In the year 1667 the english writer John Milton wrote an epic poetry about the story of Adam and Eve, - the temptation and the ban from the garden Eden. He named his poetry "Paradise Lost". - That's what's up to  the generell knowledge. 

                                                        
Now, our Paradise Lost here doesn't exist that long, but in fact they have adapted the name from this poetry, and they are of course from Great Britain as well - Yorkshire in Great Britain. But for a Heavy Metal band, who have turned from Death Metal to Gothic Metal within their carriere, Nick Holmes, Greg Macintosh and Co. do have already quite a few years behind them. In fact, they will celebrate their 20th anniversary next year, and they can proudly look back on 12 studioalbums, 1 livealbum, 16 singles, 2 compilations, 3 videos and 2 DVDs. Paradise Lost often are named the inventor of Gothic Metal. 
Never mind about the dark image, but those guys don't seem that depressive or whatsoever. I always gotta smile a bit, when I'm backstage at our good old Backstage Club here in Munich. 

Because thanks to the luxury of having an internet connection and wireless lan available here, the view is always thes same, never mind whether it's a Metal band or a Reggae- or Popband. They are sitting there with their laptops quietly but highly concentrated, working as hard, as they're wanna win the Ironman on Hawaii. No interruption wanted. - Most of the artists appearing at this place use this opportunity, because they spend most of the time on busses - without internet of course. And we are talking here not about Supertars who stay at 5stars + Hotels.
However, that's why this venue is pretty popular and favoured by most bands, and they luv to stop over here. So, also tonight, the wild backstage party will be celebrated most probably with a couple of Laptops. Paradise Lost are no exeption, and this is just okay. 
I've seen this band live on stage quite a few times since 1990 and the Marquee Club in London. And there ain't many groups who have played poker so intensively with different styles. A pretty big risk to be honest, and with the 1999 album 'Host' some old fans have quit thier faithfullness for the band. Since then they have become heavier again, not really back to the roots,and still following this gothic style, but also back to Metal. The prove is the current CD 'In Requiem'.

We got two acts in advance here,who are probaby hoping to increase their own popularity by supporting  Paradise Lost. First of all we got the canadian rockers Neurosonic, who are going on since 2006. I confess, I missed them. Second is the german band Eyes Of Eden, existing since 2004 and founded by Waldemar Sorychta, who has played already with Grip Inc in the past. Hmmmmm..... okay, apart from the fact, that this lot from Dortmund is fighting with massive soundproblems, they seem to me like.... yeah like a band who is only 3 years young and just release their debut album 'Faith' these days. Unfortunately live it doesn't sound that well as on record with all it's modern techniqu. And not only the just mentioned soundproblems are responsible for that. 

A professionell guitarist, a pretty photogenic singer are the focus. But the voice ain't strong enough. There is also a decent drummer and a just below average bassist. That's what makes 'Eyes Of Eden', reminding me strongly on bands like Within Temptation. Over all the frontwoman seems very insecure. She hasn't got the neccessary selfconfidence and this certain stage presence to capture the audiance. But well, I am always careful by judging artists who have just started out. And if they are going on, they should take the chance for developing and collecting experience. Let's talk again next time or the time after..... if they are still on the run of course.....

And there we go – dressed in black in a dark atmosphere with a dark mimic, that's how Paradise Lost are starting their monolog with 'the Enemy'. Thanx god, they have left any dry ice back home, for us photographers a big relief, because there's nothing worse than this behated fog on stage for taking pics. Therefore some interesting light and shade gambling makes it a real challenge to picture them. Nick Holmes has never been a man of showing great emotions on stage. But with his impressing voice and look, which says - you listen to me, or.... - he does easy to catch everybody's attention for this gothin myth  within a second in here. There is also guitarist Greg Macintosh who seems to play himself into a higher sphere. He is good, very good indeed. 
While bassist Steve Edmondson, guitarist Aaron Aedy and drummer Jeff Singer are holding the foundation of this band, both egos - Holmes and Macintosh do fight a real battle what's up to aura and selfexpression. Here is no big show needed or any extras. Here everything gets exactly transfered, what the band puts out - heavy, dark Metal with a non compromising depression. - And it's gotta be said, - the current output 'In Requiem' gets some special attention. 

One thing is for sure, whatever change of styles Paradise Lost have undergone in the past, so they still follow their own individual path and line. Maybe that's the secret of their 2oth anniversary now and a still solid fan circle. 
Mentor and icon Andrew Eldritch surely gives his blessings to you boys. And whereever they are in another 10 year's time - who knows.... 
We always just think 24 hours ahead, don't we Greg?! Everything else is wasted time. 
And now.... another quick mail back home - no clue when you got another possibillity for an internet connection.....
  
http://paradiselost.co.uk/