Paradise Lost
Ascension
Nuclear Blast
There seems to be a (probably unintentional) trend with bands celebrating around thirty years in the metal game, that they release albums that encompass everything that tells you all you need to know about the band, their sound and their history. Cradle Of Filth’s last album did exactly this to our ears and now on Ascension, Paradise Lost have also put in an essential guide to their sound and all its variants (minus the more electronic era) over the years. Ascension opens with the full on death doom blast of Serpent On The Cross evoking memories of their Shades Of God sound but brought bang up to date with Gregor Mackintosh’s stately guitar work and equally classy production. For an album that deals with nihilistic thoughts on mortality it’s pulsing with energy and vigour. Salvation sounds like the Gothic and Draconian Times eras clashing on steroids and Silence Like The Grave even echoes the brass synths from the Icon era into a similarly iconic headbanger. Mid album respite comes in the form of Lay A Wreath Upon The World and the realisation that Nick Holmes is putting in a career best vocal performance on this album, his many styles all honed to perfection and showcased brilliantly. In fact this is the sound of a band in brilliant form in general but Nick really needs his flowers for his impassioned delivery throughout this record. Other highlights include the full chugging glory of Sirens and Deceivers’ goth metal abandon. Paradise Lost leave no note wasted on this collection and after over thirty years in the game have put in one of their finest hours. As the anthemic A Life Unknown ushers us away blinking into an uncertain future for mankind we are left with satisfaction that we just witnessed the full Paradise Lost experience at its best.
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Review by George Miller