There are just a few bands that can say they personally changed the metal scene, but Paradise Lost is one of them. Together with Anathema and My Dying Bride they are credited for creating the Death/Doom genre in the mid 90s. With the release of albums such as Icon and Draconian Times they also became pioneers in the Gothic metal scene. Last year they celebrated their 20^th anniversary with the release of the outstanding double-DVD The Anatomy Of Melancholy and this year they’re back with the follow up album of the in 2007 released In Requiem, Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us.

 

It’s hard to compare Paradise Lost’s current music with their first couple of records, because the whole style has transformed. You can say that they’ve created a modern interpretation of their late 90s work though. Furthermore they just continued where they left with In Requiem, but by walking an even darker path. Right from the start with the mid-tempo song ‘As Horizons Ends’ the listener is pulled into a dark world. This world contains emotional melodies, created by lead guitarist Mackintosh, the deep and characteristic voice of Holms, more metal and less poppy orientated arrangements and the outstanding drumming of session drummer Damin.

 

With an excellent production by Jens Bogren (Katatonia, Opeth) the music bursts out of your speakers, while the subtle details aren’t lost in the whole. I could slap myself in the face for missing out their last European tour in October, ‘cause this record is epic!