Interview with Paradox

The legendary Paradox returns with their powerful new album, “Mysterium,” a record that seamlessly blends thrash, speed, and power metal while preserving the band’s distinct sound that fans have cherished for decades. In this interview, we dive deep into the creative process, lyrical themes, and personal stories behind “Mysterium,” which stands as both a tribute and a musical journey through the band’s rich legacy. Frontman Achim “DAXX” Hoemerlein shares insights into the evolution of Paradox, the challenges faced during production, and what awaits fans in the near future. Join us as we explore the mysticism, raw emotions, and relentless spirit that define this monumental release.

Hello and welcome to Metal Invader! We are really happy for having this interview. And congratulations for your new album, ‘cause it is a really strong release. So, how does “Mysterium” reflect the evolution of Paradox since your previous release?

Hello, first of all I would like to greet you and all readers of the mighty Metal Invader! Thanks for the kind words! Well, from a musical perspective, “MYSTERIUM” is a stylistically consistent continuation of what has distinguished PARDOX over the past decades. The album features all the typical PARADOX trademarks that fans rightly expect. I think I’ve achieved that brilliantly with this album. I´m happy with the result and overwhelming response.

Can you share the main themes or concepts behind this new album?

“MYSTERIUM” isn’t a concept album, but the lyrics do have a common thread running through the album, in the form of mystical and true events that have moved me. However, other themes are also explored, such as the title track “MYSTERIUM,” which deals with dream interpretation. “PILE OF SHAME” is about self-destruction, and “THE DEMON GOD” about self-control. I’m a big fan of true mysteries or unsolved crimes. That inspired me a lot.

What was the driving creative force or inspiration during songwriting this time?

My passion for music and being creative is my biggest inspiration. The most important principle for me was that a new PARADOX album had to sound 100% like PARADOX; otherwise, I wouldn’t allow a release just to have another album on the shelf. A break in style is an absolute no-go for me. As a fan, I expect that from my favorite bands, too. The sometimes dark mood on “MYSTERIUM” is actually lyrically related, but also partly due to the desire to process the intense experiences from the past few years musically.

Which tracks do you think best represent the album’s overall sound or message?

I think “ABYSS OF PAIN AND FEAR” and “FRAGRANCE OF VIOLENCE” are songs that represent the vibe of this album. The titletrack “MYSTERIUM,” with its highly recognizable quality spreads that kind of special mystic Atmosphere. The thrash element comes into play in “Kholat” and “ONE WAY TICKET TO DIE.” I see “MYSTERIUM” as a complete work. I can’t say that any individual song is better than other songs on previous albums. There are certainly equally worthy songs like “HERESY” or “COLLISION COURSE.” “MYSTERIUM,” on the other hand, is a journey through the entire PARADOX universe.

Are there any particular songs that have a special personal or band meaning?

Yes, there is one. That`s “GRIEF.” It’s very personal, but it’s not really a proper song, just a short instrumental, dedicated to a special tribute to drummer AXEL BLAHA, who died in 2023 and who founded the band with me 44 years ago in 1981. He was also my best friend in private. But the listener probably perceives “GRIEF” as a precursor to “THOSE WHO RESIST.”

How do you balance melodic elements with heavier or more technical parts in your music?

That’s a very good question, but I can’t give a general answer to. Ideas develop while I’m playing guitar and how I approach a composition. I’ve developed my own style by combining three heavy metal styles: thrash metal, speed metal and power metal. That’s because I’m a fan of these three styles. Combining all three styles creates more atmosphere in the songs, and the resulting melody develops naturally. I don’t want to reduce PARADOX to just thrash metal. There’s more to it than that. It’s an automatic process as well, that comes from within me subconsciously when I compose songs. It’s my style, which has developed over the years.

Who produced and mixed the album? How did that influence the final sound?

On “MYSTERIUM,” I not only recorded all the instruments myself, but also handled the mix and the entire production. I knew my songs best, and it didn’t cost me any money—just the necessary equipment and the know-how. However, I also wanted to have a professional outside review my mix and have the album mastered externally. Patrick W. Engel took care of that. I don’t know how it would have sounded with another producer, but nowadays no one can afford a big studio without ruining themselves financially.

Is there a preferred listening format you recommend for fans (vinyl, digital, etc.)?

