Music
Press
By Tammy Van, Managing Editor
Monday, January 29, 2007
Heavy metal and punk rock has never meshed so well in a duo. With a sound as edgy as their band name, Ex-Paladin made themselves known at FVHS.
Last Friday, the power duo performed songs from their upcoming, independent release, Songs of Heroic Deeds. The band is currently promoting their music in Los Angeles and Orange County through live shows, which made FVHS one of their stops before the album debuts.
Pieter’s crisp guitar riffs and Annelie’s audacity on the drums fuse together for a fierce, overall sound. The sound behind “Without a Face” is raw and fast-paced, making for a rhythmic adrenaline rush, built up by the instrumental intro of “Wall of Silence.” And though the tempo is slightly slower, the performance remains dynamic without overpowering the vocals.
Ex-Paladin said in an interview with the Wired Baron that major influences to their music are bands like The Doors and System of a Down. Their lyrics and band name derive from the idea that an individual can redefine heroism by stripping away old principles. With these qualities, Ex-Paladin maintain their distinctness from other rock groups.
When it comes to a familiar sound with a unique background, Ex-Paladin nails it down. Most students didn't know who Ex-Paladin were before the performance, but Ex-Paladin certainly walked from the gates of FVHS knowing they had won over a good amount of fans. - The Wired Baron
Discography
Debut LP, "Songs of Heroic Deeds", self-released 2007.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
“Heavy metal and punk rock has never meshed so well in a duo.” -The Wired Baron, 2007.
Ex-Paladin is a power-duo creating a complete sound with distorted guitar, frenzied drums, and compelling vocals. Comparisons to The Melvins, System of a Down, The Troggs, and The Doors have been drawn by enthusiastic listeners who have witnessed this formidable and charismatic live act. One fan described them as “The White Stripes from Hell.”
Pieter Britz formed the band two years ago, finding drummer Annelie McKenzie in Long Beach. After the 7th bass player was still not a good match, they successfully defined their sound as a duo, playing a steady stream of gigs in and around southern California.
Ex-Paladin’s full-length debut album, “Songs of Heroic Deeds”, was self-released in 2007. The 12 songs present a solid set of tracks that include brooding metal, irate punk, and harmony-driven rock.
Many fans have asked about the name of the band, Ex-Paladin. It conjures the image of one who has given up old causes, perhaps changed their personal definition of heroism. This is reflected in the lyrical content of the songs.
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