Shades Of God/Icon - Paradise Lost

Advantages: Melodic and catchy, the solos are back!
Disadvantages: bland, not as good as previous work

...months to experience this latest record. Released in Germany through GUN/BMG, the official explanation is that Paradise Lost were yet to ink a deal for the record in their homeland. Whether this is the truth or simply a bitter middle finger to the British fanbase is something for the listener to decide. "The heaviest record we've ever done" seemed to be the most frequent description of this record emitted by Holmes' in the run up to its release. A slightly bizarre statement considering the easy going, highly polished nature of the tracks presented. While there's certainly no manic 'Shades of God' riffery here, Greg Mackintosh's soaring leads ride high throughout the album. Much to the delight of any older fans, the solo's are back! With tracks such as 'Redshift' coming close to Linkin Park, sans hip hop influences, it's tempting... 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: Brilliant, melancholic, fantastic gothic metal
Disadvantages: Unknown, hard to get hold of.

...Paradise Lost, the sole creaters of Gothic Metal, have after 17 years of being together have produced their tenth studio album. The whole album is very good, the single Forever After is the only track that seems out of place, much more lets run about and have lots of energy rather than the melacholy you would expect from such goth gods. Even though it doesn't flow with the rest of the album it is still a great song. The album does need a few listens to if you are an old Paradise Lost fan, but if you are a new fan it's very good and just get's better as time goes on. The album makes you involve yourself into the album rather than it forcing itself apon you. The last 3 songs are fantastic end to and album with a great guitar solo and the music and the lyrics are deeply moving. This album is great for anyone who likes the new... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful