Anatomy Of Melancholy, The (Live) - Paradise Lost

Advantages: Bold change of direction, very consistent and accomplished album
Disadvantages: Alienates older fans, depressing content (if you don't like that sort of thing), possibly a bit samey

.... The only problem is that, as I suggested earlier, Host alienated many of the bands older, traditional fans, without really getting enough exposure to win over many new ones. (At least, in this country - apparently Paradise Lost are far more successful in parts of Europe). I saw them live in my first year of university (2000-01), and for a band once so hotly tipped it was a shame they couldn't even sell out the Oxford Zodiac. (This may also be the time to point out that, following Host, the band have turned back to their heavier roots, although without abandoning the keyboards and more melodic sensibilities). The obvious question, then, is who Host might appeal to? Well, aside from the obvious Depeche Mode comparison, the other one that comes immediately to mind is Joy Division - while not exactly sound-alikes, this is a very dark... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: It's PL, good atmospheric songs
Disadvantages: A little heavier would be nice

...Having been a long-time fan of Paradise Lost since Shades of od I've heard them evolve over the years from bordering death-metal to becoming one of the greatest metal bands ever. Draconian Times was definitely one of my all-time best albums so it would be very difficult ot live up to that. Host follows on from One Second in losing much of the earlier heavier sounds. It is atmospheric and deep. Although the songs do lack some of the raw power as those off earlier albums they still rock. More of an album for rock fans who can appreciate good songs even if they do lack the raw edge of heavier stuff.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Some of the best of the Cure's work.
Disadvantages: Not for the suicidal.

...This album is my favourite and is the Cure at their depressive best. There is a grandness and opulence to it that wallows wholeheartedly in misery. It starts with the rich predoninately instrumental 'Plainsong', then the poignant 'Pictures of You'. The tone shifts with the chilling 'Lulluby' and the gloriously angrily snarled 'Fascination Street' and turns increasingly bleak. As the album progresses the extravagance of the earlier songs is lost to the rawness of 'Prayers for Rain' and 'The Same deep Water as You. The more hopeless, the rawer it gets. However as an ending note the tone rises with 'Untitled', but the sadness doesn't. There is a real sense of melancholy throughout it that is almost unreachable, but not quite.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful