Greek duo PARADOX OBSCUR are forever evolving and from their more minimal roots, they have now readily embraced more explicitly dance-based influences onto their new album ‘IKONA’.
Eschewing the use of computers for their music, Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor combine honest impassioned vocal expression with hardware electronics, resulting in a dark intensive allure that is simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. PARADOX OBSCUR have performed at numerous European festivals including Wave Gotik Treffen, Extramuralhas, Waveteef and Kalisz Fest while the duo have been a live draw across South America.
From the sinister mutant disco of ‘Vulgar Sequence’ that “f*cks your brains” and the rousing trance instrumental ‘Luminous’ to the stark darkwave cabaret of ‘Personal’, ‘IKONA’ is their most expressionistic work to date.
With a catalogue dating back to 2014 that includes six albums and numerous EPs, Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor chatted to ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK about the development of PARADOX OBSCUR through the years and the making of ‘IKONA’.
‘IKONA’ is your sixth LP, how did you set out this to make it different from your previous albums?
Toxic Razor: ‘IKONA’ is a natural evolution from our previous album ‘Morphogenesis’. This time, we wanted to take things in a more dance-oriented direction, while still preserving the melodic elements and keeping a human, emotional touch at the core of the music.
Another key difference is in the production approach—I leaned more towards digital hardware synthesizers for this album, as opposed to the analog-heavy sound of our earlier work. The exception is the track ‘Like A Freak’ which is entirely analog-driven and stands out with that raw, classic feel.
There were a series of standalone singles ‘Escape’, ‘Attention’, ‘Slap It’ and ‘Reach The Stars’ before the album but these are not part of ‘IKONA’, but were they important parts of the journey?
Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor: ‘Attention’, ‘Slap It’, and ‘Escape’ were written specifically for our anniversary EP, ‘Attention’. They belonged to that moment, that celebration, and were never meant to be part of ‘IKONA’.
‘Reach The Stars’ is a different story. It’s one of our oldest songs—written in the very first year of PARADOX OBSCUR. It stayed hidden for years, waiting. The time never felt right to include it on an album, so we finally released it as a standalone. It’s a song that means a lot to us.
Over time, our sound has evolved. What started as minimal synth has grown into something more layered, more dimensional. ‘IKONA’ reflects that shift—an album shaped by rich and diverse electronic textures, a step forward in our sonic journey.
How would you describe your creative dynamic, is it important for you to be sitting in a room together during the writing process?
Kriistal Ann: Not at all. We’ve never expected to create like twins—mirroring each other in the same room at the same time. We are two separate forces—each with our own rhythms, moods, and timing. Sometimes we sync, sometimes we drift apart. Both are necessary.
What matters is the chemistry. The silent dialogue. That endless ping-pong of inspiration that flows between us. It’s what gives our sound its shape—and its soul.
You remain DAWless for this new album, have you tried the “cut and paste” method of making music? What are your feelings about analog versus digital?
Toxic Razor: Yes, we’ve remained DAWless for this album. When we record and mix a track, we avoid the typical copy-and-paste or automation techniques that are so common in today’s music production. We prefer a hands-on approach—working directly with real instruments and mixing consoles, rather than being confined to a virtual environment, which I find lacks that tactile connection.
We use all kinds of hardware synthesizers, both analog and digital, but we don’t use virtual instruments at all. That said, subtractive synthesis remains our favourite approach—it’s where we feel most at home creatively.
Do you have your favourite tools of creation, what synths and drum machines do you prefer?
Toxic Razor: When it comes to drum machines, one of our favourites is the Korg Electribe MX. It’s a powerful and incredibly versatile tool for programming beats. We also make use of other drum sources, including some classic Roland gear, depending on the sound we’re after.
As for synthesizers, I enjoy working with a wide range of models. The Access Virus and Korg MS2000 are long-time favourites, offering a great mix of flexibility and character. On the analog side, machines like the Behringer Crave and the Arturia MatrixBrute really stand out—they’re capable of delivering massive, raw sounds when we want that extra punch.
