Paradise Lost's 'Ascension' Blends Heaviness and Festive Elements
Paradise Lost's latest album, 'Ascension', is out now via Nuclear Blast. The album, their first of original songs since 2020's 'Obsidian', explores themes of war and life's struggles through a wide range of heaviness, from ominous anthems to doom-crunched romanticism.
Guitarist Gregor Mackintosh dialed in the lead tone using EQ pedals and Ibanez Weeping Demons, aiming for a 'sweet spot' in the sound. The album features a vintage Marshall JCM800 head as the principal rhythm tone, with both Mackintosh and co-guitarist Aaron Aedy using modern guitars.
Vocalist Nick Holmes uses death-growls and a gothic baritone to convey the album's themes. Mackintosh compares the melancholic melody lines to church bells on a crisp December morning. He also experimented with festive sounds, using sleigh bells on several songs to create a juxtaposition with the sorrowful riffage, aiming for a 'miserable Christmas' sound. This idea was inspired by Mackintosh's wish to incorporate festive elements into a gloom-driven record in 2025.
Before 'Ascension', Mackintosh and Holmes briefly explored a more synth-driven dark-pop project called HOST. 'Ascension' marks the longest gap between albums in Paradise Lost's nearly 40-year career.
'Ascension' is a unique blend of heaviness and festive elements, with a focus on war and life's struggles. Guitarist Gregor Mackintosh hopes it will be added to Christmas playlists this year, marking a new chapter in Paradise Lost's extensive career.
