Another masterpiece...

First of all, I just have to ask once again how this band never managed to break through in the US. I don't know about everyone else, but I was a little ticked about having to order both "Believe in Nothing" and "Host" from Japan (each of which have great bonus tracks, so snag them if you can). The real tragedy is that "Host" was, in my opinion, hands down the best album of 1999 and "Believe in Nothing" is poised to be the best album of 2001. The only explanation I can come up with is that a band like Paradise Lost can't really be catagorized in any one genre. Each album has seen the band's sound evolve and "Believe in Nothing" continues this trend. After the somewhat radical stylistic departure of "Host" (although if you really listen to "One Second," you can see where "Host" came from) I was curious to see what they could possibly do to make "Believe in Nothing" take that next musical evolutionary step. But by mixing elements of both "Host" and "One Second," they've managed to do just that and produce yet another landmark album that mainstream America will probably NEVER hear. The songs strike a perfect balance of classic Paradise Lost themes of darkness, despair, and anger/frustration. "I am Nothing" is probably my fave track but "Fader" really caught me by surprise in the same way as the title track from "One Second" did because it's sound is just so unexpected. Without exception, all of the songs are extremely well written. The musicianship is superb and most of the tracks feature some of Nick Holmes' best vocal work. If you liked his clear, strong vocals on "Host" then you will love the way he sounds on this album. Do I miss the heavy thrashing and growling of their earlier albums? Yes, at times. But you know what, if they still sounded like that we all would have gotten tired of them a long time ago. Good bands come and go, but truly great bands grow and change with the times, eventually transcending their genre. "One Second" and "Host" took the first steps towards that destinction and "Believe in Nothing" has achieved it. All in all, this is an amazing album from what I consider to be THE best band of any genre in the last decade. Alas, if only American audiences could unplug themselves from the insipid ramblings of no talent hacks long enough to notice bands like Paradise Lost (you would think the name would be enough to garner some sort of attention, but maybe it reminds them a little too much of their dreaded high school reading lists).

classic paradise lost

i love everything paradise lost have released...... through every major style change, i have followed. there is not a single disappointing paradise lost album.

for the first time listener who wants to buy a paradise lost album, the question is 'which genre of rock/metal do you like most?'..... because most likely there is a paradise lost album that would fit neatly into one of these genres.

the album of discussion here is believe in nothing, paradise lost's most recent masterpiece. the heavy guitars have returned, but not in the classic metal style of 'draconian times'. rather, believe in nothing is more of an ode to modern rock while retaining the epic melody and ingenious lyric that defines paradise lost

hmmm...

Can't hate it, can't love it either.

Yes, this is heavier than host (not better) but still something is missing... what happen with the lead guitars?!?!?!, they are average at the most... another thing i don't like is the bass drum, sounds like a box of cookies been hit it by a child!! seems they can't match the gothic beauty of one second (the best for me), or the so long ago new and unique sound of draconian times (the best for the majority).

they have added more guitars but still i think host is better than this one, because it was more shaped and defined into thecno (metal heads scream!!!!!!)and then had more personality.

Don't get me wrong, this is better than all the nu-metal... of this days, but I think PL can, and hope they will, do it much more perfect... we have to wait till next time...