hammerfall and Beast In Black, followed by a South American tour. We were really bummed when everything got postponed but we’re trying to make the best of the situation. We’ve been really inspired to make new music, so we’re just looking forward to 2021 to get back on touring across continents and releasing more music!
Is there something new you are working on as we speak?
Since our tours got postponed due to the pandemic, we started working on a new album, it’s being co produced by Mike Plotnikoff and Neil from Three Days Grace. It’s coming along great, this is going to be an evolution of Universe and our most epic release.
As a collective what would you all like to do once this pandemic is over?
Go on tour!
You tour globally in the US, Europe and Japan, what are the differences on how each country responds at your shows?
In the US, it varies by state, but overall people are very supportive, loud, open and are ready to have a great time! In Europe, it’s really awesome how music is such a huge part of the culture, people are excited to discover new bands and go out to shows! Generally, crowds are loud especially in Eastern Europe, the only country that the crowd was quiet was in Belgium, we thought they hated us, but after the show, we sold all our merch and met so many awesome people. In Japan, people are extremely supportive as well, they buy all the merch and love to meet and say hello. Japanese people are very respectful, they wait till the very last second of the song to end, until they start cheering, it’s a different world over there!
Tell us more about the new album your working on:
The sound of it is an evolution of Universe, adding a cinematic soundscape. it’s more guitar heavy, supercharged with energy having industrial and electro rock textures. Themes of the album, is exploring the future of humanity and the rise of artificial intelligence, and how the two intertwine. Whether we will have to merge with AI to survive, and implications of that. It’s futuristic and makes you think, but at the same time it’s very personal, inspirational and empowering.
Is there a message you’d like to share with the world?
The world is going through a very hard time right now, on so many levels, I think the next 10 years, our world is going to change a lot. There is also so much influence coming from all sides, I want to to remember that their minds are the most powerful thing. It’s important to be in tune with yourself and follow your passions and of course, listen to our music.
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
I think it’s beautiful to embrace a darker side of yourself, all my inspiration comes when the sun comes down and the moon comes out. Remember you can only see the stars shining through in the dark…
MORE INFO:
www.edgeofparadiseband.com
www.facebook.com/EdgeOfParadiseBand
