Paradise Lost has experienced a resurgence in recent years.  Ever since signing with Century Media Records prior to the 2007 release In Requiem, the band seems to have found the proverbial Fountain of Youth, as the things that made them in the early to mid-90’s has shown up.  So, it should come as no surprise that Tragic Idol is getting a lot of hype as their best album since Draconian Times, which was released 17 years ago.  Let’s see if the hype and reality agree on this one.

For Tragic Idol, Paradise Lost brings Adrian Erlandsson (formerly of At the Gates and Cradle of Filth) into the fold as the new drummer.   From the opening notes of “Solitary One,” it becomes a trip back in time, as Paradise Lost conjures up memories of Draconian Times and Icon, possibly their two best albums in the entire discography.  You know Tragic Idol is going to be great when you hear Nick Holmes’ vocals because they are at similar levels to the two aforementioned albums, and that is most evident on songs such as “Honesty in Death” and “Worth Fighting For.”  The guitar parts return to a more doom feeling, complete with low, crunching riffs and melodic, yet sorrowful leads.  The guitar solos have the same feeling, with “The Glorious End” and “Crucify” providing solos that will stick with the listener long after the album ends.  The lyrics have always been a sticking point for Paradise Lost, even during their experimental years, and Tragic Idol comes through again in this department, with “Fear of Impending Hell” and “Honesty in Death” being prime examples of this.  With a running time of just over 46 minutes, Tragic Idol provides a perfect middle ground, satisfying the listener while leaving them wanting more. 

Paradise Lost has been transitioning back to their roots, and though it has been a process that began with the self-titled album in 2005, it seems that transition is complete with Tragic Idol.  Tragic Idol is clearly the band’s best album since Draconian Times, and is proof that there is still life in this band yet, even after 20-plus years since they started.  If Icon and Draconian Times were your first experience with Paradise Lost, then Tragic Idol is your chance to relive that moment in your life.

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*Comments:

1.  Solitary One
2.  Crucify
3.  Fear of Impending Hell
4.  Honesty in Death
5.  Theories from Another World
6.  In This We Dwell
7.  To the Darkness
8.  Tragic Idol
9.  Worth Fighting For
10.  The Glorious End

Total playing time:  46:05

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Label: Century Media Records

Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol

Reviewer: Peter

May 23, 2012