Paradise Lost

Host

Atmospheric dark oblivion.

Review Score:

(10/10)
"Host" is Paradise Lost's most unique album and is the one that would've split the fan community for good.
This is not a metal record. In fact, I don't really know what kind of music this is. On first listen it sounded to me as if Paradise Lost had invented a completely new musical style overnight. It is rocky, guitars are still ever-present, although disguised by effects. There are many musical layers on this album, many one would not believe is actually a guitar. The drums are slow and effective. Lee relaxed on this album it seems. Greg's use of keyboards adds a beautiful, colourful atmosphere to the songs. Steve's bass is channeled through effects on different songs, producing a peculiar sound. It sounds particularly brilliant on "Year of Summer" and "Host". Nick's voice is excellent. On this album he has chosen to sing all the way through, and it suits extremely well.
On first listen of "Host" I was stunned by the emotion Paradise Lost had created with their new musical style. I've heard many people refer to this album as "pop", how comical. "Pop" music has never been miserable. "Host" is very downbeat indeed, which is characteristic of Paradise Lost. Songs like "Harbour" and "Wreck", two of my favourites, are examples of just how low the mood can go. "Its too late" also demonstrates this. More energetic songs like "Permanent Solution" and "Behind the Grey" possess hard rock elements in the form of this new found sound. The vocals on the latter I find particulary impressive. The atmosphere on this album is incredible. "So much is Lost" (the classic opener), "Ordinary Days" and the closer "Host" best demonstrate this. "Host" is a lengthy song full of low keyboards, a pounding bass riff during the chorus, an anthemic vocal line also during the chorus and a slow guitar solo. A string section also adds enormously to the drama of this song. "Host" is definately my favourite song this album, it is one of the best songs Paradise Lost have ever written. such an incredible way to finish an album.
"Nothing Sacred" has great use of strange keyboard effects and a nice, smooth structure. It is one of the albums rather more disturbing songs along with "Deep", another heavily atmospheric song and "In all Honesty". "Made the Same" is one of the rockier songs on the album, suitably positioned near the end of the album.
This is one of the greatest albums of all time. It is Paradise Lost's most indulgent piece of work, and one very personal to Nick Holmes as it was written around a sad event in his life.
Unique, dark, genuis.

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