Paradox Obscur Talk New Album, Their Voices And More

Aug 26, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Red Sand PR

Paradox Obscur is the Greek synth duo of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor, who have built a devoted global following over the course of five studio albums since forming in 2014. Their new album ‘IKONA’ is released on 12th September 2025 via Metropolis Records. They spoke to us about the album and more:

Who is Paradox Obscur, how did you meet and what do you play?

Paradox Obscur is two souls grounded on Earth yet occasionally soaring into space. We met in a university library and now play with synthesizer keys, exploring and creating new worlds of sound.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Kriistal Ann: My earliest musical memory is hearing Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, Op. 72 No. 10 in E Minor—a moment when music first painted vivid colors in my mind.

Toxic Razor: Madonna, Pet Shop Boys & Iron Maiden’s song ‘Can I Play With Madness’.

When did you begin songwriting?

Kriistal Ann: I began composing simple melodies in piano when I was just ten—a first step into a lifelong conversation with music.

Toxic Razor: It all started with a cheap Casio keyboard back in the early 90s I had borrowed from a schoolmate.

Your new album ‘IKONA’ will be released later this year. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

Paradox Obscur: We approach our albums holistically—first we feel, then we resonate, and finally, we come to life through the keys. Each album is a new existence born within our world.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

Paradox Obscur: We record, produce, and mix all our albums in our home studio, shaping the sound from the ground up. The vocals are recorded and mixed by our friend Nick Chalntoupis, with the final mastering completed at his Soundcave Studios in Athens.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

Paradox Obscur: Yeah! There are times when we have to record something multiple times because the console becomes overloaded with data and crashes.

Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Paradox Obscur: We use exclusively hardware synthesizers and drum machines in order to composed and record our songs. Subtractive synthesis, Wavetables & FM synthesis are our preferable methods.

You also have your single ‘Lose This Feeling’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Paradox Obscur: Lose This Feeling’ is a cover of the Armin van Buuren track of the same name, which we heard at one point and were inspired to reinterpret as a romantic synth ballad.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Kriistal Ann: In my happiest moments, I listen to ‘Personal’; when I’m angry, I turn to ‘Switch To Love’; and when I’m feeling reflective, I listen to ‘Like a Freak’—a reminder that overthinking can drive you crazy.

Toxic Razor: Luminous for (a), Like A Freak for (b), Rodeo for (c)

Was it a difficult album to write?

Paradox Obscur: Sometimes everything comes easily and flows naturally, but other times—especially under time pressure—it just doesn’t come together.

Who designed the album artwork?

Paradox Obscur: We entrusted the editing of the album covers to young Russian photographer Elizaveta Chernova, who did an excellent job bringing our original vision to life. Just to clarify—this is a classic studio photo shoot, not AI-generated as we’ve heard some suggest. Everything was done DIY.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Kriistal Ann: I hope I’ve sweated off a few extra pounds, and most importantly, left the audience happier than they were before.

Toxic Razor: That the crowd had fun & to make sure to get all gear in all pieces.

Do you have any favored stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Paradox Obscur: Nothing too specific—we just want the stage to have strong, rhythmic lighting and good monitors so we can actually hear the music we’re playing!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Kriistal Ann: Our city rests where Socrates drank the hemlock—unbowed, fearless, declaring that even death cannot shatter the voice of truth.

Toxic Razor: Inside my soul.

How do you look after your voices?

Kriistal Ann: I make sure to gargle with a little tsipouro—because a little fire never hurt anyone!

Toxic Razor: Nothing special.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Kriistal Ann: I would compose the score for Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. Through music, I’d express the inner struggle and my own reluctance to conform to society’s rules, capturing the novel’s profound exploration of identity and alienation.

Toxic Razor: That would be Nadja by André Breton. It would be a fascinating challenge to translate the surreal, poetic visions of the text into abstract electronic soundscapes. Capturing its dreamlike atmosphere and emotional undercurrents through sound would be both demanding and deeply inspiring—a true exploration of the boundaries between literature, cinema, and music.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Kriistal Ann: When everything feels chaotic, I turn to Rachmaninoff’s sweeping melodies to find calm. But sometimes, to spark a fire inside, I listen to something completely unexpected—something I’d never normally choose. It’s in those surprises that the mind truly opens.

Toxic Razor: 90s electronic music & Black Metal, artists like 2 Unlimited, The Prodigy, Masterboy, U96, Cappella, Chimo Bayo, Beherit, Darkthrone really hit the spot.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

Paradox Obscur: We usually steer clear of making concrete plans—whatever opportunities come our way; we embrace them as they do.

What makes Paradox Obscur happy and what makes you unhappy?

Paradox Obscur: Maybe there’s no secret formula—happiness and unhappiness ebb and flow like tides, quietly shaping who we are. They exist not as opposites, but as parts of the same ongoing journey.