Paragon
Just Believe
1984 (no label)
Kingston, Washington, USA
Jeff Schronce – Lead vocals, guitar
Dave Schmidt – Bass, keyboards
Paul Roraback – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Just Believe
- Why are There So Many Sinners?
- Choose One Master
Paragon was a traditional heavy metal band with prog influences. As a band, they are probably most well known as having their song “Why are There So Many Sinners?” on the Underground Metal compilation in 1988. Of course, most people that read this blog are probably familiar with drummer Paul Roraback’s other band: Grammatrain. Jeff Schronce also formed a band called Thresh after Paragon as well. Interesting that both of them started here and then parted ways and both ended up in grunge bands. Of course, this demo was recorded the mid-1980s, and grunge was not really a thing at this time. I am guessing Queenscryche had more influence as far as local bands go – but Roraback’s major Rush influence is really more on display here. In 1988 they released another demo called Dead and Alive, but none of the songs on this demo made it on to that one.
Christian Tape Underground 
Paragon used to practice in my basement in Suquamish, Wa. when I was a kid. Paul’s mom was good friends with my mom. I was sort of a metal head back then and I remember thinking how mellow it would be to have a christian band playing in the basement. Then they proceeded to shake our house to it’s foundation. I was shocked!
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