Edge of Paradise
{{Short description|American rock band from Los Angeles, United States}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Update|date=June 2023}}
{{promotional|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Edge of Paradise
| image = Edge of Paradise band.jpg
| origin = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| years_active = 2011–present
| genre ={{flatlist|
| website = [http://www.edgeofparadiseband.com edgeofparadiseband.com]
| current_members = * Margarita Monet
- Dave Bates
- Doug Weiand
- Jamie Moreno
- Kenny Lockwood
| past_members = * Nick Ericson
- John Chominsky
- Kevin Katich
- Gene McEwen
- Kurt Schaeffer
- Steven Cook
- Ricky Bonazza
- Vanya Kapetanovic
- Jimmy Lee
- David Ruiz
}}
Edge of Paradise is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2011. The band currently consists of Margarita Monet (vocals/keys), Dave Bates (guitars), Doug Weiand https://myglobalmind.com/2025/03/03/edge-of-paradise-prophecy-review/(guitars), Jamie Moreno (drums) and Kenny Lockwood (bass).{{Cite news|url=http://bravewords.com/news/edge-of-paradise-announce-new-lineup-post-update-from-studio|title=EDGE OF PARADISE Announce New Lineup; Post Update From Studio|website=Bravewords.com|access-date=2018-09-14|language=en-US}} The band is known for its heavy guitars complemented by industrial and classical influences, as well as Monet's large vocal range.{{cite web|url=http://musicenthusiastmag.com/the-edge-of-paradise-immortal-waltz-review/|title=The Edge of Paradise, 'Immortal Waltz' – Album Review|website=Music Enthusiast Magazine|accessdate=2015-09-28|archive-date=2017-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926103649/http://musicenthusiastmag.com/the-edge-of-paradise-immortal-waltz-review/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-margarita-monet-edge-paradise/|title=INTERVIEW: MARGARITA MONET OF EDGE OF PARADISE - RockRevolt Mag|date=2 October 2014 |accessdate=2015-09-28}}{{cite web|url=http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/10/live-edge-of-paradise-concert-review/|title=LIVE! {{!}} Edge of Paradise|date=6 October 2012|accessdate=2015-09-28}} In 2012, Monet was featured in Metalholic’s "Top 25 Women in Hard Rock and Metal."{{cite web|url = http://metalholic.com/metalholics-top-25-women-in-hard-rock-and-metal-for-2012/|title = Top 25 Women in Hard Rock and Metal for 2012|date = December 8, 2012|accessdate = 2015-10-19|website = Metalholic|publisher = |last = Rose|first = Rustyn}}
History
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 {{failed verification|date=September 2016}} and included them in the band's debut album.{{cite web|title = Edge Of Paradise – In A Dream |work= Screamer Magazine|date= 30 October 2012|url = http://screamermagazine.com/interviews/edge-of-paradise-in-a-dream/|accessdate = 2015-09-30}}
The debut album, Mask, 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.{{cite web|title = EDGE OF PARADISE to Release New Album 'Mask'|work = PureGrainAudio|url = http://puregrainaudio.com/news/edge-of-paradiseto-release-new-album-mask|accessdate = 2015-09-28|first = Chee|last = Kam}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Edge of Paradise's second album, Immortal Waltz, was released on May 22, 2015 via Pure Steel Records and Soulfood.{{cite web|title = Immortal Waltz|url = http://www.puresteel-shop.com/EDGE-OF-PARADISE-Immortal-Waltz_1|website=Puresteel-shop.com|accessdate = 2015-09-28}} The album was produced and mixed by Michael Wagener,{{cite web|title = Michael Wagener's Discography|url = http://www.michaelwagener.com/html/discography.html|website=Michaelwagener.com|accessdate = 2015-09-28}} the album cover art was created by Timo Wuerz,{{cite web|title = Edge Of Paradise: Immortal Waltz|url = http://www.purerock-records.com/releases/view/382/Immortal_Waltz|website=Purerock-records.com|accessdate = 2015-11-18}} and the music videos for the singles "In a Dream"{{cite web|title = Edge of Paradise Premiere New Song and Music Video, 'In a Dream'|url = http://www.revolvermag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-premiere-new-song-and-music-video-in-a-dream.html|work = Revolver|accessdate = 2015-09-28|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150929235309/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-premiere-new-song-and-music-video-in-a-dream.html|archive-date = 2015-09-29|url-status = dead}} and "Rise for the Fallen"{{cite web|title = Edge of Paradise Premiere New Music Video, 'Rise for the Fallen'|url = http://www.revolvermag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-premiere-new-musis-video-rise-for-the-fallen.html|work = Revolver|accessdate = 2015-09-28|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150930023117/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-premiere-new-musis-video-rise-for-the-fallen.html|archive-date = 2015-09-30|url-status = dead}} premiered via the magazine Revolver. The album was voted album of the week by Revolver{{'}}s readers.