Across their longstanding career and prolific discography Paradise Lost have mastered the arts of darkness creating a perfect mixture of heaviness and shadowy melodies that continues to spellbind you on the new grand opus “Ascension”.
“Serpent On The Cross” represents doom metal at its finest with a high dosage of monolithic riffs adorned by the minor key fascination for grim melodies and wicked solos while Nick bravely channels a malignant alter ego with majestic growls.
Guitars choose an extremely sorrowful melodic pathway as softer dramatic tones always linger through the steady doomed rhythmic core of “Tyrants Serenade” and once again Nick naturally shifts from moody harmonies to perilous growls.
Feel the miserable weight of classic doom though the colossal guitar riffs and the crestfallen tonalities of the visionary track “Salvation” that certainly grabs your attention also for the elaborate lead guitar work.
“Lay A Wreath Upon The World” begins as an elegant acoustic elegy expressing a peaceful emotive approach yet everything leads to a consistent rhythmic evolution guided by Gregor’s skillful guitar leads.
“Savage Days” holds a warm soul as each guitar progression evokes pure melancholia rightfully reaching a grave melodic depth further enhanced by the tormented clean vocal performance.
Surrounded by an atmospheric fog “The Precipice” closes the album with tragic melodic splendor as the convoluted guitar melodies invoke darkness and despair impeccably accompanied by contrasting theatrical cleans and solemn growls.
Time passes by inevitably and the misery never stops but Paradise Lost stand their ground all the way through “Ascension” with impeccable musicianship and authentic creativity demonstrating that the everlasting strength of gothic/doom metal defies any possible trendy style.