Paradise Lost Medusa CD (Jewel Case, 2017, Nuclear Blast)

Paradise Lost Medusa CD, the band's fifteenth studio album, originally released on 1 September 2017 through Nuclear Blast Records. Returning to the crushing death-doom foundations of their early recordings, Medusa combines slow, sludging guitar riffs, dark atmospheric passages, Gregor Mackintosh's distinctive melodic guitar work and Nick Holmes' deep death metal growls. The album also draws on the gothic sensibilities that have remained an important part of Paradise Lost's musical identity.

Recorded in March and April 2017 at Orgone Studios in England, Medusa was produced by Jaime Gomez Arellano alongside the band. The recording captures a particularly heavy period in Paradise Lost's career, following the death-doom direction explored on 2015's The Plague Within. Tracks such as the lengthy opening composition "Fearless Sky" establish the album's sombre, oppressive atmosphere, while "Gods of Ancient", "From the Gallows" and the title track continue its emphasis on weighty riffs, bleak melodies and Holmes' commanding vocal delivery. "The Longest Winter" and "Blood & Chaos" provide further highlights, balancing the album's crushing heaviness with memorable melodic passages.

The album's title and artwork draw on Medusa, the Gorgon of Greek mythology, whose gaze turns those who look upon her to stone. Vocalist Nick Holmes explored the philosophical symbolism behind the figure, particularly its association with nihilism and the confronting idea that the universe is ultimately without meaning. This dark concept complements the album's lyrical and musical atmosphere.

Medusa features Nick Holmes (vocals), Gregor Mackintosh (lead guitar and keyboards), Aaron Aedy (rhythm guitar), Steve Edmondson (bass) and Waltteri Väyrynen (drums). Its eight-track standard edition includes "Fearless Sky", "Gods of Ancient", "The Longest Winter", "Medusa" and "Blood & Chaos".

Recommended if you like: My Dying Bride, Moonspell, Type O Negative, Tiamat, Dark Tranquillity, Amorphis, Opeth, Katatonia

Artist: Paradise Lost
Album title: Medusa
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Year: 2017
Catalogue Number: NB37972
UPC: 727361379728
Year: 2017
Format: CD 
Duration: Album
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:
1. Fearless Sky – 8:30
2. Gods of Ancient – 5:50
3. From the Gallows – 3:42
4. The Longest Winter – 4:31
5. Medusa – 6:20
6. No Passage for the Dead – 4:16
7. Blood & Chaos – 3:51
8. Until the Grave – 5:41