Interview with Paradox Rift
Paradox Rift are an extreme metal band formed in Cleveland, Ohio, they released their album Ensnared on May 10th
Alicia
Can you Introduce the band?
Paradox Rift
Paradox Rift is an award-winning 4pc extreme metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Blending sounds from death metal, grindcore, progressive metal and more. Formed in 2019 the band has shared the stage with legendary bands like Deicide, Kataklysm, Enterprise Earth, Inhuman Condition and countless others. Luke Weeks- Vocals, Eric Burrington- Drums, Alijosa Covic- Bass, Preston Lund- Guitar
Alicia
Where did the name come from?
Paradox rift
We all tossed names around for a good week or two at band practice. Drummer Eric was set on using the word “Paradox” in the name. Preston, who plays guitar had alot of ideas but ultimately decided that “Rift” would be a great addition to the “ Paradox” root word. Thus, Paradox Rift was formed.
Alicia
You have an album coming out can you tell us about the recording process?
Paradox rift
Ensnared LP was recorded in an unusual manner. First of all, the band members couldn’t align all of their schedules for studio time. Resulting in multiple solo sessions to complete the album. The drums aren’t midi drums like in most modern metal albums. Instead they are natural acoustic drums with no samples or triggering. Another fun fact about the making of this album is that almost all of the tracks on Ensnared were recorded without the use of pre-production when entering the studio. For example, when drums were tracked, there was no reference for the drummer. No guitars, no music, not even click tracks for tempos. The album was basically recorded by feel. Once their drummer Eric had a few solid takes down, it was time for the strings to come in for tracking. Preston had tracked all guitars and even a lot of the bass work on the album alongside bassist Osha. Vocals were added last, like the icing on an elaborately baked cake. With both Luke and Preston recording the vocal arrangements. By the time everything had come together, it felt as if the album had become its own entity. It seems almost human-like in ways. It’s raw, emotional, aggressive and imperfect in its natural state. Humans made this album… Not programs, robots or metronomes. Real people with real instruments. At the end of the day PARADOX RIFT wrote this album to be felt more than heard.
Alicia
Do you have plans to tour this release?
Paradox rift
Originally, we had planned to follow up this release with a tour but due to unforseen circumstances with Preston (guitarist) we ultimately had to change our plan. Touring in the future isn’t off the table but may require a new member to take over on guitar.
Alicia
Can you tell us about the music scene where you’re from?
Paradox rift
The Cleveland metal scene is currently thriving. The city currently has more local metal bands than almost any other city in the USA. Show attendance is higher than ever for local metal acts. Which also makes it very competitive between other bands. Paradox Rift had worked extremely hard to win over their scene, performing at over 40 Ohio gigs in a single year. That work ethic aided them in becoming the CLE MUSIC AWARD Winner for Best Metal Band in 2022 and nominated a second time in 2023. The rowdy crowds here in Cleveland have bled, sweat and fought for P-Rifts recognition in this genre. We won't disappoint them!
Alicia
Was music something you’ve always wanted to do?
Paradox rift
This question may have a different answer from each of us.
Eric: Yes! Absolutely! I grew up watching my dad’s band practice in our living room and for as long as I could remember… music was it for me! Got me thru the good times and the bad.
Osha: Music has always been a huge role in my life. Back in the day skating, partying, metal and punk rock was all I could dream of doing.
Luke: Music has always been one of my largest passions in life. Whether it’s playing an instrument or crafting lyrics… music makes life more enjoyable and brings ppl together.
Preston: I’ve always used music to escape reality in a way… like a coping mechanism. Playing music can help ppl heal and if my music can help, well I’m all for that.
You can check out Paradox Rifts music and social media below