Ultimately, every piece of gear has its role in the recording process. It’s about finding the right combination to bring each track to life.
You are not afraid to experiment with vocal treatments and pitch shifts on your music while retaining a very honest style of delivery?
Kriistal Ann: We’re not afraid to break away from any label or identity that’s been placed on this project. We enjoy experimenting—with sound, with style, with unexpected blends of genres. When it comes to vocals, though, we usually keep things simple. No heavy processing, no corrections—more stripped back, more human.
Toxic Razor: What makes the difference is emotion. Anna has a gift for inhabiting each song completely, whether it needs seduction, sorrow, defiance, or softness. It’s not about pitch shifts or effects. It’s about truth. And that truth always finds its way through the voice.
‘Evo-Devo’ from 2022’s ‘Morphogenesis was included on CURSES’ ‘NEXT WAVE ACID PUNX – DEUX’ compilation, does PARADOX OBSCUR feel an affinity with other acts on it such as DINA SUMMER, ULTRA SUNN, NUOVO TESTAMENTO and ESSAIE PAS?
Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor: It was an honour to be part of such a strong and thoughtfully curated compilation. There are some truly great artists on that roster. That said, this kind of question might be better answered by listeners. They’re the ones who perceive connections, overlaps, and shared energies between acts.
From our side, the kinship we feel is rooted in the shared act of creation—we’re all in the field of music-making, carving our paths. But we also believe deeply in artistic individuality. Every band should cultivate its own identity, its own voice. That’s what keeps the scene alive and evolving.
How do you now look back on the development of your sound from the 2014 debut EP ‘Noir’ and songs like ‘Dark Fortress’?
Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor: Our actual debut was the self-titled album ‘Paradox Obscur’, released by the British label Peripheral Minimal. ‘Noir’ came shortly after, and that’s where ‘Dark Fortress’ found its home. Looking back, our sound has evolved significantly. What began as a minimal synth approach has gradually transformed into something more layered, more rhythmic—something groovier, more alive, and danceable.
We’ve let go of the fear of how purists or die-hard fans might react. Not out of rebellion, but out of deep respect—for our own growth, and for their ears. Music needs space to breathe and shift. And so do we.
‘Vulgar Sequence’ from ‘IKONA’ is quite sinister and is themed around gaslighting, was this from personal experience or is there a wider context?
Kriistal Ann: That’s a thoughtful question – thank you.
Yes, we’ve all been “victims” of manipulation in one form or another. But ‘Vulgar Sequence’ isn’t rooted in a single personal experience. It speaks to something wider. Think of the manipulation of the masses—a topic explored by thinkers from Freud to Chomsky. In today’s world, it’s become more widespread because people are increasingly disconnected from their true needs. Many seek validation through others, through societal stereotypes, rather than from within.
So yes, the song touches on gaslighting, but not just on a personal level. It reflects a larger commentary on the ways truth is distorted—socially, psychologically, even politically.
How did the idea to cover Armin Van Buuren’s ‘Lose This Feeling’, especially as it is quite a recent song?
Toxic Razor: I spend a lot of time exploring the sounds of different producers, moods, and musical worlds. When ‘Lose This Feeling’ came on, it immediately grabbed my attention. There was something about its pulse, the speed, and the distant electronic vocals that resonated with me. The lyrics felt perfect for a romantic electronic ballad. I could already imagine Anna’s voice weaving through it – soft yet powerful, human and filled with longing.
I wanted to bring some heart to the track, and Anna delivered that effortlessly. Her voice transformed it from a programmed piece into something deeply felt.
‘Luminous’ is possibly your most trancey and ravey track yet? What was it inspired by?
Toxic Razor: There are quite a few tracks – some still unreleased – that carry that same trancey energy, so we felt it was time to include something in that direction on the new PARADOX OBSCUR album. ‘Luminous’ was the result of that intention. I’ve always listened to genres like Trance, Eurodance and Electro House, so the inspiration came naturally. It felt like the right moment to channel those influences into a track that’s both ravey and melodic, while still fitting within our sound.
