finetune artist: Paradise Lost

This Halifax, Yorkshire, England-based death metal quintet was formed in 1988, deriving their name from John Milton's epic poem. The band originally comprised Nick Holmes (b. 7 January 1970, Halifax, Yorkshire, England), Gregor Mackintosh (b. 20 June 1970, Halifax, Yorkshire, England; guitar), Aaron Aedy (b. 19 December 1969, Bridlington, Yorkshire, England; guitar), Stephen Edmondson (b. 30 December 1969, Bradford, Yorkshire, England; bass) and Matthew Archer (b. 14 July 1970, Leicester, Yorkshire, England; drums), and were signed to the independent Peaceville label on the strength of two impressive demos. They debuted in 1990 with Lost Paradise, which was heavily influenced by Napalm Death, Obituary and Death. It featured indecipherable grunting from Holmes, over a barrage of metallic white noise. Gothic saw a major innovation in the "grindcore" genre, with female vocals, keyboards and guitar lines that, for once, were not lost in the mix. Importantly, the tempo had also eased: "We started to play more slowly because all the others were playing as fast as possible." Many, notably Asphyx and Autopsy, followed suit. With indications in the early 90s of the metal subgenres becoming accepted within the mainstream, it came as no surprise when Paradise Lost found a wider audience with Shades Of God, their first effort for Music For Nations. Recorded with producer Simon Efemey, and with artwork from cult cartoonist Dave McKean, this release was heralded in the press as a "coming of age".

Listen to Paradise Lost at Finetune.

(2008) The Enemy - EP
(2008) Paradise Lost
(2007) In Requiem
(1991) Gothic

Gothic
Falling Forever
Angel Tears
Eternal
Praise Lamented Shade