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Though the relative merits of Paradise Lost's bizarre transformation from heavier-than-God doom/death metal originators to an alternative rock act delving into gothic electronica remain locked in a fierce debate, there's no sense ignoring two unmistakable facts. First, the band had clearly reached the end of its original direction's tether with 1995's Draconian Times, which, despite its success with fans and solid songs, was little more than a retread of the band's previous album, and arguably career-apex, Icon. Second, while their subsequent sonic experiments have often resembled nothing more than a slightly heavier version of Depeche Mode (complete with singer Nick Holmes adopting a very David Gahan-esque, deadened baritone), the band has proved remarkably resilient in pursuing and defending their chosen career course, of which 2002's Symbol of Life is amazingly the fourth installment. And like the first, 1997's transitional One Second, Symbol of Life may prove the most palatable to the band's disapproving hardcore metal fan contingent. Album highlights such as "Erased," "Perfect Mask," and first single "Mistify" present very adventurous and mostly satisfying contrasts between the very heavy, minor-chord guitar riffs of old and the newfangled electronic elements of recent years. Conversely, songs treading the dreaded middle ground ("Pray Nightfall," "Self-Obsessed") are as irritatingly average and revealing of the group's pop limitations as ever, the tribal drumming heard on the title track proving especially painful. Yet, for the aforementioned metal fan base, the final insult is saved for last, by way of a tepid cover of Bronski Beat's "Small Town Boy." Though the premise is far more offensive than the actual results, the truth is Paradise Lost's wholly unsurprising arrangement for the song (contrived along similar lines of commercial desperation as that of hundreds of other metal bands who have covered new wave hits in recent years), as well their drab execution of it, just don't sound convincing. And sadly, forgiveness for any sort of commercialization is hard to come by within the metal world, so for those of you who feel that way about the modern Paradise Lost, Symbol of Life will not change your minds. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia
Additional personnel includes: Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards); Rhys Fulber (programming).
Personnel: Devin Townsend, Lee Dorian, Joanna Stevens (vocals); Chris Elliott (piano); Gregor MacKintosh, Rhys Fulber (keyboards, programming); Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards).
Audio Mixer: Greg Reely.
Recording information: Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire, England (2002); Dreamcatcher Recording Studios, Bradford, West Yorkshir (2002); Studio 775, Los Angeles, CA (2002).
Photographers: Olaf Heine; Nick Veasey.
Paradise Lost: Nick Holmes (vocals); Greg Mackintosh (guitar); Aaron Aedy, Stephen Edmondson.
CMJ (11/25/02, p.27) - "...The influential British quintet just continues to thrive and grow gracefully with age....The ambitious and accessible SYMBOL OF LIFE is as melodic as it is melancholic..."
Paradise Lost - Symbol of Life Songs
Symbol of Life Music Review
Average Rating: (4.4 out of 5 stars)    List All 9 Reviews They are MANY....
ICON and DRACONIAN TIMES were absolute pure brilliance! They offered a recipe not yet to be seen in a transiting doom/metal band. A perfect blend of heavy chords, catchy beats, fitting tempos, memorable songs and the kind of melancholy you feel during a christian mass on a rainy sunday. The dominance of these 2 CD's will put one in mind of the similar impacts of great 2-in-a-row record releases of past metal olympians. Iron Maiden with NUMBER OF THE BEAST/PIECE OF MIND, Metallica with RIDE THE LIGHTNING/MASTER OF PUPPETS, Black Sabbath with HEAVEN AND HELL/THE MOB RULES and Evergrey with MONDAY MORNING APOCALYPSE/RECREATION DAY to mention only a few. The change from these two P.L. classics to ONE SECOND was horrifyingly painfull for me! Maybe Nick and Gregor did not realize what they'd done and could not recognize the materpieces's that they'd created. With my great disappointment I no longer followed these guys after ONE SECOND. But today I sampled this CD and heard hints or remnants of their former sound on this release. Very good news. I know that this past decade I believe that, as it sounds, they have tried to return to a little heavier sound.....Dare I hope
Submitted by St. Timothy (Pittsburgh, Pa)
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 Symbol of ?
After several listens to this title I can say that this is a band who could be big if they could inject a little fire into their songs. All the songs are well done, but the middle of the cd tends to drag a bit(with the exception of "no celebration"), and the guitars chug along without much inventive hooks. Considering there is so much music out there trying for similar sounds and often fail. Paradise Lost does a good job at this sort of introspective, questioning type of rock. Four stars may be a push but still a clean sound and something I can put on in the background and let it rock.
Submitted by 1000yardstare (Youngstown, Ohio)
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 Could NOT be better!
This album is awesome. I can't wait for another album like this. If you like this album, check out "Believe in Nothing" - that one is amazing too. Not so keen on the others I have to admit but this one is a classic!
Submitted by Sparky (New Zealand)
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catchy as hell
I equate this one with One Second. If you liked that one, you will like this one. It is about the same sound/heaviness and just as catchy. I really like this disc.
Submitted by a reviewer (Central Florida, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Wicked disc!!
this band continues to impress its fans! truly a great band! and one of the best kept secrets in music.
and its evident there is still an un tapped well of talent still waiting to be seem from them and there finly crafted music!,
Submitted by noose (B.C canada)
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