Shades Of God - 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: 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

Advantages: Totally original
Disadvantages: none

...sensibilites adds a dash of melody and then races off into the distance, bass lines spiral around, guitars through power chords around two a penny and layers of vocals put the icing on the cake. And then the unthinkable happens, they throw in a keyboard solo and then a guitar solo. You wait ten years for a solo and then two come along at once, where will it end I ask you. More medievalism arrives in the form of Ghilbert de Haace,a very odd old world lilting tune carried and flavoured by the talented Glenn Miller and his accordian. No not that Glenn Miller, the other one who is normally to be found fronting north country folk warriors The Whiskey Priests. A dark journey through the world of Seventeenth century poetry follows in the form of Miltons Schemes, Paradise lost gets a kicking whilst Ben Johnson stands in the side lines. A dark verse... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful