PERPETUAL PARADOX - May Misery Befall You

'Bound and Strangled by a Black Snake' opens the EP with ominous piano notes before a heavier guitar riff gradually works its way into the arrangement, steadily building tension. Moments later, fast-paced drumming, crushing riffs, and a piercing high-pitched scream tear through the atmosphere. The vocals are delivered with impressive force, particularly the deeper growls, while the clean passages briefly create an almost deceptive sense of safety, only for the full instrumental weight to come crashing back down seconds later. A powerful introduction that wastes little time showing what PERPETUAL PARADOX have in store.

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'Laconic' begins on an even more mysterious note, almost like wandering through an empty, pitch-black cave with the unsettling feeling that something is lurking nearby. A thick bass line quickly makes its presence known before the heavier instrumentation crashes in with considerably more venom and aggression. Sinister growls work particularly well with the relentless pace, although the piercing screams hold their own against the instrumental assault. The technical ability on display is impressive without overshadowing the sheer brutality, exactly the kind of track you can already imagine erupting into a massive mosh pit live.

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Next up is the already released single 'Smell the Rot', and this time there is no atmospheric build-up, just straight-up metal from the first second. Melody is still present, but crushing drums take the lead, with particularly vicious cymbal work driving the track forward. Vocally, there is plenty of diversity and intensity, shifting between deep, throaty growls and harsher attacks. And you know a song means business when the "BLEGH!" hits. Backed by strong songwriting and relentless energy, 'Smell the Rot' is a clear recommendation, the kind of track that makes you want to headbang until your neck gives up.

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With 'Source of Hate', we move towards the final stretch of the EP, but there is absolutely no sign of slowing down. The vocals remain venomous and forceful, while a thick bass line, distorted riffs, and demanding drums continue the relentless assault. The song hits deep and it hits hard, leaving little room to breathe. During the bridge, agonizing spoken words emerge from the chaos, adding another unsettling layer to an already devastating track.

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Closing the EP, title track 'May Misery Befall You' keeps the intensity firmly at full throttle. Deep growls immediately set the tone before the instrumentation follows with the same relentless energy, giving PERPETUAL PARADOX one final opportunity to showcase their technical skill and sheer force. Clean vocals paired with calmer guitar melodies briefly break through the brutality, offering a welcome moment of contrast before the heaviness takes control once more. One final guttural growl then carries the EP into silence, a simple but fitting end to an uncompromising release.

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With "May Misery Befall You", PERPETUAL PARADOX prove that technicality and memorable songwriting can easily go hand in hand. Crushing riffs, relentless drumming, diverse vocals, and well-placed melodic breaks keep the five tracks dynamic without sacrificing their sheer aggression. Focused, brutal, and impressively executed, this EP hits hard from beginning to end.

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SCORE 9/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY

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