Who are the “freaks” in ‘Like A Freak’?
Kriistal Ann: Haha, love that question! We’re all the freaks in ‘Like A Freak’. It’s that wild part inside us that wants to break free—to dance, to feel, to escape the roles we’ve been assigned and push past the edges of comfort. But how many of us truly dare to step into that space of freedom? To shake off the weight of how others see us and finally chase our real dreams, our hidden desires? In the end, the message is simple: if we’ve stepped into the dance – let’s dance. Fully, freely, like a freak!
Which are your own favourite tracks on ‘IKONA’?
Kriistal Ann: That’s a question that always makes me struggle. At first, everything feels exciting—you finish a track and think, “this is fantastic”! But over time, as you listen more closely, you start to notice things that could’ve been different, maybe even better. That’s when doubt creeps in. Maybe it’s the perfectionist in me, but I always try to stay honest with myself. Still, one track that leaves a lingering sense of joy is ‘Switch To Love.’ There’s something in it that continues to feel sincere and emotionally alive, even after many listens.
Toxic Razor: It’s always hard to pick favorites, especially since every track on IKONA was carefully crafted and selected from a much larger pool of material. Each one represents a different mood or idea, so they all hold their own significance. That said, I really enjoy ‘Iconic B’ for its driving, danceable energy – it captures the kind of pulse I love in electronic music. ‘Like A Freak’ is another standout for me; the bassline turned out exactly how I envisioned it – raw and powerful. And then there’s ‘Impulse’, which keeps pulling me in every time I hear it. Anna’s vocal performance on that track is exceptional, and the atmosphere it creates is truly captivating.
Aside from the ‘IKONA’ album, for those who are hearing of PARADOX OBSCUR for the first time, what 3 songs from your back catalogue would recommend as being good starting points for potential new fans?
Kriistal Ann: For anyone discovering us through streaming platforms, we’d say start with a few tracks that show the range of our sound. Try ‘Words Without Voices’ or ‘Drone’ if you’re into darker, minimal synth vibes – those represent our early roots. Then give ‘A Different Hum’ or ‘Présage’ a listen. They’re more atmospheric, melodic, and show a shift in our sound. And for something a bit more intense and danceable, go for ‘Cocoon’ or ‘Evo-Devo’ – tracks that lean into a more experimental, beat-driven direction. Of course, we’d love for you to dive into ‘IKONA’ too—it’s where we feel most fully realized at this moment.
Toxic Razor: For those discovering PARADOX OBSCUR for the first time, I’d recommend starting with ‘Animal Reactor’, ‘Afterhours’, and ‘Sin Barreras’. These tracks really capture the essence of our sound, blending powerful, hypnotic energy with rhythm and emotion. I believe they offer a strong introduction to what we do and can pull new listeners into our world pretty quickly.
What is next for you, either as PARADOX OBSCUR, solo or in collaboration with others?
Kriistal Ann: Right now, our main focus is promoting the new PARADOX OBSCUR album, ‘IKONA’. We’re putting a lot of energy into getting the music out to listeners, connecting with our audience, and possibly organizing some live shows. We also have a few collaborations and remixes in the works, which we’ll be revealing soon—but for now, ‘IKONA’ remains our top priority.
Toxic Razor: Apart from PARADOX OBSCUR, I’m really excited about my upcoming METAL DISCO album, which will be released soon. I’m also working on new material for my HARDWARE PULSE project, continuing to explore new sonic directions. Another project I’m involved in is COPHEAD STATE, an industrial metal act. We’re currently working on our second full-length album – a challenging but rewarding endeavour that I’m really looking forward to completing.
Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor: Thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview. Greetings from Hellas!
ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK gives its sincerest thanks to PARADOX OBSCUR
Special thanks to Gary Levermore at Red Sand PR
‘IKONA’ is released by Metropolis Records, available in vinyl LP, CD and digital formats from https://paradoxobscur.bandcamp.com/
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Text and Interview by Chi Ming Lai
7th October 2025
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