{"title":"Paradise Lost","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMetal band Paradise Lost, formed in 1988 in Halifax, UK, is credited with creating the death\/doom subgenre and pioneering gothic metal. Throughout their career, they have reinvented themselves and experimented with different musical genres. Their early albums established them as a leading force in death\/doom, but they gradually moved towards a more melancholic goth-influenced sound. They then explored mainstream success while still maintaining their metal roots before venturing into non-metal territory. In recent years, the band has returned to their gothic and heavy metal roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost's unique sound has influenced similar artists such as \u003ci\u003eTiamat\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMoonspell\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eLake Of Tears\u003c\/i\u003e. Other notable bands within the same genre include \u003ci\u003eMy Dying Bride\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eKatatonia\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eAnathema\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith their perpetual taste for reinvention and refusal to repeat themselves, Paradise Lost continues to captivate fans and critics alike with their exploration of gothic and heavy metal territories.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gothic-ep","title":"Gothic EP","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreators, pioneers and purveyors of the whole Gothic Doom Metal scene which subsequently came to prominence in the early 90's, Britain's Paradise Lost rose from humble Northern roots to become one of the UK's leading artists in the metal genre throughout the decade and beyond, remaining as relevant and revered as ever to this day after a career spanning over three decades. The band's first two albums were released on Peaceville, in the shape of 1990's influential deathly debut \u003ci\u003eLost Paradise\u003c\/i\u003e, followed up by the more atmosphere-focussed genre classic, \u003ci\u003eGothic\u003c\/i\u003e in 1991. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eGothic EP \u003c\/i\u003ewas originally released in 1994 and combined the tracks from the 1990 'In Dub' two track 12\" release bookended by alternate studio remixes from the \u003ci\u003eGothic\u003c\/i\u003e studio album. The two tracks which formerly featured on the studio debut received extensive remixing and all new arrangements in the shape of 'Rotting Misery (Doom Dub)' and 'Breeding Fear (Demolition Dub)'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis edition of \u003ci\u003eGothic EP\u003c\/i\u003e is presented on black vinyl with design-work from the original 1994 CD release.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"Black | 12\" - 1153679","offer_id":50383479636299,"sku":"1153679","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/bff0b7c4-b7dc-4c33-a7bb-34cef3f1fd70_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726270669"},{"product_id":"draconian-times-mmxi-2","title":"Draconian Times MMXI","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eDraconian Times\u003c\/i\u003e is Paradise Lost's most recognized and successful album and for good reason, they managed to take a genre of Metal that didn't get much recognition until the mid-90's and take it to the next level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoom metal and more specifically goth metal itself didn't exist that much in the 80's....outside of say Candlemass and Celtic Frost just barely touching upon the basics of the genre, and they did so with style, but nobody had done it like Paradise Lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eDraconian Times\u003c\/i\u003e shows Paradise Lost at their creative peak between their older material and the new style of the band. There's enough doom and gloom here to almost combat with the previous 2 albums and enough progression that surpasses the rest of their discography.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Circle Music","offers":[{"title":"Gold LPx2","offer_id":50401470644555,"sku":"2188528","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50401470513483,"sku":"2188527","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Draconian_Times_MMXI_Live_a9c254f2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726522907"},{"product_id":"the-plague-within","title":"The Plague Within","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Plague Within is the 14th studio album by the British band Paradise Lost. It was the band's return to their death doom roots, ranking among the most diverse albums they have ever recorded. Paradise Lost reward the listener with plenty of memorable moments and fantastic guitar riffs. This album broods and builds more with each subsequent listen, and each time you feel a little more entangled in its web.