Customer Reviews

Believe in Nothing

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Paradise Lost have been extremely popular in the goth-metal circles of Europe for many years, but have remained a virtual unknown here in the U.S. Hopefully that will change with the Koch label re-releasing their most recent albums (as well as the forthcoming "Deus"). Long ago a mostly death-metal band, they've evolved into several different and compelling permutations, from the dark, Metallica-meets-Type O Negative world of "Draconian Times", to the moody, synth-pop Depeche Mode-isms of "Host". This, though, is my favorite - a return to the harder, guitar-edged sound of their past, without relinquishing the electronic textures of their recent releases - and with great songwriting, excellent instrumentation and an ever-improving vocalist. Like Tiamat, The Gathering and Flowing Tears, Paradise Lost are simply one of the best of the many gothic-inspired bands out today. Check out all their albums from "Draconian" on - you won't be disappointed!

For the last few years, there has been a division in PL's fanbase. On the one hand there are the old-schoolers, fans of PL's early gothic death-metal vibe; on the other, fans of PL's newer, more contemporary sound. I was one of the former; I loved everything up to 1995's Draconian Times album, and then One Second came along and, despite having its moments, it was a heartbreaking disappointment. After Host, I lost touch with the band, which was unfortunate considering I have their logo tattooed on my arm. But then, after hearing good things about their latest album, Symbol Of Life, I bought Believe In Nothing, and was more than pleasantly surprised.

The guitars are back! Maybe it's not as heavy as it used to be, but in terms of tunes and song structures, it far surpasses what PL used to create. In many ways similar to the stomping Once Solemn and B-side Fear, the album takes gothic rock to the next level, fusing pounding riffs with Nick Holmes' newly-discovered vocal dexterity, and throwing in the odd few samples to boot. Never short of musical hooks in the past, PL's material on this album sticks in the head like none before. The opening pairing of I Am Nothing and Mouth actually works better than the immortal juxtaposition of Embers Fire and Remembrance on the Icon album, something that I thought would never be possible. Once you reach the end of track two, you cannot pull away - the album [draws] you in and refuses to let go.

In short, Believe In Nothing is awesome. Not as heavy as Symbol Of Life, but altogether tighter and more consistent, this is the album that signals Paradise Lost's return to grace. They have successfully managed to bridge the gap between their old-school roots and their new-school developments to make what I believe is the best Paradise Lost album. After hearing One Second, I believed that the world's greatest band had died; now I know that like the phoenix rising from the ashes, they have been born again and have grown into something great. Whether you're into the old-school or new-school band, I guarantee you'll be into this.

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).

After a fairly dissappointing, "Host" PL returns with a truly great record. While not returning to their roots entirely, PL simply released a solid and true follow up to One Second. Paradise Lost were my favorite band for years. Shades of God, Icon and Draconian Times are 3 of the best albums I own. While I liked One Second and to a lesser extent, Host, the magic of those 3 previous albums was missing. With Believe in Nothing, the magic is back. Also, upfront guitars are back, too. With these release PL basically mixes the best of One Second and Host with a dash of Icon thrown in for good measure. Tracks like "Mouth", "Sell it to the World", and "The World's Pretending" are among the best PL songs in years. While fans that were upset with the direction PL took on Host might want a full return to the Draconian Times sound, the fact is simple. PL has grown up, they have changed. After a misstep in a different direction, Believe in Nothing reaffirms that Paradise Lost can write great, melodic, powerful, and somewhat accessible songs. If you liked any of the latter period PL but this now. If you didn't, give it a turn anyways, you may be surprised.

I first started listening to Paradise Lost in the early 90's, and was quite blown away by their unique brand of doom metal. Although they have moved on since then, and Draconian Times will remain to be the most influential album as far as I'm concerned, Believe In Nothing embodies all that's great about PL, proving that they still have a certain unique flair for lyrical and musical composition that could carry on for a few more albums yet. Although they don't seem to have such a large following in the UK as they do in the rest of Europe, I urge everyone to support them in their upcoming UK tour. It will be the first PL gig I've been to and I'm expecting little more than genius.

