Search - Paradise Lost :: Icon

Excellent Mid-Paced Gothic Doom Metal

- Durrkk | Ohio/PA border USA | 08/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Icon is Paradise Lost's fourth full-length album and contains their best material up to that point. Paradise Lost's style, at the time, could perhaps best be described as mid-paced gothic doom metal with a singer that sounds like James Hetfield on a good day.



The standout tracks are the kick-a$$ opener "Embers Fire," as well as "True Belief," "Christianity" and the haunting closing gothic instrumental "Deus Misereatur." These four cuts are all 5-Star pieces and definitely worth the purchase of the CD. The reason I rate it 4-Stars, however, is because the rest of the songs are filler, at least for the most part; they're unmemorable and, at times, even annoying. I always skip 'em.



In "True Belief" singer Nick Holmes powerfully cries out for a true belief (what else?). The transparent honesty and spiritual depth of this track, not to mention the moving vocal delivery, are most welcome. In fact, the song will give you goosebumps! Isn't a "true belief" what we're all looking for? The truth or ultimate reality? Something we can sink our teeth into and live or die by?



"Christianity" is another phenomenal enigmatic piece featuring a haunting melodic intro with soothing female vocals. By the way, what an unconventional song title! Only "Paradise Lost" would dare to name a song "Christianity" in a typically sacreligious musical genre. Any other doom/death/black metal band would name the song "Christianity DIE!"



I rate Icon on a par with their fifth opus, the popular Draconian Times. After this Paradise Lost would venture forth into pop-goth rock terrain, pretty much leaving the metal genre behind for good."