Paradise Lost – Ascension (Review)

This is the seventeenth album from UK metal band Paradise Lost.

I’ve been listening to Paradise Lost since 1992, so any new Paradise Lost release is A Big Deal. Ascension is the 51-minute, (61 minutes with the bonus tracks), follow up to 2020’s Obsidian, and promises Big Things by virtue of simply being a new Paradise Lost album.

Ascension offers a taste of the range of the Paradise Lost skillset, while also honing in on the sound that allowed them to make such a mark in the 90s. Put differently, Ascension offers a vision of what old-school Paradise Lost sounds like when delivered by a band who have had decades of subsequent experience and knowledge. Put differently again, this is Paradise Lost, and it absolutely rules.

Via metallic heaviness, melodic bite, dark atmosphere, and doom melancholy, Paradise Lost showcase their infectious brand of songwriting. The classic Paradise Lost melodic signature is well-represented across the songs; you know, the one that basically launched the entire Gothic doom metal style and continues to inspire and define bands to this day. That one. Ascension is ripe with twisting, emotive melody, and it is great to immerse yourself in. I’ll also note that Ascension is one of the more riff-heavy albums the band have released – there’s even a bit of a thrash influence that can be heard here and there, which sounds strange to say – think a touch of Metallica or Testament in some of the rhythm guitars. Like everything else here, it works a treat.

The songs are well-written and professionally delivered. All of the performances are on point, and the record sounds great, production-wise. It’s packed with hooks, depth, catchiness, substance, and mood-rich heaviness. Honestly, what’s not to like? Every song is worthwhile and offers something worth listening to. It’s a feast of music, and I wouldn’t cut any of it.

Paradise Lost could clearly do this in their sleep should they want to, but the fact that they’re obviously still so into what they’re doing is remarkable. Ascension sounds classic and timeless, while avoiding sounding stale or jaded. Maybe it’s the fanboy in me speaking, but this is honestly a great collection of songs from the band. It’s a strange combination of nostalgia, a comforting old friend to reconnect with, and something new and exciting, all at the same time. I’ve probably just had too much coffee, but Ascension is a superb album.

Paradise Lost continue to defy the passing of time and release great music. Very few bands are as long-lived as this, while maintaining a consistency and quality that’s right up there. Amorphis are another such rarity. Ascension is a beautifully textured record, and sure to be a well-deserved hit.

Essential listening.