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe gothic metal band Paradise Lost are considered to be the pioneers of the death-doom genre and a big influencer for the gothic metal. They have been active for over thirty years, in a stable line-up where only the drummers changed during the years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50402029109579,"sku":"1140572","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/86f32b34-0312-442e-8a52-3d3ae930fbc4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726529241"},{"product_id":"lost-paradise-2","title":"Lost Paradise","description":"\u003cp\u003eTimeless debut of brutal atmospheric death metal from the UK metal legends. Presented on 180gm heavyweight black vinyl.  Paradise Lost formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1988 and are known for being the founders of the Gothic Death\/Doom Metal genre; a style fully brought into existence with their genre-defining second album, the highly influential 'Gothic'.   Having released 2 albums, including 'Gothic', for the UK's Peaceville Records and later helping to establish Peaceville as home to the finest trio of UK doom bands (alongside My Dying Bride and Anathema), Paradise Lost then signed with fellow UK label, Music For Nations which eventually led to the band breaking through to mainstream rock and metal audiences as their style evolved, becoming one of the UK's most essential metal exports around the globe in the process.  'Lost Paradise' was the band's debut album, released in 1990 and one of the early highlights in the formative years of Peaceville. Featuring more death metal influences, Paradise Lost created a dark and atmospheric style of brutal death metal, as opposed to one based on speed. The album was recorded at Academy Studios (My Dying Bride, Anathema, Cradle of Filth) in Yorkshire, England.  This edition of Lost Paradise is presented on 180gm heavyweight black vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50426736836939,"sku":"2017841","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_d9821b7d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726816694"},{"product_id":"in-requiem-2","title":"In Requiem","description":"\u003cp\u003eGothic metal is a quite diverse sub-genre of metal - starting from pretty light and melodic, balancing on the border between \"rock\" and \"metal\", ending at heavy and very dark, even slightly doom-influenced\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost, basically the creators of gothic metal, clearly originate from the latter with roots deep in doom metal, and after a fairly long period of experimentation with lighter and more electronic styles,\u003ci\u003e In Requiem\u003c\/i\u003e was a kind of return to the roots - although it's definitely more than just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe album is a combination of dark, heavy and epic style with beautiful, melodic guitar solos and soft keyboards - this description shows the style of \u003ci\u003eIn Requiem\u003c\/i\u003e quite well, although each song is an entity of its own here and the album doesn't just blend together. It seems, however, that the album is divided into two halves - the first half, from \"Never from the Damned\" to \"Requiem\" clearly emphasises the heavier side of the band, with even some doom elements, while the second half - from \"Unreachable\" to \"Sedative God\" shows the \"rockier\" side of the band, with a slightly lighter style and more \"catchy\" songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe strongest point of the album are definitely the guitars, especially the lead guitar. The riffs themselves are mostly truly excellent - \"Never for the Damned\" particularly shines here - but the melodic lead guitar and solos are simply impressive, \"Requiem\" being definitely the best example here, with the best guitar work on the album and its beautiful solos. The drums and bass work very well as the rhythm section here providing a very good base for the music, and occasionally creating some remarkable moments (intro of \" Never for the Damned\"). The vocals are mostly truly emotional and powerful - even if at a few moments they seem slightly forced - with many great moments, like the chorus of \"The Enemy\", but the soft vocals in \"Your Own Reality\" are also flawless.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, \u003ci\u003eIn Requiem\u003c\/i\u003e is a great example of gothic metal done right - just like it can be expected from the genre, it's dark and heavy, monumental and epic, and also beautiful and melodic - there are many memorable parts here, and it's obvious that it's been created by a band with a lot of experience, but still plenty of ideas and creativity. It's not flawless, but certainly a very strong one and worth recommending.