Paradise Lost "Shades Of God" CD

Paradise Lost have never been strangers change and this album is another fine example of this. This is an intense listen that shows band shifting gears once again refining their style and furthering their already original sound.
This is an awkward release that depending on ones mood is either brilliant or boring. This was the departure album featuring their best production to date yet lessoning the more deathly vocals. This also has the most solos and diverse song writing and is arguably the bands Doomiest release too.
The guitars are tight and heavy. This is the bands crunchiest offering to date. The leads are haunting and mesmerizing while the solos are soaring and epic. There is a mix of shred and more laid back Rock in the solos. The guitar playing is also a step up from 'Gothic' and the songs more thought out. The guitars are also tuned to 'D' from here through 'Draconian Times'.
The bass follows the guitars but adds bits of flare here and there. The drums are more or less standard for the band/style. The band sound as is if they were finding themselves musically on this recording. The chord structures and patterns are original and different. There is a dark somewhat groove oriented feel to many of the songs. The vocals are perhaps Nick's best as they are more natural and flow well with the songs. There is a greater diversity between mid and high unlike on the prior records.
This is the definition of a "need to be in the mood" release. Unlike the bands other releases this one isn't one you can simply just pop in your CD player and rock out too. This album gave us some of the bands best songs in 'Mortals Watch the Day', 'Pity the Sadness' and 'When I die'. This is recommended to fans and Doomsters above all else.

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