Montreal’s AraPacis’ Paradox Of Denial is a seven-track release in a long line of releases by this  band that bring several hard styles of rock together, including prog and darker forms of rock and female fronted metal. This very interesting and long running outfit have done some remarkable things with guest artists playing on their albums over the years, including keyboard wizard Don Airey of Deep Purple. This latest release includes none other than David Stone on one of the tracks. He’s best known as a keyboard player who has been part of bands like Symphonic Slam, Max Webster and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Stone is playing live these days on a regular basis and he’s in fine form out there, and this band are the first to have him on a studio recording in many years.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) in Music Street Journal: 2019  Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2019.

The first thing you notice is how well the production shines through, and the vocals of Michelle Macpherson are perfectly mixed with the rest of the arrangement. They waste no time getting into things with an early keyboard solo from David Stone in which he shines to the max. Being a big fan of his, it’s great to hear him after so long. The song is an over the top number that competes with the best of what AraPacis have to offer. No question about it, this is awesome.

Guitarist Jerry Fielden goes into a ZZ Top blues shuffle on this, and it is an immediate surprise if you know his work. In fact, the lyrics even mention surprises, and it is one of their most accessible tracks in every department. It’s phat, crunchy and indie sounding with just the right amount of grit and even some pop sensibilities to it.