ANUBIS – Dark Paradise

After five years of touring and promoting their self-released singles and EPs, Power / Thrash Metal band Anubis finally released their debut studio album, Dark Paradise (2024), this past February. The album was produced by lead vocalist Devin Reiche, who’s made a name for himself in the underground Metal world as the bassist for Bay Area Thrash Metal band Hatchet. Anubis take inspiration from classics like Megadeth, Dio, Helloween, Blind Guardian, and more. They’ve had the pleasure of opening up for bands / artists such as Raven, Rhapsody of Fire, Warbringer, Heathen, Tim “Ripper” Owens, and Metal Church.

A Band That’s Hungry for More

Dark Paradise kicks off with the barnstorming opener, “Venom and the Viper’s Kiss.” Drummer Robin Salazar is going berserk on the double kick drum, and guitarists Eleazar Llerenas and Justin Escamilla trade between leads and solos effortlessly. “Heartless” is the most “commercial” song on the album with the big, anthemic chorus and chanting vocals. “Priestess of Dark Paradise” sees Reiche channel his inner Tim “Ripper” Owens. There’s something about these songs that have a conquering and empowering vibe, like preparing to take on the beast and win the battle. It’s a combination of the drums, guitars, lyrics, and vocal melodies that create an epic sound to the album, despite the whole thing being only 36 minutes long.

“We will dominate and devour.” Absolutely. “Devour” just screams Power Metal and for a good reason. Plus, there are some nasty growls on this track that sound like the devil himself, courtesy of David Ainsworth. “Strife” is a headbanger with another memorable chorus. Llerenas and Escamilla do not hold back at all for the guitar parts.

Dark Paradise closes with “Thy Frozen Throne,” probably the most melodic tune on the album. At only four minutes long, it’s very grand and atmospheric, and another track where the band’s Power Metal influences come into full circle. There’s also a whimsical keyboard solo by Diego Valadez for a little pizzazz.

Final Assessment

The musicianship is excellent, especially Salazar’s monstrous kick drumming, which surprisingly enough, his arms are still intact after the recording process. Other musicians that appear on Dark Paradise include Balmore Lemus, Cassie Morris, John Dolan, and Paul Gehlhar. Reiche’s vocals are melodic when needed, but they can also be harsh and intense (to the point of screaming) when the mood is right. Production-wise, the bass parts are buried in the mix, but that’s a slight complaint because they’re not the main focus of these songs. Overall, Dark Paradise is a strong debut full-length album from a band that’s hungry for more.

Album Tracklist

1. Venom and the Viper’s Kiss
2. Heartless
3. Priestess of Dark Paradise
4. Fallen
5. Devour
6. The Uncreated
7. Symbolic
8. Strife
9. Thy Frozen Throne

Band Lineup

Devin Reiche – lead vocals
Eleazar Llerenas – guitars
Justin Escamilla – guitars
Robin Salazar – drums
Will Buckley – bass guitar