Host. The name conjures images of Paradise Lost fans screaming in the streets, the towering disappointment felt by many that the previous One Second album actually hadn’t been a nightmare and that it was all real after all. Yet it’s lasted, proving itself to be a masterful record even as it sits in their back catalogue rather uneasily. A stylistic departure it may have been, but damn, they did it well. Let’s turn back the clock a little. Paradise Lost had developed steadily from their groundbreaking Gothic record (reviewed elsewhere on this site) through to the genre defining Draconian Times drawing comparisons to the (then untouchable) Metallica in the process. Then Paradise Lost decided to develop their sound further releasing One Second; long-term fans cried out in horror, while legions more were drawn to the gothic tinges of their newly synth-driven sound. Despite the emphasis on keyboards, one second did retain at least some of their former heavy riffs and hopes among the old guard of their fan base were high that the follow up would be a return to their past, heavier form.
These hopes were thrown to the wind the second the first strains of ‘So much is lost’ detonate. Led by heavy keyboard, treated guitars and a drum riff so insistent it all tattoos itself into your brain, ‘So much is lost’ is everything that alienated so many people on the previous records and yet it is a fantastic song. Those with open minds were treated to the Depeche Mode-esque darkness of nothing sacred, the memorable ‘In all honesty’ and the mind-numbingly beautiful ‘It’s too late’ which is one of the most emotionally charged songs the band has ever recorded. The guitars, no longer roaring, are still there (as live performances at the time highlighted) but hidden by layers of effects. Meanwhile Nick Holmes’ voice attained new heights as he developed his singing to attain the perfect mix of melody and gruffness.
Even now Host remains a controversial record. Many metallers hate it simply because of Paradise lost’s rich metal heritage, but those with a taste in something different and who are not averse to hearing their bands do something a little different are rewarded with an album rich in invention and interesting tunes. Not Paradise Lost’s finest moment, to be sure, but an intriguing listen in the history of a band who have never been afraid to take unconventional steps.
