I saw the name and immediately requested this album for review. I still have my cassette tape of their second release ‘Steel and Starlight’ from way back in 1987, I remember these chaps as being part of the Cleveland metal scene, and Auburn records from that area had some great bands on their releases, such as Breaker and relatively more recently Soulless. Two of the original members, Vocalist Vic Hix and Guitarist Ken Erb are joined with seasoned musicians to present Shok Paris’ first album since 1989, the bands fourth. However, I must admit reservations, by being so bold with such an album title, this can go one of two ways, in some cases very rapidly!

‘Full Metal Jacket’ starts out promising, a strong riff and overlaid guitar fills. The general pace is exciting and gets you motivated. This is a good choice for a leading album track.  Maybe this is leading me into a false sense of security, as the next one is slower, but still strong. ‘The Nature of Beast’ thus tries to be a touch epic, slower, building on guitar harmonies and a fair amount of drum fills. The vocals here are very raspy and aggressive, but leading towards the painful end of the pleasure spectrum. The verse itself sounds quite empty, a lot of space unfilled by music until the chorus. ‘Do or Die’ is more like it; again, you may be put off by the vocals, though you should feel some empathy for the music that in itself is good. The solo in particular, simple, effective and to the point. ‘Metal on Metal’ for me sounds very much like what a lot of bands did in the 90’s, attempting to go heavier; but the sound just doesn’t work whilst trying to maintain ones “classic” sound. “No surprises, no regrets, what you see if what you get” is a lyric taken from the track. I would modify overall in terms of the album to say, “No surprises, what you hear is what you get”, unfortunately, I feel this one is a little throw away and it does not match the promise of its title.

On the positive, ‘Brothers in Arms’ however takes a melody akin to Thin Lizzy and gallops into action. Here, Shok Paris have produced a better vocal tone and delivery. I would even think this would be a sing along crowd track. If you have spotted the final track ‘Up the Hammers’, you may see some connection to the Greek festival and the rabid appreciation of all music the fans of that festival have. For a more power metal style, head to ‘Hell Day’, this has all the hallmarks, the range does show limitations though. I like the bass fills though. ‘Fall from Grace’ is musically exciting; I do feel connection to this. Still there is empty space in the chords relying on the vocals to carry the momentum, which falls short on a number of occasions, but is marginally resolved later on through the song.  ‘Symphony of the Sea’ is again, riff orientated working well, sounding similar the latter Grave Digger to me. That vocal rasp, the almost nautical feel to the sound, I guess the mantle of the track is achieved here!

Overall there are some flashes of brilliance, the music is as expected and in keeping with their earlier material. The highlights for me being ‘Black Boots’, ‘Brothers in Arms’ and ‘Fall from Grace’. However, the remainder of the tracks sound laboured in places that unfortunately bring down the overall potential of this comeback release.

(6/10 Paul Maddison)

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