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I remember this band from back in the late '80s as one of the groups with harsh vocals that I could not wrap my head around, so I never gave them much of a chance. I have since learned to appreciate, if not love, death vocals so I thought I'd go back to the beginning and give their 1990 debut, Lost Paradise, a listen.

Generally considered one of the earliest doom/death bands, Paradise Lost certainly incorporates plenty of slow, dirge-like riffs, but like most good doom bands, plays faster at times to avoid monotony. I found the guitars suitably heavy with plenty of reverb but not to the point of being stoner. The vocals are quite decipherable with some effort and I especially like the song "Our Savior" when the singer implores, "where is your god now?!" Overall, I found Lost Paradise to be as dark and gloomy as I expected but also powerful and arresting at times. I don't think I'll ever be a doom/death aficionado, but I can appreciate what Paradise Lost was doing 30+ years ago. It isn't "driving to the beach with the windows down on a sunny day" kind of music, but if you wanted to shake the foundations of the house on a dreary winter day, it will do nicely.