{{cite web|title = Album of the Week: Edge of Paradise, 'Immortal Waltz'|url = http://www.revolvermag.com/news/album-of-the-week-edge-of-paradise-immortal-waltz.html|work = Revolver|accessdate = 2015-09-28|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151012142932/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/album-of-the-week-edge-of-paradise-immortal-waltz.html|archive-date = 2015-10-12|url-status = dead}}
Edge of Paradise's third release, the EP Alive, was released March 10 via ILS/Universal.{{Cite news|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=131524#latestcomment|title=Edge Of Paradise Premieres 'Alive' Video|website=Metalunderground.com|access-date=2017-02-10|language=en}} 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.{{Cite news|url=http://bravewords.com/news/edge-of-paradise-hit-billboard-charts-with-alive-ep-live-dates-announced|title=EDGE OF PARADISE Hit Billboard Charts With Alive EP; Live Dates Announced|website=Bravewords.com|access-date=2017-03-26|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite news|url=http://rockatnight.com/2017/03/hard-rock-sensation-edge-of-paradise-drop-their-third-release/|title=Hard rock sensation Edge of Paradise drop their third release|date=2017-03-25|work=Rock At Night|access-date=2017-03-26|language=en-US}} Bravewords.com described the EP as a "whole new world, another planet".{{Cite news|url=http://bravewords.com/features/edge-of-paradise-alive-is-a-whole-new-world-another-planet|title=EDGE OF PARADISE – "Alive Is A Whole New World, Another Planet"|website=Bravewords.com|access-date=2017-03-26|language=en-US}}
The single and title track "Alive" was released on February 3, followed by the music video which premiered on Metal Underground on February 10, and released on Vevo.{{cite web|publisher=YouTube|title=Edge Of Paradise - ALIVE|date=2017-02-10|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdDnzYuJQ_I|accessdate=2017-02-10}}
Alive was produced by Chuck Johnson, mixed by Jay Ruston, Mike Plotnikoff and Michael Wagener.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-edge-of-paradise-release-alive-ep/|title=EDGE OF PARADISE Release Music Video For 'Alive' EP Title Track (February 10th, 2017)|website=Metalforcesmagazine.com|access-date=2017-02-10}}
Edge of Paradise released their third studio album, Universe, on August 11, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://rocknloadmag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-universe-new-album-out-08-11-19-via-frontiers-european-tour/ |title=EDGE OF PARADISE : 'Universe' – new album out 08.11.19 via Frontiers + European tour – R o c k 'N' L o a D |website=rocknloadmag.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904001342/https://rocknloadmag.com/news/edge-of-paradise-universe-new-album-out-08-11-19-via-frontiers-european-tour/ |archive-date=4 September 2019 |url-status=dead}}
Reception and popularity
After the release of their first album, Edge of Paradise toured over 20 states, sharing the stage with Kamelot,{{cite web|title = Heavy Metal Band Edge Of Paradise opened for Kamelot|url = http://www.therealmusician.com/heavy-metal-band-edge-of-paradise-opened-for-kamelot.html|accessdate = 2015-09-30|website = TheRealMusician.com|archive-date = 2017-09-28|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005932/http://www.therealmusician.com/heavy-metal-band-edge-of-paradise-opened-for-kamelot.html|url-status = dead}} 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".{{cite web|title = Concert Review: LA's Edge of Paradise Bring Tsunami to Hawaii | website= Metalholic.com|url = http://metalholic.com/concert-review-las-edge-of-paradise-bring-tsunami-to-hawaii/|accessdate = 2015-09-30}} 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."{{cite web|title = LIVE! {{!}} Edge of Paradise|url = http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/10/live-edge-of-paradise-concert-review/|website=Hardrockhaven.net|date = 6 October 2012|accessdate = 2015-09-30}}
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."{{cite web|title = Edge of Paradise: Immortal Waltz|url = http://www.themetalpit.net/review/edge-of-paradise/|accessdate = 2015-09-28|work=Themetalpit.net}}
Band members
Current
- Margarita Monet – vocals (2011–present)
- Dave Bates – lead guitar (2011–present)
- David Ruiz – rhythm guitar (2017–present)
- Jamie Moreno – drums (2020–present)
- Kenny Lockwood – bass (2023–present)
