Artist: Paradise Lost
Title: Tragic Illusions 25 (The Rarities)
Genre: Doom/ Gothic Metal
Release Date: 21st October 2013
Label: Century Media
Album Review
PARADISE LOST managed to transverse territories of Death/ Doom Metal and Gothic Metal but also made a foray into the electronic stage, last year they’ve reconnected with their early roots in their excellent ‘Tragic Idol’ album. This year the band (and their label) treats us to the rarities that will appeal not only to younger fans that missed out on the old formats with their B-sides, but will indeed also make old fans enthuse over this release, which is also a celebration of their 25 years anniversary. Great sound quality is only one of the perks of it, the touched-up/re-recorded song (Our Saviour, Gothic) offer a new (and harder) angle within them, to re-hear them so to speak. They feel more unified and cohesive as songs though the originals are still great and won’t be pushed behind the new versions, side by side they sit just nicely. ‘Our Saviour’ in particular comes out even fiercer and towering, the riffs more flesh-cutting. The album shows their reach, breadth and showcases all the things that make them a great band, on the other hand it seems to be prepared with the tack of the last album and that is to connect with Heavy Metal vibe and the title is thus very appropriate.
I’m the most enthusiastic to see ‘Last Regret’ and ‘Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us’ that they’ve created with Prague Orchestra that not only gives an orchestral background to them but an experimental feel. I will mention the cover art (by Valnoir) here that is tapping to the theme of the last album ‘Tragic Idol’, both a modern take on Art Nouveau, in particularly of Alphonse Mucha. Of course there are also the two covers, ‘Never Take Me Alive’ of SPEAR OF DESTINY, which is certainly a great cover that in my opinion surpasses the original, not such can be said for ‘Missing’ of ‘EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL’ yet even if it doesn’t get close to the original it’s still a very interesting take. This is not to be missed out on, an excellent assemblage of PARADISE LOST’s gems scattered along their long path is a highlight for any fan of this band and music lovers in general.
Tracklist
01 Loneliness Remains 04:58
02 Never Take Me Alive (Spear Of Destiny cover version) 04:43
03 Ending Through Changes 04:07
04 The Last Fallen Saviour 03:39
05 Last Regret (Lost in Prague Orchestra Mix) 04:19
06 Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us (Lost in Prague Orchestra Mix) 04:15
07 Cardinal Zero 04:26
08 Back On Disaster 04:12
09 Sons Of Perdition 04:10
10 Godless 02:15
11 Missing (Everything But The Girl Cover) 04:27
12 Silent In Heart 03:21
13 Gothic 2013 05:12
14 Our Saviour 2013 05:29
Line-up
Nick Holmes - vocals
Greg Mackintosh - lead guitar
Aaron Aedy - rhythm guitar
Steve Edmondson - bass guitar
Adrian Erlandsson - drums
Websites
http://www.paradiselost.co.uk / http://www.facebook.com/paradiselostofficial
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 10
Total: 9.5 / 10
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