Review: Paradise Lost in London and Norwich Live.

Paradise Lost at the Scala London. 29/04/2012

Paradise Lost have been at this for over twenty years now, they’ve played literally thousands of gigs all over the world but they’re not as big as they deserve to be in their home country. On recent tours the band have put on a handful of shows during the UK leg before heading onto the continent. This time round however, Paradise Lost has dedicated thirteen dates to the UK to promote their new album Tragic Idol. I was lucky to catch the last two shows in England, in London at The Scala and in Norwich, at The Waterfront.

The Scala is a big venue, and when I arrived the que was heading right up the street indicating this was going to be a big night but we eventually got in and watched a set by support band Insomnium which was excellent, and a band I recommend readers check out if you already haven’t.

Paradise Lost took to the stage with a much warmed up crowd thanks to Desolate from the Gothic album playing over the PA. Immediately they opened up straight into Honesty in Death from the new album which sounded fantastic live, along with the other tracks from Tragic Idol they played, which were injected into the set list between material spanning their entire career, including two tracks from 1993’s Icon, and a surprise entry with the title track from 2002’s Symbol of Life album, which sounded exceptional with the acoustics of the venue. The main set list ended with the high energy The Enemy. The band came back on stage to play four more tracks after a short interval giving the fans another new track Fear of impending hell.

All in all a great gig by arguably the best metal band this country has.  9.5/10

Standout track: In This We Dwell.

Paradise Lost at the Waterfront, Norwich. 30/04/2012

Still buzzing from the big night at London’s Scala we arrived at the Norwich Waterfront. I’ve never seen a gig in Norwich before and didn’t know what to expect. This was a totally different venue and I couldn’t believe my luck when I got inside to find a venue that was so small you’re pretty much on the stage with the band. Paradise Lost played the same set list as the night before but because of the difference in the venue, instead of being anthemic like in London the music was more explosive. Right out of the blocks it was powerful, and with the band being so close to the stage there was great crowd interaction and some good banter from Nick Holmes. I was standing in the front row directly in front of Steve Edmondson on bass which was a fantastic experience.

Once again the new material from Tragic Idol went down a storm and in the low ceiling venue it was magnificent to experience the heaviness of it as the music slammed off the walls and roof and back down to the crowd. This was honestly one of the best gigs I have ever been too and it was a privilege to be there.

Paradise Lost are a band that really do stand out above others, even after all these years they’re still giving 110% every time. One great observation I made was the age of the crowd, which was mainly under 30, indicating that Paradise Lost are still very relevant and connecting with new fans all the time.

Exceptional gig by an exceptional band. 10/10

Standout track(s): The Enemy/Fear of Impending Hell.

Setlist

Desolate

Honesty in Death

Widow

Erased

Forever Failure

Soul Courageous

In This We Dwell

Praise Lamented Shade

Pity the Sadness

As I Die

Symbol of Life

Tragic Idol

The Enemy

Encore:

One Second

Fear of Impending Hell

Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us

Say Just Words

The new album Tragic Idol is available now at http://www.paradiselost.co.uk/