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1995 saw the pioneering album 'Draconian Times' released by Halifax based gothic rock band Paradise Lost. Being the fifth album in the bands discography this album has a very different sound and style being taken by the band especially in the vocal department. Lead singer Nick Holmes vocals take on a more clear and concise tone in comparison to the bands previous albums such as 'Gothic' and 'Shades of God'.
The album is said to be the first in the gothic rock genre and is sited among many fans as the bands best work to date. Prior to this album the band was virtually unknown outside of the usual rock charts however this all changed when they recorded a UK chart position of number 16 with this album.
Album Track listing
1. Enchantment - Starting off the album with a wonderful piece of piano music suddenly we are greeted with the band in full force. The song makes a very simple yet powerful start to the album.
2. Hallowed Land - This song sees the band turn up the pace and complexity of the guitar work during the majority of the song with it breaking down in to a more melodic style during part of the chorus.
3. The Last Time - Released as the albums first single this song sees the band crank up the pace even further and provide a great chorus line to sing along to. You can check out the video to the single here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO1DxsFCgtY).
4. Forever Failure - Is the bands second single on the album and contains vocal samples of the murder Charles Mason. The overall feel of the song is much more powerful and dirty than the previous really in keeping with the macabre use of Charles Mason's voice on the song. You can check out the single version of the song here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdqkrDivZyk) however the Mason vocal samples only occur in the middle and end of the single version whereas they also appear at the start of the song on the album.
5. Once Solemn - Its balls to the wall time as the band let rip, no guitar solo, barely an intro just straight into the song and we're away. This is and has always been my favourite track on the album and second only to the track 'Say Just Words' off of the bands 'One Second' album in my opinion.
6. Shadowkings - Though the pace slows down in comparison to the last track the sheer power of the band carries on in this song. With plenty of big dirty sounding guitar in the track this song I feel really portrays just what the gothic rock genre should sound like.
7. Elusive Cure - A very simple sounding track no complex guitar or drum work on it just slow, methodical rock. The lyrics on this certainly aren't advisable for the depressed.
8. Yearn For Change - The pace picks back up in this song, despite the fact the song last for nearly 3 and a half minutes there are very little lyrics to it. However it does contain one of my favourite lines of all time within it 'Life is all the pain we endeavour'.
9. Shades of God - This songs name is taken from their 1992 albums by the same name. Again lyrically there is very little on this track but that does not stop this track from being packed with some great guitar work.
10. Hands of Reason - Let those dirty power chords ring out as this song really plods along with unstopping power and anger. However the vocals still remain clear and do not degenerate into a grunt.
11. I See Your Face - The pace and lightness of this track is picked up in comparison to the previous, but again without sacrificing that raw power and drive that is shown throughout the rest of the album.
12. Jaded - Last song on the album and the band really have produced a great grinding power romp to finish off the album. Again nothing complex about this song and I feel this makes a song a lot stronger than when there is too much going on.
Overall this is one of my favourite albums in my vast musical collection which as you can probably see from my other music reviews is quite varied. Despite the fact the album is now over 14 years old it still has not lost any of its raw anger and power and is certainly different to what the band had released prior to this and after as well. As the founding fathers of the gothic rock genre these guys are certainly worth a listen especially if you like such bands as 'Nightwish' or 'Lacuna Coil' as these bands will often site this band as one of their major musical influences.
If you like any kind of rock music this album should be in your collection, no questions asked.
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17.10.2009 01:03
Excellent review x
30.08.2009 16:24
Not one I've heard of but very well described, Caroline xx
20.08.2009 22:00
I cant't say I have heard of them, but a great review!