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PARADISE LOST ‘Gothic ’ (Peaceville Records 1991/reissue 2003)
I was sixteen years old when Paradise Lost released their debut
album "Lost Paradise" through Peaceville Records. The British
noisemakers made quite an impression on the underground metal scene
and the music press, both of which started talking of a band destined
to create something spectacular. It only took a year for Nick Holmes
and Co to prove them right. In 1991 "Gothic" was born and Death Metal
was never the same again!
The biggest success of this album is the fact that even though it's
been around for the last twelve years, it still sounds fresh and up
to date. "Gothic" should not be judged as just another Metal album.
This release is responsible for the renewal of the whole British
scene at times when Grunge and all the rest of the garbage of the
music industry were undermining the future of our beloved music.
Paradise lost released an album which built the foundations of the
90's Metal scene, and who's innovative sound lead to the birth of
bands that enjoy fame and appreciation in toady's Metal scene such as
The Gathering and Nightwish.
The first notes of the opening track "Gothic" and the angelic voice
of Sarah Marrion are enough to bring Goosebumps to my skin. Explicit
keyboard melodies, great guitar work from Gregor Mackintosh and Aaron
Adey, a rhythm section on the verge of releasing it's skull-crushing
attack and a Nick Holmes that sounds harder than before and ever
again. "Dead Emotion" is quite an experimental song full of dark
melodies who's sound betrays the band's admiration for Celtic Frost.
If there is one song who's style and sound comes closer to how
Paradise Lost sounded in their following three releases, that's
definitely "Shattered". Great song in which Mackintosh's guitar plays
the lead role and Holmes' vocals add quite a depressive note.
"Rapture" is a mid tempo killer track with catchy riffs and a general doom/heavy attitude. The
classic hit song of the album is "Eternal", one of the best songs
Paradise Lost ever composed and a big hit amongst the band's loyal
fanbase. The "weirdo" of the album is "Falling Forever" a perfect
example of what was later called "progressive Death Metal". I
remember that it took me a while as a youngster to get used to the
song's multiple rhythm changes, but once I did manage, I could hardly
listen to anything else.
The first instrumental song of the album "Angel Tears" will let you know exactly how skilled the members
of the band are, especially the fine display of guitar playing by
both Gregor and Aaron. You cannot talk about classic Paradise Lost
compositions without referring to "Silent". Once more Mackintosh's
guitar is performing miracles and so does the rest of the band. Even
though "Gothic" was the band's second release you can detect a
maturity in their compositions and a sound that is a product of a
very close group of musicians. Paradise Lost pays another tribute to
Celtic Frost with "The Painless" before the trumpet sounds
of "Desolate", the second instrumental song of the album, announces
the end of a masterpiece.
The 2003 re-issue contains two extra tracks, the doom dub version
of "Rotting Misery" and the demolition dub version of "Breeding
Fear". Both the originals were first released on the band's debut
album "Lost Paradise".
I felt magic when I first listened to this album, and today that I
listened to it again (thirteen years later), the magic is still here.
I am pretty sure that in the years to come "Gothic"will continue
inspiring people and proving that there are a few albums out there
which are natural born leaders.
There is a limit as to how many stars I can put in my reviews, so
unfortunately I am forced to put only five - if it was up to me
though I would give this album all the stars in the sky!
Related>>
Gig Review
*****
Review by John Stefanis
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