Genre: Gothic Metal
Country: UK
Band Website: www.paradiselost.co.uk
Duration: 45:58
Killer Songs: As Horizons End,” “I Remain,” “Living With Scars”
Having churned out a storied discography that has seen its fair share of ill received albums, Paradise Lost are in fine form with this year's embittered Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us. The title a not-so-subtle swipe at organized religions divisive effect on humanity, the lyrical fare on this twelfth album does spread itself across a broader messageor should it be messages? For the heartbreaking opener As Horizons End, Nick Holmes deep vocals sweeps the listener away with its earnest emotion while the lyrics moan about personal shortcomings. When its done, the band go a shade darker for its follow up I Remain then let loose the melodic fireworks on the soaring First Light. The somber ride continues on Frailty that arrives before a passable title track churns for a few good minutes.
To Paradise Losts credit, this is a rock solid release thats blessed by an excellent cover depicting the grim reaper dragging a corpulent clergyman to the abyss. To our delight, the same macabre grimness permeates the slew of tracks on the albums latter half, notably Living With Scars and Last Regret. The rest, while not letting the albums momentum down, unfortunately smack of forgettable-ness. Even then, there are few blemishes found on Paradise Losts newest. Its a masterful release by any criteria. Sweet relief too for todays metalheads, because finally, an eerie melodic album with clean vocals has hit the market. Its a welcome alternative to the dearth of extreme metal that has been residing in our CD players for the last several months.
However, do expect the songs here to remain on the gloomier side of glum, because this isnt a euphoric release. Its an epic brooding soundtrack to our less than heroic moments, those vulnerable occasions when were in need of soul soothing inspiration. As already mentioned, for a band their age (who reaches twelve albums these days?) Paradise Lost havent lost an ounce of sparkle and creativity. Their collective mojos just come together here and the human race is grateful for it. Wunnerful.
note: 8/10
Tracklist
1.As Horizons End
2.I Remain
3.First Light
4.Frailty
5.Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us
6.The Rise of Denial
7.Living With Scars
8.Last Regret
9.Universal Dream
10.In Truth
Line-up
Nick Holmes-Vocals
Greg Mackintosh-Guitar
Aaron Aedy-Guitar
Steve Edmondson-Bass
Adrian Erlandsson-Drums
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