When I approach a review for a legendary band like Paradise Lost, I feel like I need to provide context for their fans. I like Paradise Lost, especially the usual suspect albums like Draconian Times, Icon, Host, and more. My absolute favorite is 2002’s Symbol of Life by a pretty wide margin. So, when I say I like the new album Ascension, please understand my perspective. The album releases through Nuclear Blast on September 19^th.

Paradise Lost has been at it since 1988 and is part of the holy Trinity of British doom metal, the others being early Anathema and My Dying Bride. The current lineup includes Steve Edmondson on bass, Greg Mackintosh on guitars and keys, Aaron Aedy on guitars, Nick Holmes on vocals, and Guido Zima on drums.

The band has experimented through the years, from the heavier death doom of their early days to the pop sensibilities of 1999’s Host to the more balanced approach they use now. Their sound is gothic and doomy with a side of progressive metal at times. They utilize both harsh and clean vox, and I think this album has a great balance between the two.

What do I like about this album? The band has created a record that is dark and a little sacrilegious, but one that is also surprisingly catchy, energetic, and grows with each listen. Some of the songs feel more like Symbol of Life, which is obviously why I like them, but others are satisfyingly sinister and shadowy. I also feel like the album is consistent, evenly keeled from beginning to end.

In the first half, the band hits the ground running with “Serpent on the Cross”, a song that has really grown on me with its expressive guitars and flourishing sound. “Tyrants Serenade” is incredibly catchy, and I honestly can’t stop singing it. Yet, “Salvation” is the song with the subtle, yet powerful hook that has drilled itself deeply into my skull. My favorite song in the first half is “Lay A Wreath Upon the World”, a flowing river with female vocal harmonies and great ambience. It’s like a complete change-up right in the middle of the record.

The second half doesn’t let up. My favorites here are “Savage Days” with its effervescent atmosphere and reserved tone, “Sirens” with its winding and brash emotions, and the closer “The Precipice” with its beautiful piano and classic death doom. The album doesn’t have a weak song, though, with plenty of variety and elongated note goodness.

Paradise Lost haven’t made a bad album, though I prefer some over others. This might be my favorite in the last decade, though, and it just keeps growing on me. I really like the more melodic moments on the album, but can also appreciate the chugging, lumbering aspects, too. I think the band has created an album that will appeal to their fans of all kinds.

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