I particularly liked the slipcase CD version, which also includes the bonus track “WITHIN THE REALMS OF GRAY.” For vinyl lovers, “MYSTERIUM” is available in three colors (black, silver, and marble). However, it doesn’t include the bonus track, which would have been one side too long and would have resulted in a loss of quality. On vinyl, “MYSTERIUM” ends the way the regular album ends. The great artwork by TRAVIS SMITH comes across best on the vinyl version. There’s also an MC version of “MYSTERIUM.” I’m very honored by that.

Can you walk us through your lyrical approach on this album?

It all began in 2022 when I came across a website that reported on true unsolved crimes and mysteries. More and more cases interested me, until one day, while standing on my balcony, the word “MYSTERY” came to me because these stories were all so mystical. I literally researched all the cases, and that’s when I came up with the idea of translating them into music, thus providing double the entertainment. You can listen to the music, but some listeners are also inspired by the lyrics to research these stories themselves.

Are there any specific messages or social themes you intended to convey?

No, there are no specific messages on that album . It`s dedicated to AXEL BLHA. Rather, as mentioned, the album can arouse interest in researching interesting mystic stories, but first and foremost it is of course the music that should captivate the listener

How do you balance poetic imagery and straightforward storytelling in your lyrics?

Achim “DAXX” Hoemerlein (ex-Vendetta) wrote the lyrics, as he did for “TALES OF THE WEIRD” and “PANGEA.” I sent him the song title and the story as a template. He then listened to the songs and researched the stories. I’d have to ask him how he balances poetic imagery and straightforward storytelling in his lyrics, but he has a very special talent as a lyricist. He knows exactly how to place the words so that they harmonize and fit with the music.

How has the band’s lineup or internal chemistry changed during this album cycle?

I played all the instruments on the album, but going it alone wasn’t planned, and I didn’t separate myself from anyone. When I composed the songs for “MYSTERIUM,” I recorded the bass for the first time alongside the usual guitars, so I could have a more powerful sound for myself to control the songs. Since everything has to be exactly on point for me, the recordings were already very good. I really made an effort to play the bass the way a bass should be played, not like a guitar. OLLY KELLER was supposed to re-record the bass, but when I sent him the recordings, he didn’t want to re-record everything because, in his opinion, the bass was perfectly recorded. AXEL BLAHA was supposed to record the drums, but due to his severe depression, he was no longer mentally capable of doing so. He asked me to program the drums the way he would have played them. It takes years of experience to program digital drums at this level, and you have to be a drummer in your head. I started playing drums in school 50 years ago. It was my first instrument before I became a guitarist. This laid the foundation for programming the drums, and I’m very happy with the result. CHRISTIAN MÜNZNER was so busy with other projects at the time that I would have had to wait too long for him to record the solos for the album. AXEL and OLLY then suggested that I record the solos as well, since I had already recorded all the instruments. It wasn’t easy to replace such a good guitarist as CHRIS, but I succeeded with dignity. I gave it my all. Ultimately, it was all about finishing “MYSTERIUM.” AXEL BLAHA tragically passed away in 2023, when all the songs had been composed. So there was no official separation. Not even with OLLY and CHRISTIAN. This wouldn’t be the first time OLLY KELLER has taken a break; TILEN HUDRAP appeared on “PANGEA” before OLLY returned for “HERESY II.” Christian Münzner also appeared on “TALES OF THE WEIRD” and again later on “HERESY II.” Anything is possible, and I’m not ruling anything out for the future.

How do you envision Paradox’s musical direction evolving in upcoming albums?

You should always look forward and not back… Unless… it’s a nice story or event you experienced and look back on fondly. Musically, for example, I look back fondly on “HERESY.”
I could imagine going back to basics a bit more in terms of direction for the next album. Less bombast and more emphasis on the guitar riffs. A slightly shorter playing time, but more intense. However, no one should expect a copy of “HERESY” (1989), because then I’d be treading water as a composer and not developing any further, but it should be a bit more old school. It should definitely sound 100% PARADOX. I make music for the fans, who in turn give me something in return that money can’t buy. Namely, pride! I don’t want to disappoint a single fan.

What can fans expect next from Paradox in terms of touring or future releases?

As of now, only one physical PARADOX album is planned. It will be the 10th and final album. PARADOX has never been and will never be a typical touring band, but I could imagine doing some final shows at special venues. Maybe even a few summer festivals in 2027 around Europe but not before. I would love to play another big concert in Greece. The fans are so grateful, cheer me on, and appreciate every minute of a concert.

The closing is yours.

I’d like to thank all readers for taking the time to read the interview. I also thank you for all your support. PARADOX will be back with some awesome music. Cheers from Germany and let`s keep the legacy alive!