Interview with PARADOX RIFT

July 29, 2024

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

A : We all found our own way to music back when we were just young a**hole kids. Some of us got into it from our parents, siblings, friends, even the music from movies and television can spark the flame. Honestly, music is everywhere and it's hard not to get into it. If we weren't playing music we would all have a giant void in our souls as we drown in this miserable existence.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

A: When we're not playing music most of us spend our time with family or we try to put a dent in the countless projects we all have. We also love attending and supporting the local and national metal acts when they come to our town. Being active in our local scene and supporting others is important to us. Also, staying busy and active helps to keep the creative juices flowing in the band room. Watching other bands perform can spark new song ideas and rejuvenate our perspective on our own craft.

How long has your band been around?

A: Paradox Rift was formed in early spring of 2019. The 1st show was August 2019 in Lakewood, OH and our 1st release was December 2019. (Paradox Rift EP)

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

A: Cleveland, Ohio is saturated with metal bands! Possibly more metal bands than any other state. We knew that we had to offer something different  in order to draw fans to our shows. So, we mixed up all of our expansive tastes in music and let it all come together without restraint. The result was something more versatile and dynamic than anything we could have predicted. We decided that Paradox Rift shouldn't be labeled as just 1 kind of metal. We feel that the new album “ENSNARED” best captures that versatility. Almost every song has a different vibe.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

A: When we first got together we tossed around so many names. These days almost every good band name is taken. So we unintentionally combined a few concepts/ ideas and came up with Paradox Rift, which we felt was perfect. We had deciphered it to basically mean “a broken paradox”. Also, it's worth mentioning that this was long before Pokemon had released their Paradox Rift series haha.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

A: There's one show in particular that had meant a great deal to us. We were called up by a promotional company to open up for death metal legends- DEICIDE in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. They were performing the Legion album in it's entirety for the 25th anniversary tour with co-headliners KATAKLYSM and INHUMAN CONDITION. This show was ridiculously intense with moshing and crowd surfing at an all time high. These bands are truly inspirational to us and it was beyond an honor to open up as the only local supporting band.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

A: We have a few favorite venues that we love play at. So far we would have to say Mr. Smalls and Preserving Underground in Pennsylvania along with our Ohio favorites like Grog Shop, The Foundry, The Agora, Westside Bowl, No Class CLE and the Beachland Ballroom to name a few.

We would love to play places like Red Rocks, The Channel, The Mermaid, The Brass Mug, Sphere Las Vegas, Saint Vitus, Gasworks… so many venues that we'd love to visit!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

A: Meshuggah, BTBAM, Opeth, Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Sepultura, Fear Factory, See You Next Tuesday…. Honestly any band that has really inspired us over the years with their innovation or sheer brutality.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

A: If you're just starting up in a band or in music we suggest you always keep an open mind when writing and incorporating your ideas. Listen to your peers that have been where you are. Their wisdom and experience can go a long way. As for advice to our younger selves… the best advice is to stay patient! Great albums can take time to write… and even more time to get released! Stay the course, beware of flakey people in the industry and deflate that ego until you've earned the right to bear it.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

A: It would be to have started this band sooner haha! Seriously, we would go back and tell ourselves to practice twice as hard and party a tad less.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

A: We all have a different answer to this one… I think it's safe to say that all of our favorite songs are found on this new album.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

A: Our favorite track to play live would have to be FERAL SOUL. We usually save it for the last song of the set because the entire floor turns into a giant ball of insane energy. Moshing, stage diving, karate moves, crowd surfing… it all comes out on this song! We would say that our most requested song would either this one or Dismembered by Dogs. Although, some older jams like Fixion and Heaven's Moat are frequently requested as well.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

A: Disagreements are inevitable. We all have separate thoughts, ideas and expectations… Especially when it comes to how to write and release the music. The best way to get past any predicament is communication. Always have your voice heard. You don't have to win every argument but expressing your feelings is important. Silencing yourself can effect everyone down the road so it's best to keep communication as open as possible.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

A: Our new album ENSNARED releases on May 10!! This album conveys all of the elements that we love in metal music. Give it a spin and see for yourself what we have to offer. Pre-Orders are available at paradoxrift.bandcamp.com

Music Video - Grave-Snuggler -

 

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