I love a good side project, and sometimes I even like them better than the mainline act. Host is the side project of two veteran musicians, and I’m loving it thoroughly. The debut album is called IX and it released on February 24th.
Host is the work of Nick Holmes and Greg Mackintosh of Paradise Lost, coming to us from the UK. They took the name from their unconventional Paradise Lost album Host, released in 1999, but their desire to create music of a different genre goes way back to the 80s, as well. So, the sound here isn’t based after the Host album, but the project took the album’s name because it represented a period of experimentation for them.
The music here is certainly different than that of the Gothic doom of Paradise Lost, but I would suggest that it isn’t that far removed. This music is basically Gothic New Wave, complete with big hooks, excellent usage of orchestrations, searing synth melodies, and tireless electronic flow. The darkness is still there, maybe not through the celebration of tragedy or melancholy found in doom metal, but in grey shadows, dark lyrics, and weighty atmosphere.
One thing that really stands out for me is Nick’s vocal performance. Typically, he is known for his gritty clean vocals alongside harsh vox, but this album sees him wash away the grit and replace it with gravy. His voice is smooth as butter here and makes for a fantastic listening experience.
IX is not a long record, at only 38 minutes long with 9 tracks. This is truly something different for the band in that way. The songs flow by with utter melody and spinetingling effects, such as synth or percussion, and it is immediately accessible. You don’t have to be a fan of Paradise Lost to like this, but I think even their fans will love this, despite the lack of metal.
I love all nine tracks, and I find the album to be consistent throughout, so there isn’t one half that is stronger than the other. The opener “Wretched Soul” paves the way with dark textures mixed with reserved orchestrations, and Greg lays down an excellent guitar solo, which he does multiple times on this album. “Tomorrow’s Sky” comes next, but it far more electronic and synth-laden, and I love how catchy and ethereal it is. Those are two of my favorites on the album.
Let me highlight a few more favorites. “Divine Emotion” was the first song that really grabbed me, mainly because of its serious tone, dark marching gait, and terrific orchestrations and climax. I love that song. Another favorite is “My Only Escape”, which leans into the electronica a bit, and just feels sort of epic and soaring; the keys are particularly good. The closer “Instinct” is close to being my favorite overall with its Gothic choral vocals, haunting vibes, and sparing but heavy riffs; it is catchy and dark and mysterious and primal all at the same time.
Host is a successful side project, and it makes me want to go back and listen to Paradise Lost more often. This album certainly has character and melody at its core, but will appeal to just about everyone, I think. From metal to pop, rock to electronic, this album has a bit of everything.
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Find Host online:
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The PROG Mind 