Host - Paradise Lost

...were no doubt keen for Host to bring a return to the guitar-driven sound of the early albums, but if that's so they were to be disappointed. In fact, Paradise Lost surprised everyone by putting the guitars in the background, keyboards to the fore, and making an album that still draws comparisons to Depeche Mode. It may sound a strange thing to say, but apart from the complete volte-face in musical direction, the album is still very recognizably ...
...but when it comes to Host I was really torn - both because all the tracks are near equally good but also so similar, both musically and in terms of subject matter. Apart from the songs mentioned above, 'Made The Same' perhaps stood out for me, but then this is the kind of album where each time the next song comes on I think 'oh yeah, I like this one'. Often I like some variety in an album, but there are some that are so consistent throughout I not ...

a-true-ben 27.03.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Host - Paradise Lost

.../ doom-metal roots. Host is a sharper turn in the same direction, the band abandoning almost everything that had gone before in favour of a smmoth Depeche Mode-esque sheen which on one level sounds good but which on another level simply feels bland, drab and rather meaningless. The album feels like an empty room that Paradise Lost once occupied, full of hints and echoes but with very little else tangible. It's not a bad album. "So Much Is Lost" ...
...this album fails to grab the attention (or more appropriately, grab your attention by the throat) in the manner that previous albums did. Many have commented that it sounds like a Depeche Mode album, and in a sense it certainly does. That would be great if it were Depeche Mode writing it, and bringing their own characteristics and ideas to the party. Instead, there is just a somewhat vapid and meaningless atmosphere to the album which no amount of ...

bagoproverbial 30.11.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Host - Paradise Lost

...Year of Summer 13) Host Paradise Lost fans of old were not too impressed with this release, though I believe it to be a good addition to any collection, albeit more of a chill out listen rather than anything fitting one in an extreme metal mood. Sure, Paradise Lost have gone for a more Depeche Mode sound than their heavier instalments, and this disappoints many, but who cares? It’s a quality album with some fine cuts of music to be found among the ...
...is, as album openers go, somewhat short of the mark, once reached - it never really gets past the catchiness of the chorus. However, ‘Nothing Sacred’ is a hell of a track, a string ensemble to start things off which couldn’t be more appropriate, a great piece of music all round. ‘In All Honesty’ carries on where the last track left off, with more funky guitar driven music, apt drum beats and a leaning towards the synthesisers for an atmospheric approach. ...

Metalmorphosis8 07.12.2003 (08.12.2003) · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Host - Paradise Lost

...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. ...

electricrat 19.02.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Host - Paradise Lost