I was 13 years old when I first listened to what would eventually define my life, Metal music. The very first band I'd ever listened to was METALLICA, and from that day forward I was hooked, I've become a Metal addict through and through. I listened to everything that had a Metal genre on it, be it the mellowest or the most extreme of what the music had to offer. Over the years life changes, your interests, your friends, your job. But throughout the past 17 years one thing has remained true and solid in my life, my love for the music. And one of the few bands that remained with me through thick and thin was the English PARADISE LOST. It's a band that I always turn to when I need that old friend, that friend who'll never ever let you down, and through the years with each consecutive album, they never did.
The album I chose for this edition of The Retro Spot is non-other than the immortal "Draconian Times". As you may have noticed this column hasn't been just about the specific album in question, but more about the impact that a particular band has had on our beloved genre through the album. I first listened to "Draconian Times" 16 years ago. In fact it wasn't the first PARADISE LOST album I knew, the first one was actually the 1997's "One Second" that started a shift in the band's style. But "Draconian Times" had a deeper effect on me, it's my "go to" album for inspiration, both as a songwriter myself and as a person.
PARADISE LOST is a rare breed of a band; this is a band that has remained rather consistent throughout the years, not so much in their style, as they have changed many, many times, but more in their sound itself and their songwriting. Be it their 1999 release "Host", an almost Synth Pop record, their debut album "Lost Paradise", one of the slowest and heaviest Doom / Death albums to ever see the light of day (or darkness of day) or their most recent offering, the instant classic "Tragic Idol" that can truly be seen as the continuation of the classic I'm talking about in this article, "Draconian Times". Indeed no matter which of these records you hear, you immediately know the band that wrote and performed it.
"Draconian Times" was released on June 12th 1995 and featured a more radio friendly sound in comparison to earlier releases. However it did keep its very heavy edge and did not feature the more electronic sound of some future releases. The record continued the steady road begun by the band on "Shades of God" and "Icon", venturing further into the Gothic Metal territory and replacing the growls from their first two albums with clean although at times still harsh vocals. This album gave vocalist Nick Holmes more freedom in his shaping vocal style. The record even features a pretty fast almost Punk infused song in "Once Solemn" as well as another faster than usual track "The Last Time" which features a fantastic guitar solo by maestro Greg Mackintosh. This was the album that began the PARADISE LOST's marketable foundation, becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.
Who can forget the iconic opening to "Forever Failure" with spoken word from the serial killer Charles Manson? This album is certainly not "fun", then again, which PARADISE LOST album can be considered a "fun record"? None. The band has always created something far deeper, more disturbing, more in your face, but never in an obvious way. The songs speak of religion, darkness, pain, death. But despite the dark theme, the album is truly inspiring to me, and I'm sure that to many others. I can't even judge this album; it's beyond the judgment of mortal men. This masterpiece is sad, deep, yet strangely uplifting.
A truly amazing work, personally I've had the chance to see the band twice live and have had the honor of meeting them at "Brutal Assault 2012", and despite their long history they have remained very down to earth, especially considering the amount of people there to meet them, one of them almost shaking when saying hello having been hoping to meet them for over 15 years.
PARADISE LOST never became the next METALLICA, they never became one of the world's biggest bands, but they have continued making great albums, making new fans, and making people take note of what a stable band should be, and in truth, aside from changing their drummers four times the band have remained the same, Nick Holmes, Greg Mackintosh, Aaron Aedy and Stephen Edmondson have been the core of Paradise Lost and are now celebrating their 25th anniversary with a new compilation and a tour.
"Draconian Times" for me and I'm sure to others is one of the pinnacles of an incredible awe inspiring career, a truly must have album for all Doom / Gothic / Dark Metal fans, and truly to anyone who loves great Metal.
Tracklist:
1. Enchantment
2. Hallowed Land
3. The Last Time
4. Forever Failure
5. Once Solemn
6. Shadowkings
7. Elusive Cure
8. Yearn for Change
9. Hands of Reason
10. I See Your Face
11. Jaded
Album's Lineup:
Nick Holmes ' Vocals
Gregor Mackintosh ' Lead Guitars
Aaron Aedy ' Rhythm / Acoustic Guitars
Stephen Edmondson ' Bass
Lee Morris ' Drums
