Review: Saskatoon's Fake Paradise - "Free Fall and Bad Omen"

By Scott Roos

band photo courtesy of Fake Paradise

Free Fall

Released March, 2025

Our Grade - A

In March, Saskatoon’s Fake Paradise released their single Free Fall. Collectively, It's a head-bobbing reminder of just how heavy a local band can get. From the first note, guitarist Jace Irvine’s fuzz-laden riff grabs you by the ears and drags you straight into a Master of Reality–era Black Sabbath mood. There’s a boogie-like swing to it, heavy but moving, the kind of riff that makes you want to stomp your feet along with it.

Drummer Oishak Khan holds the pocket tight, trucking the groove forward without ever overplaying, letting the guitars and vocals breathe and stretch over the rhythm. And speaking of vocals, there’s a wild, mid range quality here more in line with Pentagram's Bobby Liebling than classic Ozzy Sabbath—slightly eerie, completely magnetic, and commanding above the instrumental bedrock.

The solo Irvine lays down is a nod to Tony Iommi’s signature style, but it’s not mere imitation; subtle twists and phrasing give it personality and a hint of the band’s own voice. One can’t help but imagine what a layered, overdubbed solo might add in a future track- textural depth that could really elevate their sound.

The bass, meanwhile, mostly chugs along, supporting the riff, but there’s room to branch out, to create more interplay in the rhythm section. If Fake Paradise leans into that, future outings could feel even bigger, wider, and more dynamic.

Free Fall shows a band that’s deeply rooted in the classic heavy rock tradition while already hinting at their own potential. It’s heavy, it grooves, and it soars - a welcome addition to Saskatoon’s thriving rock scene, and proof that Fake Paradise are doing more than just looking backward; they’re carving their own path forward.

Bad Omen

Released October, 2025

Our Grade - A-

Where Free Fall leaned into Sabbath-style heaviness, Bad Omen takes a slightly different route, embracing a more bluesy, classic-rock feel. Jace Irvine steps into the vocals a bit more like Ozzy at times, especially in the upper register of the chorus, giving the track an added sense of urgency and depth. The Sabbathy riffs are still there, but they carry a looser, more swagger-laden vibe than the crushing weight of Free Fall.

Irvine’s guitar work continues to impress. He’s one of the finest shredders in the province, effortlessly combining precision with playful mischief, especially on the solo. The bridge riff is a standout moment, a heavy, breakdown-style section that hits hard and will likely have listeners nodding along. And yes, there’s even a bit of singalong charm in the “Oh oh” section, showing the band isn’t afraid to have fun while still keeping it heavy.

Brodie Mohninger on bass provides solid support throughout, anchoring the groove while letting Irvine and drummer Oishak Khan explore the more playful edges of the song. Khan’s drumming remains tight and responsive, grounding the track even as it stretches into blues-infused territory.

Personally, while Bad Omen is a great track and demonstrates the band’s versatility, it doesn’t quite hit the same visceral heaviness as Free Fall. The blues-rock approach is fun and well-executed, but the province already has plenty of bands treading that path, and Fake Paradise still stands out most when they’re crushing riffs full-on. That said, the track shows a more mischievous, playful side of the band, and reinforces why they’re one of Saskatoon’s most exciting rock acts right now.