ALBUM REVIEW: Ascension – Paradise Lost

For more than three decades UK gothic-doom metal purveyors PARADISE LOST have been at the forefront of the dark and melancholic underside of heavy metal. Their morose melodies have captivated audience for over thirty years and has seen them release some genre defining records in that time. 1991’s Gothic was a fierce introduction to what the band could produce. Whereas 1995’s Draconian Times has since become a focal point for those who feel an irrepressible pull to downhearted, dejected doom.

PARADISE LOST are also a band who don’t like to play it safe. They’re capable of pinwheeling on their chosen genre and throw in additional elements as the mood strikes. Once again creating fine pieces of work that form a backbone of an impressive catalogue, however at times, alienate some fans that want more of the sound that they initially introduced. Now, on the cusp of releasing album number 17, the quintet has once again harnessed the power of misery and stride forth with enthralling shadowy heaviness.

Wasting no time in establishing a swirling portent of anguish. Serpent On The Cross is a richly layered, crashing introduction. Once the mood is set, it opens out into a full tilt metal attack. Chugging riffs, powerful drums and a band united in delivery. The tone is very much set from here for the rest of the album. A rallying call for desperation and despair. Yet a burning message of hope and a faith in the concept of ascending above the bad. This rise is seen through the blistering melodies of which PARADISE LOST remain masters of their craft. Guitars sear through the mix joining the vocals in swelling the texture and pushing the music to a higher plane. Salvation exemplifies this, pushing more of the guitars and the vocals spit with a venom and the urgency overtakes the despondency. The enrapturing nature of the song writing and music ship is the charm that shines brightest throughout out the record.

It dares the listener to not lose themselves in the likes of Diluvium and This Stark Town, offering moments of unbridled heavy enjoyment with the riffs and rhythms on offer. While still being able to ensnare the emotions once again with the likes of Savage Days. A powerful piece of introspective resonance that once again encapsulates the reason why PARADISE LOST have held their crown for so long in the gothic-doom sub genres.

With a lush production giving weight and power to the compositions. Ascension is utterly captivating from start to finish. The identity of band bleeds through at every moment and the authenticity of what they create is at the fore. It drives a passion that demands rapt attention. From the slow building Lay A Wreath Upon the World with its unassuming acoustic beginning that grows into an anthemic call. Through to the pacey, swaggering of Deceivers, this is an album that delivers more and more with each listen.

Given the time that has passed and the archive of material that PARADISE LOST have amassed, they are still adept at tapping into the bleak well that resides within heavy metal. While they are able to stay true to their roots and create music that harnesses misery, they do so without recycling ideas or phoning in compositions. Ascension proves that they deserve a revered place in not only specific subgenres but in the wider scope of heavy metal as well. While some may see the emotional backdrop of melancholia and gloom as easily sourced inspiration, it takes a high calibre of creativity to make the listener feel those emotions and furthermore up lift with a catchy riff and delicate melody. To that end, PARADISE LOST absolutely knock it out the park with Ascension.

Rating: 8/10

Ascension is set for release on September 19th via Nuclear Blast Records.

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