Review PARADISE LOST “Ascension”

I have followed Paradise Lost since their early days. The iconic “Gothic” album, the band’s second release, was a milestone achievement and a springboard for them. Their harsh death metal created a fascination because it was different from what we had heard from Scandinavian bands and Tampa death metal groups. Even that early, Paradise Lost had some nuances of gloomy grief embedded in their sound, which became more prominent on “Shades of God” and the blasting “As I Die.”

“Ascension” is the title of the band’s newest effort and shows them in great shape once again. With a stable lineup, the band delivers ten masterfully crafted metal anthems that reflect all the trademarks of their sound.

A few singles launched prior to the release date indicated that we could expect an excellent new album from the band. The first song unveiled was “Silence Like the Grave.” The song showcases the band’s versatility as they incorporate a modern-sounding riff section that blends well with their signature sound. It doesn’t take much to identify a Paradise Lost song. The riffs and Holmes’ great vocals provide a unique texture to each song.

“Serpents on the Cross,” with its theatrical start, and the doomy “Tyrants Serenade” are great songs and also lead singles. They clearly demonstrate the range of Paradise Lost’s music and have generated excitement for several weeks.

The album features a seven-minute dark epic called “Salvation.” Grief and despair are woven into each note. It’s a blackened sonic blanket that wraps around you.

“Ascension” isn’t an album with laid-back music or joyful themes. Rather, it’s the scars and difficult moments of life that are perfectly captured in songs like “Lay a Wreath Upon the World.” The acoustic first half of the song is an intense moment on the album, creating a superb counterpart to the heaviness.

A similar pattern returns with “Savage Days.” Nick Holmes delivers again. His vocals are a key ingredient in Paradise Lost’s sound, as he brings a lot of emotion to his performances. From the clean vocals in “Savage Days” to the hoarse singing in “Deceivers,” Holmes’s range is impressive. The beginning of “Deceivers” shows that the band isn’t afraid to use samples, and the piano that starts “The Precipice” showcases a band that uses all available tools. The album’s greatness lies in how these elements contribute to a larger sonic landscape, with a heavy-hearted musical experience at its core. Every little piece of “Ascension” serves a purpose, yet the songs on the album feel like they come straight from the heart.

It’s the little elements, like the choral start of “This Stark Town,” that make a difference. The song’s arrangement reminds me of the glorious ’90s, and the band transports that spirit into the present.

With each new album, Paradise Lost raise the bar. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the next record comes along and blows you away. In general, the songs have a stronger ’90s touch yet still sound different. The scares of life and darkness have rarely been embedded in music as well as they are in “Ascension.” Paradise Lost are masters of their craft, as evidenced by each song. This album is a highlight in 2025 and the latest gem in the already impressive list of albums from this extraordinary metal band. This album marks the end of summer and welcomes the darker season of the year.