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Circle Music","offers":[{"title":"White LP.","offer_id":50445046513995,"sku":"2223641","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red LP.","offer_id":50445044515147,"sku":"2223640","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/In_Requiem_77064d0e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727032609"},{"product_id":"icon","title":"Icon","description":"\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost’s fourth studio album Icon marked a departure from the death-doom sound of their early work. This career-defining record combines all of their strengths, both in skill and ability to captivate. The production sounds fresh and very stable all over the album, with the instrumentation and vocals changing from track to track. Icon has been highly influential to numerous bands, Opeth and Katatonia to name a few. On this masterpiece they showed that they created Gothic metal in its most brilliant moment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gothic metal band Paradise Lost are considered to be the pioneers of the death-doom genre, and as a big influencer for the gothic metal. They’re active for over thirty years, in a stable line-up where only the drummers changed during the years. Available as a limited edition of 2500 individually numbered copies on yellow and black marbled vinyl. The package includes a 4-page booklet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"Yellow | LP | x2","offer_id":50448650502475,"sku":"1086179","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/8004ceb4-06ef-4d06-86fa-293f18a2cfee_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727094579"},{"product_id":"live-at-rockpalast-4","title":"Live At Rockpalast","description":"\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost live show recorded at the Bizarre Festival, Germany, 19.08.1995. Never released on vinyl before and now released for RSD 2020. 6mm sleeve with embossed Paradise Lost logo and includes insert. The gothic metal band Paradise Lost are considered to be the pioneers of the death-doom genre, and as a big influencer for the gothic metal. They’re active for over thirty years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"White | LP | x2","offer_id":50452460536139,"sku":"1088598","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/a0c16d27-1399-4d32-9653-9a926b079123_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727153025"},{"product_id":"drown-in-darkness-the-early-demos-reissue","title":"Drown in Darkness  The Early Demos - Reissue","description":"\u003cp\u003eRe-issue of \u003ci\u003eDrown in Darkness – The Early Demos\u003c\/i\u003e which features the music of British gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost from their demos made in 1988 and 1989. Featuring extensive liner notes by vocalist Nick Holmes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Napalm Records","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50454665822539,"sku":"1148903","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/46426b47-abfa-4478-bb81-ca195a3cdb10_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727185334"},{"product_id":"obsidian-2","title":"Obsidian","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe sixteenth Paradise Lost studio album, \u003ci\u003eObsidian\u003c\/i\u003e eschews its immediate predecessors’ gruesome, myopic approach in favour of a richer and more dynamic deluge of black shades. From the deceptive elegance and dual atmospheres of opener \u003ci\u003eDarker Thoughts\u003c\/i\u003e through to the crushing, baroque doom of war-torn closer \u003ci\u003eRavenghast, Obsidian \u003c\/i\u003ereveals a band in masterful control of a broad array of vital ideas. Most noticeably, the record boasts several songs that draw heavily from the much-loved, Kohl-encrusted days of ‘80s gothic rock: in particular, newly-minted Paradise Lost anthems \u003ci\u003eGhosts\u003c\/i\u003e is a guaranteed dancefloor-filler at any discerning goth nightclub.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nuclear Blast","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":50461227974987,"sku":"1091834","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Blue","offer_id":50461228466507,"sku":"1091836","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50461228990795,"sku":"1091833","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Gold","offer_id":55891281543499,"sku":"R7723-9950","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/9c362bf1-5091-497b-82dc-b344b52a71fe_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727245586"},{"product_id":"tragic-illusion","title":"Tragic Illusion","description":"\u003cp\u003eCentury Media Licence Re-Issue a special compilation album of B-sides, covers, bonus tracks and three exclusive songs including the original track ‘Loneliness Remains’ and two re-recordings of classic songs ‘Gothic’ and ‘Our Saviour’.