Power metal can be a touchy genre. At its best it's a rousing, fist-pumping statement decked with sick-as-hell solos, blazing riffs and stadium-sized choruses. At its worst, it's a pompous, histrionic and bloated mess.
Rising Atlanta quartet Paladin are firmly rooted in the former. Led by mastermind Taylor Washington (who's also touring guitarist for Arsis), the crew serve "blistering power thrash" that's as ripping and raw as it is sublimely hook-filled and melodic.
Today, May 10th, Revolver is stoked to premiere the high-octane burner "Awakening," from the band's forthcoming debut for Prosthetic Records, Ascension.
"'Awakening' is the first track on the album and I think it was the perfect choice for an opener," says Washington. "It smacks you in the face right away with big melodic guitars and chord stabs before kicking into the blistering main riff while I scream my ass off over the top of everything. The whole song is packed with hooks and ear-grabbers as well as some great guitar and vocal work. Plus it's about Zelda! To be specific, it's about The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for the GameBoy. One of my favorites in the Zelda series, due in no small part to the atmosphere and plot. Y'all video game nerds ought to appreciate that."
Paladin fucking shred. Listen to "Awakening" now, and pick up Ascension when it drops May 17th.
Paladin Tour Dates
5/11 Atlanta, GA @ 529 (Album Release show!)
5/12 Asheville, NC @ The Odditorium
5/16 Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop
5/17 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's/Legions of Metal Fest
5/19 Louisville, KY @ Kaiju Bar
6/21 Gainesville, GA @ Mule Camp Tavern
7/19 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
