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Paradise Lost: Medusa

   PARADISE LOST: MEDUSA

   As the seasons start to change and the warm light of Summer begins to fade, as the natural world around us begins to slowly die and decay, northern masters of misery, Paradise Lost, unleash their 15th studio album, to provide the perfect soundtrack to these ever darkening days. Make no mistake, Medusa, although far less obviously emotive than predecessor, The Plague Within, is an 8 track ceremony of deep, dark, doom, done right.
   Paradise Lost are one of the most highly regarded bands of their ilk, and Medusa perfectly demonstrates why. Beginning proceedings is the 8 minute medley, "Fearless Sky", a track that subjects listeners to some of the sludgiest, but also the grooviest notes of the entire album. Opening with the chilling sounds of an Organ, then rapidly descending into riffs which are the musical equivalent of wading through a swamp, before turning the tide with waves of Black Sabbath-worshiping melody, this track shows Paradise Lost at the top of their game.      
   Legendary frontman, Nick Holmes, shows off his death-growl vocal talents flawlessly on tracks such as the superb, "From The Gallows" and "Gods Of Ancients", a Death-Doom orientated song of unrivaled heaviness, standing out as a strong contender for best track on the album. Oozing with atmosphere, lead single, "The Longest Winter", sends shivers down your spin with powerful clean vocals, a memorable chorus, pounding drums and chilling guitars. "Medusa", is arguably the most powerful song of the album, and also one of the slowest. Laden with thick, savagely down-tuned riffs and amazing clean vocal sections, "Medusa" is most deserved of the title track status.     
   Turning up the tempo slightly, "Blood And Chaos", packs all the rhythm and speed that a Doom Metal song can possibly stand. Boasting a chorus which is verging on sing-along, and some spectacular Doom 'n' Roll guitar work, this is a song guaranteed to get you headbanging those frozen tears away. Turning the tempo back down to safe, snail's pace levels, album finale, "Until The Grave" is a monolithic and incredibly powerful slab of Death-Doom, showing Paradise Lost lean towards their heavier, darker sides, if it is even possible, and closing the album is spectacular style.


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Comments

  1. Anton Zadorozhnyi28 September 2017 at 08:18

    Awesome, well written review. Thank you from Russia. Agrred, but also would mention 'No Passage For the Dead' like one of the very best PL tracks they ve done ever.

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