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Napalm Records","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50476065030475,"sku":"1149637","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/e000181c-6428-480b-a1aa-d2ca670dc4a9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727453880"},{"product_id":"live-death","title":"Live Death","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreators, pioneers and purveyors of the whole Gothic Doom Metal scene which subsequently came to prominence in the early 90's, Britain's Paradise Lost rose from humble Northern roots to become one of the UK's leading artists in the metal genre throughout the decade and beyond, remaining as relevant and revered as ever to this day after a career spanning over three decades. The band's first two albums were released on Peaceville, in the shape of 1990's influential deathly debut 'Lost Paradise', followed up by the more atmosphere- focussed genre classic, 'Gothic' in 1991. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eLive Death\u003c\/i\u003e features a band still in their formative years, with an early showcase of their raw potential from Bradford Queens Hall, 1989, in their home county of West Yorkshire, England. From an era of what was still an evolving and blossoming extreme metal scene, Paradise Lost already displayed an advanced maturity to their compositions and a developing style of their own, as the quintet perform a set containing tracks featured on their debut album, the masterpiece of death metal that is 'Lost Paradise', with tracks such as 'Frozen Illusion' and 'Rotting Misery'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis edition of \u003ci\u003eLive Death\u003c\/i\u003e is presented on black vinyl, featuring the original cover art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50476649021771,"sku":"1163633","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50476649906507,"sku":"1163634","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/bca449fa-935a-4554-bc9f-9b8303f0eebf_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727461991"},{"product_id":"symphony-for-the-lost","title":"Symphony For The Lost","description":"\u003cp\u003eSymphony For The Lost is a live album by the doom death metal band Paradise Lost, recorded at Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdi, Bulgaria on the 20th of September 2014. The sound quality is perfect and they have done a great job capturing one of the most memorable shows of their career. Paradise Lost have used orchestration in the studio many times over the years, and when it came to choosing the setlist, they selected some of those along with tracks they thought would lend themselves well to classical arrangements. The result is a wide-ranging collection of songs. The package includes a wonderful mini replica of 16 page booklet with band pictures.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"Brown | LP | x2","offer_id":50483995246923,"sku":"1103333","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0582e390-6ccb-4a67-a1cf-fa63e2015e96_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727578306"},{"product_id":"gothic-2","title":"Gothic","description":"\u003cp\u003eLimited 180g Vinyl Edition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50489167151435,"sku":"2017631","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_4d5b86d2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727638374"},{"product_id":"draconian-times-25th-anniversary-edition","title":"Draconian Times - 25th Anniversary Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eHailed as ‘The European Metallica’, the 1995 masterpiece solidified the British band’s position at the top table of British metal. With some success already in the bag, the band’s rising status allowed them to deliver their most accomplished sound to date, and a collection of songs that are magnificently heavy, but with a cool, gothic sheen. It remains Paradise Lost’s most acclaimed and adored body of work, and era of the band.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe CD also sees the band open their vaults and provide a version that comes with an extra disc of bonus and rare, unreleased material from the Draconian Times era. The 25th Anniversary edition features the re-mastered mix of 2011’s Legacy CD. It also comes furnished with new liner notes from journalist and long standing fan Nick Ruskell, a never seen before deep dive into the record’s lyrics and themes from vocalist Nick Holmes, and memories from the band. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music for Nations","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50498843050315,"sku":"1103015","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50498843214155,"sku":"1103016","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/770ddb96-6fb1-4d4e-b70a-90a93d56f246_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727758990"},{"product_id":"at-the-mill","title":"At The Mill","description":"\u003cp\u003e33 years after their inception, Paradise Lost are not only one of the most influential metal bands in the world and founders of the gothic metal genre, but also among the most varied acts. From death and doom to catchy synth pop hymns, the quintet from Yorkshire never hesitated to cross boundaries and yet always stayed true to themselves. After a spectacular #2 spot in the German album charts with their latest chef-d'oeuvre \u003ci\u003eObsidian\u003c\/i\u003e, the band now unveils a live album consisting of 16 tracks that cover nearly every style and big hit from their 3-decade-long career. Captured at The Mill Nightclub near the band’s hometown in Yorkshire, England, the recording of the BluRay was directed by Ash Pears, who previously worked with the band on their music videos for ‘Medusa’ and ‘Obsidian’. