Icons of goth and doom, Paradise Lost will release their long-awaited, 17th album “Ascension” on September 19th with Nuclear Blast Records. The band’s first album in 5 years, following 2020’s critically acclaimed “Obsidian”, was produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. “Ascension” is a testament to the band’s longevity and relevance over their 35+ year career, encompassing their signature styles of gothic, death and doom fans have cherished along the way.
“Ascension”’s album cover fittingly features the painting “The Court of Death” (1870-1902) by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts, which hangs in the Tate Gallery in London. The painting depicts Death as an enthroned angel flanked by allegorical figures of Silence and Mystery guarding sunrise and the star of hope, while a warrior surrenders his sword and a duke his coronet, showing that worldly status offers no protection. The painting’s bleak, prophetic vision embodies “Ascension”’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.
Commenting on the record, vocalist Nick Holmes says:
“Ascension is a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy.”
Today, Paradise Lost offer a glimpse into their melancholic masterpiece with the record’s first single and music video, “Silence Like The Grave”.
Photo Credit: Ville Jurrikkala
