Paradise Lost
„The Plague Within“
Gothic, Death, Doom-Metal/Rock. 2 LP Picture Disc. Reissue 2024 (2015).

"Back to the roots" is a phrase I also like to use. When the English band released "One Second" in 1997, with its synthesizer sounds, the celebrated death, doom, and gothic metal was over. Dark rock suddenly reigned supreme. This step went even further in 1999 with the album “Host”, Depeche Mode sends its regards. But let's fast-forward to 2015 and the return of melodic death/doom metal. This review discusses the limited 2-LP picture disc, which was reissued in 2024.

This time, I'll first look at the two LPs, A, B, and C of which contain music. I don't like buying picture discs, but here, the Paradise Lost fan in me won over. Crackling and popping are practically built into picture discs. Fortunately, the songs are loud and don't have any quiet passages, so the crackling isn't too distracting. Unfortunately, side A has an unsightly wave. The design is convincing, if you're into that sort of thing. In any case, there's a lot to discover in the details of the pictures.

"No Hope In Sight" echoes around our ears, slightly growly vocals alternating with clean vocals. A good start. The turnaround is successful if the discerning listener is looking for the old sound from PL's early days (Paradise Lost). For me, there was no need to go back to the roots; I like every phase of PL's work. "Terminal" is a full-on death metal sound, and "A Eternity Of Lies" sounds partly like the more "modern" PL, mixed with death/doom; a strong song. "Punishment Through Time" is straight-up death metal, unmistakably PL's style.

Side B features slower doom, creating a dark atmosphere in "Beneath Broken Earth." "Sacrifice The Flame" also features plodding drums, along with symphonic gothic tones. Did it capture the mood? Yes. "Victims Of The Past" also begins symphonically, transitioning from dark/gothic tones into powerful death metal. For me, this is the best song so far.

Side C begins pastorally with "Flesh From Bone," then transitions into fast death metal, only to become slower again. Pastoral death/doom. Another highlight. "Cry Out" is again difficult to categorize, which is precisely why it's a must-listen. "Return To The Sun" is the last Song, as Side D "only" features an illustration. Here, too, a very pastoral opening, too slow for death metal, too fast for doom. Gothic, I'd say. In any case...

Nick Holmes, Vocals.
Gregor Macintosh, Guitar, Studio Keyboard.
Aaron Aedy, Guitar.
Steve Edmonson, Bass.
Adrian Erlandsson, Drums.

... haven't lost any skill.

So where do I place "The Plaque Within"? Compared to the "Host" and "Draconian Times" eras, it's more diverse. I don't particularly enjoy pure death metal, but I do enjoy the way PL skillfully blends death, doom, and gothic metal. Anyone who likes atmospheric, dark music should definitely check it out, and anyone who only likes early PL should too.

Personally, I can relate to all phases of the band, but this album still ranks high in my Paradise Lost series. Naturally, I'm not satisfied with the sound quality of the picture LP, but that's the price of beauty. That doesn't apply to the songs themselves, though. There's always a crackling sound, but thanks to the loud songs, it's not quite as noticeable. Otherwise, you'll have to go for the CD version.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.