‘Icon’: A record that stands as a major turning point both for Paradise Lost and for alternative metal’s evolution during the 90s. A perfect blend between the aggressiveness and bleakness of the British band’s earlier years and the – still dark obviously – melodic side they would explore later on.
Why re-record it in 2023? I must say in advance that in most cases I am not in favor of such experiments. I believe the issue around artist rights, as Nick Holmes stated recently, meaning finding a way to ‘bypass’ the ‘bad’ deal signed with the record company at the time, clearly played a decisive role. After all, we’re not talking about a group of guys that are stuck in the past; quite the contrary, this is a band that defends all its works and different eras, from… Vallenfyre to Host to use their side projects as references to prove my point. I also note the comment that was made to clarify that “nothing can replace those original recordings or ever will”. Apart from that, ‘Icon 30’ sounds like a record that’s produced in modern times, but it thankfully doesn’t deviate from the original, and that includes Holmes’ great vocal delivery.
What is left then, from this celebratory release and ‘Icon’s anniversary? The perfect excuse for a tour of course, which will make its way through Principal Club Theater in Thessaloniki on December 9th and Fuzz Live Music Club in Athens on the 10th, with a setlist containing premieres and songs that have been sought after PL fans for decades.
Romanos Terzis
