In Requiem
I can truly say that I have been following this band since the first record Lost Paradise that was a doomicus deathly journey. Over the years the bands sound really evolved and changed. Most evident was when on One Second, it hit and they were more goth rock and less of the heavier in ways. I still loved the jumps they made over the years. Even though many thought Host was a weaker record it still had some greatly written songs the album after that they became more heavy then last years records like Believe In Nothing, Symbol Of Life and Paradise Lost (I was one fan still buying their imports, last year had to reach out to Germany). In the years it was a bit harder to find the bands records. Now with this new record a deal I thought should have been right after the Metalblade days is now here with Century Media.
I first saw these songs get posted to their my space site, and I was like I want to hear this on a real stereo. Days later those prayers were answered, a nice advance package came weeks before release. Now after repeated listens at very loud volumes and release eve upon us. Getting to it I am extremely happy to report that this is THE record for this UK band! Nick Holmes has now taken his vocals back a bit to a more gruff style. Still he can open those melodic pipes. And I must say the band has taken on an older style of play.
“Never For The Damed” opens the record with a bang, opening like Symbol Of Life but a big turn is hit. Then they go even more downed tuned and pronounced on “Ash & Debris”. This is where the ICON thoughts start popping more as with Draconian Times. Mix that with the great writing like Host and the newer stuff. Great melodics are also slobbering out of this.
Then take it to the next track “The Enemy” a song radio should exploit the hell out of it. This is a track that will make Metallica and Sabbath fans simply perish. FUCKING awesomely written track, female opera like backrounds are super chilling. Also another note is that Rhys Fulber is on board producing. That takes all sounds to a new level, he really brought it all out of this band. Take a guy that has done more in a techno realm and mix him with a doom gothic metal band and what do you get? HEAVY! And innovating sounds. That’s just three tracks.
“Praise Lamented Shades” takes it definitely in a more goth ride but loud. Even when it mellows a bit it becomes even heavier. More great vocals are also hidden in there. “Requiem” opens up with the errie keys and angels and then Mercyful Fate like riffs bleed into PL’s signature side and the speed picks up nice and the heavy as fuck riffing hits again. Oh how sweet! “Untouchable” brings it back to a more solemn sound that is just so PL. More Godzilla monster riffs come out of this one people. “Prelude To Descent” is a track that builds up the riffs and opens up into the pre chorus, It’s over. “Fallen Children” has a sweet doom opening and then grows into a classic metal riffer. The drumming, the keys the backbone are all in the right places. “Beneath Black Skies” again opens up with big build and then goes super Goth sounding. Another showing of Nick Holmes vocals just ruling.
“Sedative God” made my head turn the last two weeks thinking of early PL with the opening and another that supplies overly heavy riffs. “Your Own Reality” takes it even more symphonic and really they went beyond the Beatles and ever Morrissey on this bad boy. Again I must say that this is the UK bands best record to date. I still have to confess that this band has served quality every release and this is the one to really break it open. This band deserves to be HUGE after a great outing like this.
