Review Summary: Massive, majestic, stern, a flawless album from all angles which brings proudly the group’s signature.
The boys from Halifax return and what kind of come back this is! "Tragic Idol" is a time machine that travels us back in time particularly in the 90’s and specifically in the good old days of classics like "Icon" and "Draconian Times".
The turning to the familiar sound of the band had already begun with their previous releases [see "In Requiem" (2007), "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us" (2009)] but honestly who would imagine that the group’s latest release would be able to look straight in the eyes of landmark albums for them and the whole metal genre such as "Icon" and "Draconian Times"? How many releases worldwide have the balls to stand shoulder to shoulder beside them?
Doom atmosphere and horrific Sabbath riffs combined perfectly with Sisters Of Mercy influences. Gloomy vibes, wonderful artwork, grief, and self-centered darkness and melancholy that only Paradise Lost offer, convert this album surely to one of the highlights of the year. Massive, majestic, stern, a flawless album from all angles which brings proudly the group’s signature. "Tragic Idol", is an all metal album that exudes an unparalleled splendor for our times. If I wasn’t a hardcore dedicated follower of the British, I would bet that this album was released when the death / doom genre and Paradise Lost were in artistic zenith and not 2012. It is really surprising that the band managed this, especially when many of their fans thought they are finished and sold out due to releases like "Host" and "Believe in Nothing". We're talking about a band that has contributed greatly to the evolution of metal, has brought a lot of people in it, has experimented and twenty years after its foundation, gives us one of the strongest moments of their career. "Tragic Idol" is an album-experience which spreads pride and hope to all those who love the British death / doom 90’s scene and sits comfortably next to the top albums of the genre.
Experiments are finally finished and we are all staring face to face with a huge masterful album. Lost are here…stronger, louder, heavier and darker than ever!!!
