by Ed Rivadavia
Anyone listening to this album for the first time would be forgiven for doing a double-take and checking the cover art to make sure they had indeed purchased Paradise Lost's One Second instead of a Depeche Mode record. This 1997 release displays an astounding sonic evolution when compared to the group's previous release, 1995's Draconian Times, and nothing remains of their early death/doom metal origins. Singer Nick Holmes has permanently retired his once-trademark growl, and the guitars, though still dominant, make room for ambient keyboard melodies as well as the occasional drum machine. &Say Just Words& alternates hypnotic guitar-chugging with a memorable chorus, while &Soul Courageous& would fit in perfectly on any Sisters of Mercy record. &Blood of Another& and &Mercy& are other bright spots, and though fans of early Paradise Lost should approach with caution, there's no denying the quality of this radical but impressive departure.