Paradise Slaves - With Hell In His Eyes (2025)

Paradise Slaves, a band formed by members with roots in 36 Crazyfists, Diecast, Pentagram, and Blitzkid, is set to release their debut album, "With Hell In His Eyes," on May 2, 2025, via Spinefarm Records. The Boston-by-way-of-Anchorage quintet features vocalist Brock Lindow (36 Crazyfists), guitarists Tyler Stroetzel and Jon Kita (Diecast), bassist Brad Horion (Diecast), and drummer Ryan Manning (Pentagram, Blitzkid).

"With Hell In His Eyes" blends alternative and metallic influences, drawing comparisons to Soundgarden and Alice In Chains with a touch of hardcore grit and heavy metal. Blabbermouth.net notes the band's ability to "cherry-pick from alternative and metallic sources, gamely nudging disparate elements into a tasteful whole." While some reviews mention a reliance on '90s alternative rock tropes, tracks like "A Fever To Defeat" are recognized for their insidious charm.

The album also features a cover of Soul Asylum's "Somebody To Shove," which Blabbermouth.net highlights as an exception, with Lindow delivering a strong vocal performance. Heavy Music HQ points out the melodic nature of tracks like "Aesthetic Of Serpents" and "A Fever To Defeat," suggesting radio appeal without sacrificing heaviness, while "Swim North" features a guest appearance from Unearth's Trevor Phipps, adding to the album's extremity.