Paradise Lost - Draconian Times

\r\nPARADISE LOST needs no introduction. Of course, for "Draconian Times" there are no words to say, as it is a "Classic" and "Must Have Album", in the gothic metal category. Released in the spring of 1997 and was the fifth studio album of the band. \r\n

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\r\nAn album in the verge, the bridge between before and afterwards, or a release- landmark for PARADISE LOST which –although they keep doom elements of the past- they consequently create past, parallel molds, already from here, the beginning of their commercial success? Whatever we support is later and comes to be added in the band’s total history, until today with the release of their last "In Requiem" (2007) album. But, lets go back to their 5th release. The album contains 12 songs or better to say 12 little diamonds. It makes opening with "Enchantment", which gives you an idea of a melodic intro, before the bass vocals of Holmes does its appearance. \r\n

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\r\nThe first track lasts for more than six minutes, constituting the biggest song in duration for the album. "Hallowed land" follows, with hard individual outbreaks, but also piano sound. Afterwards, comes "The Last Time", "Forever Failure", "Once Solemn"… each one of them is heard so unique, so that in the first half, has achieved its aim: to gain the audience. \r\n

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\r\n‘Last time’ ( with the με τον wonderful «I raise a sunken smile /…what can I achieve/ as you steal the air I breathe?» ) together with ‘Ι see your face’ little before the end, could be regarded as the loved ones of the album, if they weren’t so desperate explosive. ‘Forever Failure’ you believe that it is exclusive for the old time fans of the band. It is so slow, so suffering that immediately gives you the impression that you are in a (personal) prison, plus that this opinion is strengthened by the voice of Charles Manson that is interfered (who is classified in the category of schizophrenic murderers in the history of criminology. Rumors says that he was dreamed to become a musician!). \r\n

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\r\nThen, with `Once Solemn’ you pass from the disappointment to the attack, it rises you, flies you in the wall, shakes you: "and I’ m learning the highs and the lows of the panic inside/and I’ m learning the highs and the lows of the fake promises"… Honestly, great "draconian times" for the band! \r\n

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\r\nThe rest songs of the album are also well-composed. In ‘Shadow kings’ you have the feeling that Holmes speaks with the guitars, ‘Elusive cure’ is much more melodic with wonderful turns, while ‘Υearn for change’ you can say that it is a deeply thinking song, especially in the outro «Life is all the pain we endeavour» in the repeat part ! Also, here you think that the guitars talk to you! In ‘Shades of Gods’ and ‘Hands of reason’, we have a replay of all P.L. sound elements, until you hear the heart-breaking «If I could see a light shining…», which makes you suffer…And then the impressive ‘Jaded’ (is there a solo in the song??), comes to put an end to a awesome, well structured, nostalgic and prophetic Paradise Lost album. Great draconian times for the band, and the album title proved by no means to be accidental. \r\n

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\r\nMatina Kountourogianni \r\n

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\r\nTranslated by: Manos Maragos \r\n

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