Paradise Lost

It’s intriguing how a band can come full circle yet not resemble their original incarnation in the slightest. Eleven albums into their illustrious career, Paradise Lost are finally a metal band once again. Seamlessly incorporating choice elements from just about every stage of their maturation, the group have opted to rely less on clean vocals and their formerly frequent forays into new wave emulations. Instead, the long dormant Metallica influence and weighty, depressive guitar playing have resurfaced in a big way. Opener "Never For the Damned,” with its upbeat, rollicking tone, is barely an indication of what’s to come, as Paradise Lost punctually deliver three of the most powerful tracks they’ve ever penned. "Ash and Debris,” in particular, boasts instantly memorable refrains and quite possibly their most singularly beautiful moment ever. This is the album of the year; it’s doubtful that anything else will even approach it. (Century Media)