Edge Of Paradise

Edge of Paradise is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2011. The band currently consists of Margarita Monet (vocals/keys), Dave Bates (guitars), Doug Weiand (guitars), Jamie Moreno (drums) and Kenny Lockwood (bass). The band is known for its heavy guitars complemented by industrial and classical influences, as well as Monet's large vocal range. In 2012, Monet was featured in ''Metalholic''’s "Top 25 Women in Hard Rock and Metal."

History

The band was formed in 2011 after Margarita Monet met guitarist Dave Bates on a freelance project. At the time, Bates was part of a band called "Bleed" with singer Robin McAuley, bassist Tony Franklin, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Edge of Paradise reworked Bates' unreleased songs and included them in the band's debut album.

The debut album, ''Mask,'' was released on September 15, 2011 by Melrose Music Studios. It features a rhythm section consisting of Gregg Bissonette on drums and Tony Franklin on bass.

Edge of Paradise's second album, ''Immortal Waltz'', was released on May 22, 2015 via Pure Steel Records and Soulfood. The album was produced and mixed by Michael Wagener, the album cover art was created by Timo Wuerz, and the music videos for the singles "In a Dream" and "Rise for the Fallen" premiered via the magazine ''Revolver''. The album was voted album of the week by ''Revolver''s readers.

Edge of Paradise's third release, the EP ''Alive'', was released March 10 via ILS/Universal. The six-song EP entered the ''Billboard'' charts upon its first week of release, on ''Billboard''s Current Hard Music Albums chart at #58 and Top New Album Artist chart at #94. The songs have more of an industrial feel to the music, using vocal effects, more rapid drum beats and more distortion to provide the album a different character than the symphonic-sounding ''Immortal Waltz''.

''Alive'' gained acclaim from music critics, who called the band a hard rock sensation. Bravewords.com described the EP as a "whole new world, another planet".

The single and title track "Alive" was released on February 3, followed by the music video which premiered on Metal Underground on February 10, and released on Vevo.

''Alive'' was produced by Chuck Johnson, mixed by Jay Ruston, Mike Plotnikoff and Michael Wagener.

Edge of Paradise released their third studio album, ''Universe'', on August 11, 2019.

Reception and popularity

After the release of their first album, Edge of Paradise toured over 20 states, sharing the stage with Kamelot, Chris Broderick of Megadeth, Bullet Boys, Hellion, Helmet, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, and Michael Angelo Batio.

''Metalholic'' stated, "Monet's voice is something that you don't expect, earth-shattering range, rich tone, pure power and strength. That girl can sing and she sings with her heart and soul, I think that's what literally hypnotizes people. There is something iconic about her. She can be idolized not only by generations that are into heavier music but also by the kids that are growing up on pop culture". ''Hard Rock Haven'' claimed, "The band can not only put on a show, but they are great songwriters as well. With their memorable hooks and huge choruses, listeners can hum their tunes long after hearing them play. There is no doubt in my mind that Edge of Paradise is on their way to the big stages; they are bound to break through."

''Immortal Waltz'' received critical acclaim as well. The blog The Metal Pit stated, "''Immortal Waltz'' by The Edge of Paradise is one of the most unique-sounding albums I’ve heard in a long, long time."

Band members

Current
* Margarita Monet – vocals (2011–present)
* Dave Bates – lead guitar (2011–present)
* David Ruiz – rhythm guitar (2017–present)
* Jamie Moreno – drums (2020–present)
* Kenny Lockwood – bass (2023–present)

Former
* Nick Ericson – bass (2015–2018)
* John Chominsky – drums (2012–2018)
* Kevin Katich – drums (2011)
* Gene McEwen – drums (2012)
* Kurt Schaeffer – bass (2011–2014)
* Steven Cook – bass (2011)
* Vanya Kapetanovic – bass (2018–2020)
* Jimmy Lee – drums (2018–2020)
* Ricky Bonazza – bass (2020–2021)
* Justin Blair – bass (2021–2023)

Discography

Studio albums

* ''Mask'' (2011)
* ''Immortal Waltz'' (2015)
* ''Universe'' (2019)
* ''The Unknown'' (2021)
* ''Hologram'' (2023)
* ''Prophecy'' (2025)

EPs

* ''Perfect Shade of Black'' (2013)
* ''Alive'' (2017)

Singles

Music videos

References

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Hard rock musical groups from California
American symphonic metal musical groups
Musical groups established in 2011
Napalm Records artists
Frontiers Records artists
2011 establishments in California
Female-fronted musical groups
Musical quintets from California