Legends of doom, Paradise Lost have debuted their riveting third single “Tyrants Serenade,” a 4+ minute goth metal opus of epic proportions and bleak new staple in the band’s celebrated catalog. The standout track is found on their eagerly awaited album Ascension, out September 19th from Nuclear Blast Records. You can pre-order the album now on a variety of formats, here.
Giving context to the song, vocalist Nick Holmes says: “Observing the death of an individual, and subsequently, how the transition of seasons evokes fond memories. The God of Malevolence serves as an internal voice to dismantle those cherished memories and reintroduces the initial anguish of loss.”
On one of their boldest singles to date, Paradise Lost melds crunchy riffs and soaring guitar melodies with juxtaposing anthemic clean and harsh vocals. The memorable new track is accompanied by a stunning video directed by longtime collaborator Ash Pears.
Produced by Greg and mixed by Lawrence Mackrory, Ascension is a mournful reflection on power, impermanence, and the passage of time. The album cover matches its bleak grandeur: George Frederic Watts’ The Court of Death, a fitting image of surrender and silence in the face of mortality.
The painting depicts Death as an enthroned angel flanked by allegorical figures of Silence and Mystery guarding sunrise and the star of hope. At the same time, a warrior surrenders his sword and a duke his coronet, showing that worldly status offers no protection. The painting’s bleak, prophetic vision embodies Ascension’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.
Commenting on the record, Holmes states: “Ascension is a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow-filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy.”
Paradise Lost are currently performing at festivals across Europe and will embark on the first leg of the “Ascension of Europe” tour this fall. Tickets are available here.
