Paragon my German neighbours are an example of a hardworking band which until today never could make the step to the German metal Bundesliga. In my collection I have their 2002 album 'Law of the Blade'; a decent album, but not one I hear often.

After several times of listening I doubt if this new record will find its way back regularly in my stereo (also the voice-overs do that I won't be playing it anymore). Why is it that I'm not overexcited? At first it sounds so very German; some Grave Digger, a bit old Accept, old Running Wild and Helloween. The second thing is the vocals: Andreas Babuschkin isn't a very good singer. Some will disagree with me, but I just don't like his sound, and the choir-singing is poor. Last but not least, I'm not impressed by the songs either. Just one song makes my blood run faster and that definitely is not enough.

Is it all that bad? No, not bad, but just not good enough to shine. And if they by now haven't managed to gain recognition, then I doubt that their 8th album is the one that will gain them a lot of new fans outside the borders of their own country. Next time, maybe next time...