Few bands can lay claim to still influencing other artists nearly two decades after their conception, let alone entire genres, Paradise Lost however are one of these few. Since their initial inception in 1988, the band have risen to the forefront of the UK metal scene and are credited as instigators of both the Doom and Gothic Metal scenes. Given this impressive CV, and the fact that Sunday night saw the band performing on the sprawling stage of the Hammersmith Apollo in support of Nightwish, it seems almost shameful that tonight they are relegated to the smallest of Manchester’s Academy venues. Thankfully however, the turnout is reasonable, with several hundred of the North’s most dedicated fans arriving to see Holmes and company play this unusually intimate setting.
As opening band, Leaves’ Eyes take the stage, it becomes apparent that they too have their own devoted following. As a sizeable crowd gathers in front of the stage, it seems that this latest project from former Theatre of Tragedy vocalist, Liv Kristine Espenæs, has roused a certain curiosity factor in those not familiar with their work.
Launching head first into ‘Norwegian Lovesong’ from debut album ‘Lovelorn’, the crowd lap up every note while the band react extremely well to the enthusiasm of their audience. It certainly is a rarity to see such an established act engage in this much interaction with the crowd. Indeed, Liv appears to engage in some almost quite over zealous eye contact with her fans at many points! The band members are clearly loving every second of their thirty minute set, and as the audience sing along to cuts such as ‘Farewell Proud Men’ and ‘Ocean’s Way’, it’s hard to fathom that this is the band’s first visit to the UK.
As the final notes of current single ‘Elegy’ ring out, the response is rapturous and rightly so. Perhaps the addition of live keyboards in the mix would make for a slightly more spontaneous live sound, but this is merely a passing comment on a perfect end to what should be the first of many UK tours. [8]
As time begins to tick by, it soon becomes clear that Octavia Sperati are out of their depth as the main support on this tour. As their amateurish setup efforts cause the evening to overrun, the crowd becomes increasingly restless, most notably because hardly a soul present is familiar with exactly who these Norwegians are. This isn’t surprising when their atrociously dull interpretation of Gothic Metal begins to penetrate our ears. After an instantly forgettable half hour set, most present are praying that these pretenders crawl back into whatever hole they came from as soon as possible. [1]
And so to the main event. It’s obvious who the focal attraction is tonight, and as Paradise Lost belt out opener ‘Enchantment’, it’s clear to see why. After years of live gigs and a healthy back catalogue, this band have become an incredibly tight live unit, with even new tracks such as ‘Grey’ and ‘Redshift’ coming across as if they’ve always been staples of the live set.
Disappointingly for many, tonight’s set is taken largely from the more controversial second half of Paradise Lost’s career. A few delves into 1995’s ‘Draconian Times’, the obligatory ‘As I Die’ and a rare B side are the only cuts aired to satisfy the stalwarts of the band’s early career. Given the live power of tracks such as ‘One Second’ and ‘Erased’ however, the lack of older material can easily be forgiven. Even with their much debated samples and synths on a backing tape, the latter half of the bands work still comes across with a tightness and authority most bands can only dream of.
While never a band to be seen bounding round the stage, all five of those present under the spotlights are clearly enjoying the show as much as the crowd. Infact, Nick Holmes, nearly as famous for his grumpy outbursts as his singing, seems positively cheerful, choosing to simply announce the tracks rather than engaging in sarcastic banter with the crowd. Alas, as this is now considered an integral part of any Paradise Lost show, it’s almost disappointing not to be berated by the frontman for the duration of their seventy five minute set. [8]
Paradise Lost truly are one of Britain’s great heavy metal treasures. While the influence and quality of their later material can be questioned by many, this is a band with a clear sense of direction and one that certainly deliver on the live circuit. Quite how their popularity has dwindled to the settings of such a small venue is almost unfathomable, if they continue on this form, a rise through the ranks is most certainly on the cards once more.
