Paradoxx – Brauer House, Lombard, Illinois 4/7/23 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

Paradoxx is a legendary Chicago area heavy metal band from the 1980s.  While the band had everything going for them back in the day, the  big time success eluded them.  The group left behind the Plan of Attak EP released back in 1985 before breaking up in 1988.  They reformed in 2010, lost vocalist, Glen Dobbs, to cancer in 2016, and continued with guitarist, John Dobbs, assuming majority of vocal duties.  Currently, John Dobbs resides in Arizona, but shows up in the Chicago area to play occasional shows with Paradoxx, and his other band Cover Dogs.  During their time away from the spotlight, Paradoxx, became an international metal sensation, as many fans around the globe discovered their EP, and simply loved what they heard.

Many fans gathered at the Brauer House, in Lombard to see and hear Paradoxx again.  There was a very positive feeling in the air tonight.  Even before the show, it was great to hear many of the fans catching up, exchanging their stories about seeing the band at The Thirsty Whale, and other now historic locations.  The anticipation was great, and the band finally took the stage.

From the opening sounds of Black Siren,  to the closing notes of Forever, Paradoxx sounded great, and kept the momentum going.  John Dobbs was complaining about some voice trouble due to a cold, but he pulled it off very nicely.  He rose to the occasion, and did his best to deliver a quality show.  The band included all original members who performed on the legendary EP back in 1985.  They were having fun on stage, and you could see the enjoyment in their eyes.  The band was happy to be able to do this in 2023, and often spoke from the stage how much they appreciate their fans.  Some of the audience included the members of other local metal bands from the 1980s, who came out to support their peers.  Majority however, were the fans who remembered the feel of the scene, and wanted to re-live the experience, or simply wanted to be back in that teenage state of mind.  Whatever it was they were looking for, Paradoxx, was happy to deliver.  It felt great to be part of such cool community of rockers, and to re-live the experience as well.

Paradoxx performed tracks from their infamous EP, and included several covers.  It was a fair mix of original, and cover material.  There were covers from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Krokus, and Riot to name a few.  Many of these songs were clearly influential in what Paradoxx later became.  Guitarist, Gary Vermette, sang few of the covers, and he sounded great.

The rhythm section, consisting of drummer, Jerry Wiener, and bassist, Frank Rotondo, was extremely effective tonight.  You could feel a great chemistry between those two players, who truly gave their best.  Such great bottom end, allowed John Dobbs, and Gary Vermette to move around in any direction they wanted.  Both guitarists had a very impressive dialog on stage.  There was a natural fit among those four players, and nothing was accidental here.  It was also a great way to honor the memory of the fallen vocalist, Glen Dobbs. 

The purists may argue about a glitch here and there, but that’s a senseless argument.  The spirit of the music was there that night, and that’s all everyone really cared about.  Paradoxx played a great show, and revived something special in the minds of everyone present.  They are already promising another such show next year, so don’t miss your chance.  Great job guys, much respect!

Mark Kadzielawa

GALLERY: