Every time a new Paradise Lost album falls into my hands for reviewing, I respond by giving the impression they’ve reached the roof with this one. Which is apparently a bit outside my reach. This time I’ve given it a different perspective, more… out of this world I would say. Either the British’s “apartment” has a really high ceiling or they use their own magic way to reach the top. Someone might say that I’m using extremely heavy words. Yes, maybe I am… However, the band’s musical style is a bit out of this world, right? Isn’t it true that their musical journey, for the last twenty something years, is nothing less than magical?
All of the above are certified via “Tragic Idol” this time. Paradise Lost music is moving beyond “Faith Divides Us…Death Unites Us”, the best album they have released since the Draconian one.
It’s actually a release beyond best. I’m writing that again, three years later; Paradise Lost pretty much do whatever they want with their music. Concerning the compositional area, the album is “tougher” than the previous one whilst transmitting a 90’s glow. Is there something else we should admire in “Tragic Idol”? Holmes is better than ever, Mackintosh is a never-ending source of inspiration and energy and the album production is standing on the highest possible level.
There is no point to mention song titles. This album is a prism made of ten diamonds! All those songs have their own value and purpose of existence. I would consider “Tragic Idol” the best Paradise Lost album if “Draconian Times”, a cornerstone for the band and metal itself, were not in the picture.
Furthermore, I would say there is no issue whether one should buy the album or not; I’d just like to point out that all Century Media “Tragic Idol” versions are interesting.