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nuclear Blast","offers":[{"title":"Yellow | LP | x2","offer_id":50522465632587,"sku":"1122645","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0616d1cd-2400-46c5-b17f-013343f6215c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728007382"},{"product_id":"faith-divides-us-death-unites-us-2","title":"Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLooking back at the progression \u003cstrong\u003eParadise Lost\u003c\/strong\u003e has made over the years, \"\u003cstrong\u003eFaith Divides Us - Death Unites Us\u003c\/strong\u003e\" does seem to rely on two important ingredients that made this band worthy in the first place. Nick Holmes brings back the harsh vocal attack you could find on the band's '93-'95 material and while he doesn't sound as ''cool'' as he did earlier on. The heavier, yet elaborated approach sees Paradise Lost aiming for several contrasts; the vocals often alternate between wise angry bellows and baritone-esque cleans, yet both aspects are used often which you couldn't say so much about the band's earlier works.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cstrong\u003e'As Horizons End''\u003c\/strong\u003e opens up with its thundering guitar chords, followed by gruff verses and its rhymed cleaner chorus. It's an excellent opening track and should remind you the band has definitely left their goth rock phase behind for good. ''\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rise of Denial\u003c\/strong\u003e'' has the most guitar chugged verse since ''\u003cstrong\u003eColossal\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003erain\u003c\/strong\u003e'', but fortunately sees Greg and Aaron pull out a few more tricks in their advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe lead segment Greg appears on is nothing but nostalgic sorrow whereas the punchy riff follows right after offers an extra dose of good old heaviness before the vocal-oriented chorus makes it present clear again. Mood-wise, this new approach might take a little getting used to those yearning for a serious copy of the Paradise Lost of old, but most of the time the results are more than satisfying to me.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e ''\u003cstrong\u003eFirst\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e'' is an emotional roller-coaster and demonstrates Nick Holmes' new-found vocal abilities at their best, especially during that deceiving chorus and even the title track's balladic tale doesn't shy away from a rougher chorus emerging between the tranquil verses with great effects. Still, \"\u003cstrong\u003eFaith Divides Us - Death Unites Us\u003c\/strong\u003e\" is a fine album of a band rediscovering their heavier pasts. It remains one of the band's more unique album.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis album comes out in deluxe Triple Gatefold edition, in two colors (Gold \/ Red) 500 limited edition each.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Circle Music","offers":[{"title":"Black 12\"","offer_id":50531131326795,"sku":"2200332","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_8e266367_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728095866"},{"product_id":"ascension-2","title":"Ascension","description":"\u003cp\u003eFive years after the triumphant \u003cem\u003eObsidian\u003c\/em\u003e (#2 in Germany, #4 Switzerland, #5 Austria), British kings of doom'n'gloom are back! Blending Metallica-esque riffage, Type-O heaviness, and Nick Holmes' vocals between Gahan, Eldritch and death growl, Paradise Lost and their new album \u003cem\u003eAscension\u003c\/em\u003e are a shining example that some bands get better with age!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"More than three decades into their career, and with over two million albums sold, Paradise Lost remain the undisputed kings of metal’s dark side. Formed in Halifax in 1988, the band quickly became noted as the pioneers of gothic metal through their early groundbreaking albums like 1991’s aptly-titled Gothic, a mixture of heaviness intertwined with shadowy melody and atmosphere.  Never a group to remain creatively static, across their career they’ve explored a myriad of avenues of dark music, from sludgy doom-death roots, to conquering the metal mainstream with the enormous, lush sounds of 1995’s Draconian Times, to more experimental, electronic leanings, leaving an influence on a trail of artists as varied as Cradle Of Filth, HIM, Gatecreeper and Chelsea Wolfe.