PARADISE LOST has returned with a new full-length album, and “Icon 30” is here among us to ensure that 2023 is nicely wrapped. The album serves as a second look at “Icon,” originally released in 1993 and now celebrating its 30th anniversary — an impressive milestone for the band.
“Icon” was likely the initial exposure for many listeners, myself included, making it intriguing to witness the band’s decision to re-record it. It makes one ponder whether, as we all grow wiser with each passing year, there’s a persistent willingness to change the past, akin to a constant cloud of “what-ifs.” Perhaps “Icon 30” is the album they had always intended to release back then? The band, known for pioneering doom and Gothic styles, has maintained a unique presence in their lyrics. Notably, the production seems to have taken a step toward a cleaner, more youthful sound.
The album cover features a brand new design; the ’93 version depicts a woman adoring a possibly Roman figure, with a face duplicated like pieces of a broken mirror, suggesting something could be amiss for her. In contrast, “Icon 30” provides a close-up of Jesus’ face, crowned with thorns and looking upward—a significant change in symbols that appears intentional rather than coincidental.
“Embers Fire” has retained its aura, and Nick Holmes‘ voice remains unchanged. This is the most impressive aspect when comparing both versions. The guitars exhibit a slightly different reverberation, and the track seems to have a higher sound surface, enhancing the overall listening experience.
“Remembrance” is one of the songs intensified the most; from the initial riff to the solo, the acoustic and the downbeat are renewed. Old-school fans may have diverging opinions about it. The update to the third track, “Forging Sympathy,” feels organic and makes perfect sense; however, it now sounds more ethereal. Perhaps a new clue related to the cover is found in the lyrics, “My halo’s fading with all the sin I deal.”
“Joys of the Emptiness” and “Dying Freedom” remain untarnished, with the only new addition being an “explicit” label for the fifth track, according to Spotify. Track number 6, “Widow,” surprisingly has a harsher tone compared to its antecedent version. In contrast, “Colossal Rains” feels like a completely new song, with the absence of the same distortion being the key difference. It’s not really a matter of which one is better; both are good. Choosing between them might depend on the mood of the day.
“Weeping Words” is another example of how each track is presented in a new fashion, obtaining a new feel. The arrangements are slightly clearer, echoing a tad more. The atmosphere created by this end result remains unmodified. A similar effect is also noticed in “Poison.” The combination of notes is preserved; the voice still has the same strong presence, and the lyrics, like Pantone colors, are preserved; the ride is still worth it.
The original takes for both “True Belief” and “Shallow Seasons” made me feel as if the purpose was to disrupt the listener, with the dilemma from the lyrics intentionally added to the dimness aura beautifully represented with a melancholic melody. On the other hand, the new versions of these two songs feel more straightforward and intense. “Christendom” remains faithful to the original, and once more, it’s astonishing how vocals are almost identical. For the final track, the difference between versions of “Deus Misereatur” is clearly represented. Both versions are now to be chosen, present or past.
Reaching the 30-year mark is never an easy feat, and it always comes with its hardships, and most importantly, overcoming them while still delivering the best we have. This applies to both bands, albums, and, of course, people. “Icon 30” is the new take on a classic album—a restoration of a piece of art that may have been nostalgic for the band to revisit their own history. I now see it as a fan service ready to be uncovered. “Icon” was released in September 1993, and the new release in December is also meaningful—a time to reflect on the past year’s joys and sorrows and carefully select what should be kept as the new year approaches. “Icon 30” should be a keeper.
Written by Denise Di Lallo Ragazzo
Tracklist
- Embers Fire
- Remembrance
- Forging Sympathy
- Joys of the Emptiness
- Dying Freedom
- Widow
- Colossal Rains
- Weeping Words
- Poison
- True Belief
- Shallow Seasons
- Christendom
- Deus Misereatur
Lineup
Steve Edmondson – bass
Greg Mackintosh – keyboards
Aaron Aedy – guitar
Nick Holmes – vocals
Guido Zima Montanarini – drums
Label
Independent
Links
Official Website: https://www.paradiselost.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialparadiselost/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradiselostofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialPL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv2XsuBQWgkiW3CQxPCb_zA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv2XsuBQWgkiW3CQxPCb_zA
