It’s been thirty years since I was first introduced to PARADISE LOST. I was just getting into metal back then, and “Draconian Times” was one of the first albums that I bought. Before that, the British pioneers of doom/death and Gothic metal had already released four other albums, with the band’s history going all the way back to 1988. Now it’s 2025, and PARADISE LOST are still going strong! With four out of five original members still in the band, they are releasing their 17th full-length studio album, called “Ascension,” on September 19th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. Do they still have what it takes in an ever-changing musical landscape?
To answer that question, let’s first dive into the history of the band. Having started their career as pioneers of doom/death metal, they gradually evolved into early adopters of gothic metal, becoming very successful with albums like “Icon” and “Draconian Times.” Unwilling to stagnate, PARADISE LOST gradually moved into the direction of synth pop, with “Host” probably being their most controversial album, at least among metalheads. From there, the band took yet another unexpected turn, gradually moving back to a style that contains elements of both doom/death and Gothic metal. Ever since, that style has been consolidated, with 2015’s “The Plague Within” as the most prominent highlight.
If you have enjoyed recent PARADISE LOST albums, it will be very easy to get into “Ascension.” Opening track “Serpent on the Cross” is a brilliant song leaning into the band’s doom/death side, while “Tyrants Serenade” brings the familiar clean vocals and more of a gothic metal vibe. Both songs are incredible showcases of a band at the top of their game, still full of inspiration after so many years. Expect crushing riffs, howling leads, and a great vocal delivery by Nick Holmes, who switches effortlessly between growled, fried, and clean vocals. The man is aging like a fine wine, improving himself with every album.
The first five songs on the album are all excellent, before “Diluvium” puts a small dent into the experience. However, “Ascension” picks up brilliantly from there with “Savage Days” bringing back memories of 1997’s “One Second” album, and “Sirens” being another highlight. Two less impressive songs follow, before the album closes in great style with the heavyweight “This Stark Town” and the more Gothic-oriented “A Life Unknown.” While the various styles on the album might seem at odds with each other, they are bound by a great sense of melancholy, forming a surprisingly consistent collection of songs. In a way, “Ascension” feels like a tribute to previous PARADISE LOST albums, without nostalgia getting in the way of excellent songwriting, musicianship and vocals. The production by guitarist Greg Mackintosh is solid too, finding a perfect balance between crushing heaviness and the detail required to embrace the melodic aspects of the music.
All things considered, PARADISE LOST have done a marvelous job on their 17th album. While the album has a few weaker songs, it has many more highlights standing out as proof of the band’s excellent songwriting capabilities. If you’re already familiar with the band, you know what you can expect; if you’re not, “Ascension” could be a perfect introduction. Either way, I consider it one of the strongest releases in an already impressive catalogue of a magnificent band. Also, I challenge you to get the guitar leads out of your head after listening to the album!
Written by Lykle Thijssen
Tracklist
- Serpent on the Cross
- Tyrants Serenade
- Salvation
- Silence like the Grave
- Lay a Wreath upon the World
- Diluvium
- Savage Days
- Sirens
- Deceivers
- The Precipice
- This Stark Town
- A Life Unknown
Lineup
Nick Holmes – Vocals
Greg Mackintosh – Guitars, Keyboards
Aaron Aedy – Guitars
Steve Edmondson – Bass
Guido Zima – Drums
Label
Nuclear Blast
Links
https://paradiselost.co.uk
https://paradiselostofficial.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/paradiselostofficial
https://www.instagram.com/officialparadiselost