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, in 2025, the Yorkshire quintet return with their staggering 17th album, \u003cem\u003eAscension\u003c\/em\u003e, a record that sees their crown continue to gleam as it underlines just how they attained their position. Produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh at Black Planet studios in East Yorkshire, with drums and vocals captured at NBS and Wasteland studios in Sweden, its 10 tracks traverse the multitude of sounds in the band’s arsenal, from full-bore heavy metal to sky-high melody, all the while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“People should expect us to get more miserable,” jokes frontman Nick Holmes when asked what fans might anticipate from Paradise Lost in 2025. Explaining the album’s title and the lyrics, however, it’s clear that they remain masters of their art when it comes to delivering on such things.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The album title is taken from the belief in rising to the better place, in fiction from Earth to heaven, and all the requirements that go with that,” he elaborates. “In real life, people are often striving to get to a better place from birth, trying to be a better person, regardless of the fact that the only reward is death. “The lyrics deal with everything that life throws at us,” he continues. “It's never predictable, and within that it can also be terrifying. How people deal with death, the crutches they turn to, and how the mental state is affected by life changing situations is always intriguing.” As is the music itself. Album opener Serpent on The Cross begins with a gloriously doomy riff, before halfway through shifting gears into thundering classic metal, powered by double bass drumming and an almost Metallica-ish riff. On Silence Like The Grave, Nick sings “about the pointlessness of war, point scoring for the sake of humankind” over a perfect flourish of gothic metal.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTyrant’s Serenade, meanwhile, shows the band’s engrained expertise with making simplicity sound enormous, topped by Gregor’s signature haunting guitar leads, while Lay A Wreath Upon The World starts as a quiet elegy before building to a mournful climax, and closer The Precipice leads with piano lines before drawing things to a stately conclusion.  It all masterfully shows the breadth of what Paradise Lost have done and can do, in a manner that still no other band can make work quite the same. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“After 35 years, everything is conscious,” says Nick. “Its difficult not to be 100% sure of where everything is coming from having such a vast varied back catalogue, but ultimately it simply comes down to if we like the music we are creating or not. If we do, it stays! That hasn't changed since we were teenagers.” Ascension stands proud in Paradise Lost’s canon. The misery never stops but, says Nick, that’s how they like it. “Ironically,” he laughs, “miserable music is always the most enjoyable to listen to, and write I guess.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nuclear Blast","offers":[{"title":"2LP - Gold","offer_id":52027214922059,"sku":"R3136-4856","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":52027214954827,"sku":"R3136-3562","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Boxset","offer_id":52027214987595,"sku":"R3136-2665","price":67.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD - Jewel Case","offer_id":52027215020363,"sku":"R3136-6333","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD - Digipack","offer_id":52027215053131,"sku":"R3136-1989","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD + Blu-Ray","offer_id":57514717348171,"sku":"R3136-3496","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_e608a761-a0b3-48ea-9ca8-7b8c8846b852.jpg?v=1749462379"},{"product_id":"lost-paradise-35th-anniversary-gf","title":"Lost Paradise (35th Anniversary)","description":"\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1988 and are known for being the founders of the Gothic Death\/Doom Metal genre; a style fully brought into existence with their genre-defining second album, the highly influential \u003cem\u003eGothic\u003c\/em\u003e. Having released 2 albums, including Gothic, for the UK's Peaceville Records and later helping to establish Peaceville as home to the finest trio of UK doom bands (alongside My Dying Bride and Anathema), Paradise Lost then signed with fellow UK label, Music For Nations which eventually led to the band breaking through to mainstream rock and metal audiences as their style evolved, becoming one of the UK's most essential metal exports around the globe in the process.