Former
- Nick Ericson – bass (2015–2018)
- John Chominsky – drums (2012–2018)
- Kevin Katich – drums (2011)
- Gene McEwen – drums (2012)
- Kurt Schaeffer – bass (2011–2014)
- Steven Cook – bass (2011)
- Vanya Kapetanovic – bass (2018–2020)
- Jimmy Lee – drums (2018–2020)
- Ricky Bonazza – bass (2020–2021)
- Justin Blair – bass (2021–2023)
Discography
= Studio albums =
- Mask (2011)
- Immortal Waltz (2015)
- Universe (2019)
- The Unknown (2021)
- Hologram (2023)
- Prophecy (2025)
= EPs =
- Perfect Shade of Black (2013)
- Alive (2017)
= Singles =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| Title
! Year ! Album |
|---|
| scope="row"| "In a Dream"
| rowspan="2"| 2015 | rowspan="2"| Immortal Waltz |
| scope="row"| "Rise For the Fallen" |
| scope="row"| "Alive"
| 2017 | Alive |
| scope="row"| "Universe"
| rowspan="3"| 2019 | rowspan="3"| Universe |
| scope="row"| "Alone" |
| scope="row"| "Fire" |
| scope="row"| "In a Dream" {{small|(Acoustic)}} | 2020 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row"| "Digital Paradise"
| rowspan="3"| 2021 | rowspan="2"| The Unknown |
| scope="row"| "My Method Your Madness" |
| scope="row"| "Love, Reign o'er Me" {{small|(The Who cover)}} | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row"| "The Unknown (Go Higher)"
| rowspan="3"| 2022 | The Unknown |
| scope="row"| "Welcome to the Jungle" {{small|(Guns N' Roses cover)}} | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row"| "Bound To the Rhythm"
| The Unknown |
| scope="row"| "Hologram"
| rowspan="5"| 2023 | rowspan="4"| Hologram |
| scope="row"| "Soldiers of Danger" |
| scope="row"| "Basilisk" |
| scope="row"| "Another Life |
| scope="row"| "Disarm" {{small|(with Caleb Hyles)}} {{small|(The Smashing Pumpkins cover)}} | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row"| "Rogue (Aim For the Kill)"
| 2024 | rowspan="4"| Prophecy |
| scope="row"| "Death Note"
| rowspan="3"| 2025 |
| scope="row"| "Prophecy Unbound" |
| scope="row"| "Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)" |
=Music videos=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| Title
! Year ! Album ! Director |
|---|
| scope="row"| "Mask"
| 2011 | Mask | Val Rassi |
| scope="row"| "Rise For the Fallen"
| 2015 | Immortal Waltz | {{Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Alive"
| rowspan="2"| 2017 | rowspan="2"| Alive | Val Rassi |
| scope="row"| "Mystery"
| Natalia Britt |
| scope="row"| "Face of Fear"
| rowspan="4"| 2019 | rowspan="6"| Universe | Val Rassi |
| scope="row"| "Universe"
| rowspan="2" {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Alone" |
| scope="row"| "Fire"
| rowspan="2"| Darren LaFreniere and Tina LaFriere |
| scope="row"| "World"
| rowspan="2"| 2020 |
| scope="row"| "Hollow"
| {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Digital Paradise"
| rowspan="5"| 2021 | rowspan="4"| The Unknown | Scott Hansen |
| scope="row"| "My Methods Your Madness"
| {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "The Unknown"
| Scott Hansen |
| scope="row"| "False Idols"
| Robyn August |
| scope="row"| "Love, Reign o'er Me"
| {{n/a|Non-album single}} | {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Believe"
| rowspan="5"| 2022 | rowspan="2"| The Unknown | Nigel Dick |
| scope="row"| "My Methods Your Madness" {{small|(Industrial Remix)}} | {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Welcome To the Jungle"
| {{n/a|Non-album single}} | Margarita Monet, Christopher Wanzie, and Val Rassi |
| scope="row"| "The Unknown (Go Higher)"
| rowspan="3"| The Unknown | Scott Hansen |
| scope="row"| "Bound To the Rhythm"
| {{n/a|Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "One Last Time" {{small|(Piano Version)}}
| rowspan="5"| 2023 | Dresden7 |
| scope="row"| "Hologram"
| rowspan="2"| Hologram | rowspan="2"| Isaak Morin |
| scope="row"| "Basilisk" |
| scope="row"| "Disarm"
| rowspan="2" {{n/a|Non-album single}} | {{Unknown}} |
| scope="row"| "Disarm" {{small|(Alternative Version)}}
| Dresden7 |
| scope="row"| "Rogue (Aim For the Kill)"
| 2024 | rowspan="5"| Prophecy | rowspan="2"| Margarita Monet and No Face Studios |
| scope="row"| "Death Note"
| rowspan="4"| 2025 |
| scope="row"| "Prophecy Unbound"
| Julian Oyanedel Santiesteban and Margarita Monet |
| scope="row"| "Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)"
| Caleb Wiley and Margarita Monet |
| scope="row"| "Hear Me"
| Julian Oyanedel Santiesteban |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Hard rock musical groups from California
Category:American symphonic metal musical groups
Category:Musical groups established in 2011
Category:Napalm Records artists
Category:Frontiers Records artists
Category:2011 establishments in California