PARAGON - I MCD (US IMPORT!) (Pre-Order)

At a time when the local Charlotte, North Carolina, music scene was awash with cover bands, four talented musicians, led by the brotherhood of guitarist Marc Crotts and lead singer Sonny Reyolds, decided to blow up the status quo.

The genesis of what was to become PARAGON began in a garage where Crotts, Reynolds, and various high school friends jammed as they fine-tuned their skills by performing music written by RUSH and LED ZEPPLIN in the early 80s. Excited by their musical chemistry, Crotts and Reynolds broke free of the 'cover-only band' mentality.

With the addition of bassist Glen Blackburn and drummer Wade Carpenter, they forged a new path in the local club scene.

Crotts and Blackburn found an immediate camaraderie in crafting songs that were to become staples when PARAGON emerged as an original song band. Crotts' guitar wizardry, Blackburn's thick finger-style bass playing and Reynolds' soaring vocals added the je ne sais quoi, the undefinable "something" to what was to become one of the most unique live hard rock bands in the area.

Carpenter contributed to the band's early sound before leaving for greener pastures in California.

With new drummer Scotti Montagnino, his signature zebra striped drum kit and tasteful heavy staccato hits, it wasn't long before the audience attendance made PARAGON a band in demand for club owners.

Their fans flocked to shows to bang their heads and sing along with songs that had catchy melodies with a hard-driving guitar lead.

Never one to overplay, Crotts was a master at allowing Reynolds' vocals to dominate within the song, his skill on the frets accenting its voice on solos throughout. His ability to entice the best performance from each band member was a key to their overall success in every band iteration.

The core of Crotts and Reynolds remained consistent throughout the band's evolution.

The first release from the Crotts, Reynolds, Blackburn, and Montagnino version of PARAGON was "Metal Mythos Volume 1" (MMVI) on Nyghtmare Records. This compilation of songs from original bands in the Southeast received accolades from rock fans. A year later, "Metal Mythos Vol II" followed, where once again PARAGON led the tracks with the opening song "Can't Stop The Violence."

The new lineup for this track not only featured new players but also opened the door to a new progression of the band's direction. Not content with writing songs about sex, parties, and rock and roll, they entered a new era of social critique and philosophy.

New bassist Todd Hamby's thumping, rhythmic and hypnotically dark intro in the song set the stage for what was to become a powerful anthem.

Hamby's finger-playing prowess was accompanied by Crotts' searing guitar cries and Reynold's distressed vocals.

The return of Carpenter on drums and the addition of John Griffin on keyboards brought the band to a new level of composition in their songwriting, both lyrically and musically. Bordering on a more progressive sound with lyrics that lent themselves to a spiritual awareness, PARAGON continued to evolve.

As the music scene changed, so did PARAGON.

FOR FANS OF: TNT, Rush, Firehouse, Winger & Dream Theater.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Sensation Suite