Words: Alan Daly
Pics: © Olga Kuzmenko Photography
It’s been almost two and a half years since the English pioneers of death-doom, Paradise Lost, last visited Dublin, and tonight they return to the Tivoli, a venue they graced in the early 1990’s which has only recently begun to be reused for hosting metal gigs in the capital. Formed thirty years ago, Paradise Lost have attracted many old familiar faces to the show this evening, many of whom, no doubt, were here the last time they performed here.
Swedish support act Outshine is mid-set when we arrive and the Tivoli is already bustling. Originally formed in the mid-nineties, their band bio tells a tale of misery and misfortune in the past few years, compelling founding guitarist Jimmy Norberg to regroup in 2017. With a brand new album simply titled 1313 released this very week, it’s hardly surprising that their setlist tonight is almost entirely taken from that. The tracks have a solid, beefy sound, driven by a tight rhythm section, despite a very modest drumkit being beaten by talented sticksman Alexander Lundgren. Vocalist Tony Jelencovich is also a perfect fit for the sound and the band has a whole have great stage presence and delivery. Outshine were definitely worth seeing live and I look forward to checking out 1313.
Queens of the Stone Age blaring through the house PA system during the changeover suddenly gives way to a dramatic recorded intro tape as tonight’s headliners take to the stage. Atmospheric red lights illuminate the fog that engulfs the stage as four the core band members, Nick Holmes, Gregor, Aaron Aedy and Stephen Edmondson and current drummer Waltteri Väyrynen launch into opening track ‘From the Gallows’. It’s an impressive accolade that Paradise Lost have maintained four consistent musicians in the band since its formation in 1988, and many would surmise that it has been key to their ongoing success and popularity. Whilst the first track is taken from their September 2017 album Medusa and is reasonably well received, the second track ‘Tragic Idol’ from the 2012 album of the same name is greeted with much more familiarity by the front row fans who are seen proudly singing along.
Of course, Medusa gets the lion’s share of the playtime tonight with no less than five of its eight numbers including the title track getting an airing with three more taken from its predecessor, The Plague Within. The rest of the impressively lengthy sixteen-song setlist is a selection from older albums reaching back as far as 1993 for ‘True Belief’ and ‘As I Die’ which fans had been calling out for most of the show. The Tivoli proves to be a pleasure to visit thanks to the impeccable sound quality and lighting as well as the convenient layout allowing great vantage points from all angles, but I’m sure making the effort to catch Paradise Lost at any venue on their remaining tour dates would be well worth the ticket price.
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