Paradise Lost, one of the founders of English Doom Metal, deliver a modern heavy rocking album. Although the band sounds heavier than their previous record Host, they do not return to the more heavy sounds on early records. The songs are short, catchy and well written. If you are searching for songs with lengthy instrumental parts, then do not buy this album. The songs are vocal orientated. Fortunately vocalist Nick Holmes impresses me very much on Believe In Nothing. Although the songs are extremely catchy, they have a depressive atmosphere. So do not expect happy catchy songs. The only real negative aspect of the album is that the album could have been better if some songs were longer and more challenging to listen to. On most of the songs the pace does not really change and adding some instrumental parts could have made the album better.

"Believe in Nothing" was generally not recieved well by Paradise Lost fans. I have to say on first listen I was stunned!
This album saw the return of heavy guitars in a big way, and was in my opinion Paradise Lost's return to metal.
This album brings influences from "Draconian Times", "One Second" and "Host" together, and sounds brilliant. The musicianship is superb, and the bass on this album is extremely heavy.
Nick's vocals continue their trend of improving with every album, here a lot of singing is performed, and sometimes one can notice an edging back into Draconian-style yelling, and of course, the ever-present feeling of hopelessness and great cynicism. Greg's leads show up here and there, with their ever slow and despairing aura. Aaron's rhythmn riffs are very professional. Steve's bass as already mentioned continues to severely increase in volume with each successive album, here it reaches almost the point of explosion! Very nice. Lee's drumming is brilliant with some nice bass pedal drives and great precision.
"Believe in Nothing" posseses several standout songs, for me more than average on a Paradise Lost album. "Divided" is beautifully melodied, orchestrated and executed. This is one of the albums best songs. "Illumination" is a nice slow tune with atmospheric guitar work and great vocals. "World Pretending", the albums closer, is very dark and extremely heavy. Nick's singing here really is professional, the mood here really dives into new lows. For me, however, the best song is "Never Again". This is the album's darkest song, with a great deal of eerie guitar work going on in the background, along with a nice lengthy string-section bridge.
I do not have a favourite Paradise Lost album as such, but I consider "Believe in Nothing" to be the most underrated of them all, the most looked-passed, so to speak. This is a shame because for me it is one of Paradise Lost's most effective albums, and I think that people will be able to appreciate this better having heard the new Paradise Lost album "Symbol of Life".
"Believe in Nothing" is brilliant, I'd recommend this to anyonewho feels the need to sit down for a second and reflect on life, or just to enjoy the midnight hour!
Genius.

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...

Oh yes this is another masterpiece by paradise Lost. I am a huge fan of them and i like very much the fact that they always change their style on every new album. This album is cool , little pop and melancholic. I cant say that is metal metal but its more gothic. i like very much the sound of the guitars and the sound loops in some tracks.

2001's Believe in Nothing was the eighth studio album from UK gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost. After the more gothic rocking Host, the band got back to familiar metallic territory with this one, which has a sound similar to One Second.

Believe in Nothing is still very much a gothic, Sisters of Mercy-inspired album, but it has the metal energy and punch that Host lacked, even with the presence of synths and orchestral elements. It's not an album that immediately hooks you, but after a few spins you start to realize how some of these songs really stick in your head. The single "Fader" is a perfect example, and songs like "Mouth," "Never Again" and "World Pretending" are also highlights of this very solid album.

It's not as essential as some of their earlier albums or as focused as their later releases, but Believe in Nothing is still a strong Paradise Lost album with some very memorable songs. If you're a serious Paradise Lost fan, you need to own it. Casual fans or those new to the band should probably skip this one in favor of Draconian Times, One Second, or even Symbol of Life.