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"LP - Clear","offer_id":57110908174667,"sku":"R9009-9484","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":52535703830859,"sku":"R9009-1490","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Marble","offer_id":52535703863627,"sku":"R9009-2590","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57502648238411,"sku":"R9009-5770","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0801056723338.jpg?v=1750951725"},{"product_id":"one-second","title":"One Second","description":"\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost’s sixth studio album (1997), which charted well across Europe, marked something of a change of direction for the West Yorkshire group: a transition from gothic metal to a more electronic approach, epitomised by the lead single ‘Say Just Words’, which remains a fan favourite and one of their biggest streaming tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis re-tooled aesthetic proved slightly controversial at the time but by the time of its acclaimed 20th anniversary reissue (mirrored here), for which it was remastered by Jaime Gomez Arellano, the general consensus was that the riffs, lyrics, and compositions on One Second are all vintage Paradise Lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sony Music","offers":[{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":53003273797963,"sku":"R8525-8067","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_9ae6afe7-ee9d-4fa2-a0ff-6b4e9d62cb92.jpg?v=1753370077"},{"product_id":"medusa-3","title":"Medusa","description":"\u003cp\u003eMost people will know Medusa as the Gorgon from Greek mythology; she is the infamous beast with venomous snakes for hair who will turn anyone that dares to look into her eyes to stone. It is this hideous creature who Paradise Lost have chosen to be the figurehead for their 15th studio album, as, from a philosophical perspective, she is more than simply a monster. Singer Nick Holmes started his research, intrigued to find greater meaning behind the symbol of \u003cem\u003eMedusa\u003c\/em\u003e and became particularly fascinated by the Gorgon’s nihilistic connotations. “Attempts to avoid looking into her eyes represent avoiding the ostensibly depressing reality that the universe is meaningless”, is an idea that was adopted by American novelist Jack London, and a thought that could have easily emerged from Paradise Lost's lyrics over the past 3 decades. So abandon hope, all ye who listen here, and celebrate the beauty of ephemerality and nihilism – as long as you still wander on earthly soil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nuclear Blast","offers":[{"title":"LP - Transparent Violet","offer_id":55891276136779,"sku":"R8839-5884","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_6cffc04f-3ff0-4fa3-8b5e-67f2f1800663.jpg?v=1762941194"},{"product_id":"gothic-35th-anniversary","title":"Gothic (35th Anniversary)","description":"\u003cp\u003eParadise Lost formed in 1988 in West Yorkshire, UK, when vocalist Nick Holmes and guitarist Gregor Mackintosh came together with the idea of taking metal beyond the conventional styles of the time. They were influenced by acts such as Candlemass, Celtic Frost and Morbid Angel, and concocted a unique atmosphere of their own as a result. This was already apparent when their debut album \u003cem\u003eLost Paradise\u003c\/em\u003e appeared on Peaceville Records in 1990, and blended death metal with doom and some melodic elements, but it wasn't until their follow-up album, \u003cem\u003eGothic\u003c\/em\u003e, that the band truly made its mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded in late 1990\/ early 1991 at the renowned Academy Studios in Yorkshire (responsible for classic albums from bands such as My Dying Bride, Anathema, Cradle of Filth, among many others), 'Gothic' was the album responsible for a whole sub-genre: Gothic Doom Metal, upon its release in 1991. Creating a more sombre and atmospheric form of dark extremity, with the introduction of Gregor Mackintosh's highly distinctive \u0026amp; unmistakable lead guitar melodies, Paradise Lost established themselves as among the pioneering UK bands of the early nineties, becoming highly influential to a generation of subsequent greats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new edition of \u003cem\u003eGothic\u003c\/em\u003e, marking the album's 35th anniversary, is presented on double CD, with remastered audio courtesy of Jaime Gomez Arellano at Orgone Studios. The bonus disc features the band 'Live in Ludwigsburg', 1991, performing tracks from 'Gothic' and their debut album. The release also includes a four page booklet containing recollections from the band on the period and the shaping of the album, as originally featured in 2021's 'The Lost and The Painless'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peaceville","offers":[{"title":"LP - Corona","offer_id":56791432986955,"sku":"R1339-3254","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2CD","offer_id":56791433019723,"sku":"R1339-6872","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Clear","offer_id":57110894149963,"sku":"R1339-6978","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0801056732859.jpg?v=1773422082"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/paradise-lost.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}