UK’s pioneering gothic death/doom metal band Paradise Lost is gearing up for the release of their 17th studio album, Ascension, due out on September 19th. The new record promises a deep dive into themes of mortality and the human condition, profoundly reflected in its striking album cover: “The Court of Death” (1870-1902) by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts. This painting, housed in London’s Tate Gallery, vividly shows Death as a majestic angel seated on a throne, surrounded by symbolic figures, while earthly power bows to its unavoidable presence.
The band asserts that the painting’s “bleak, prophetic vision embodies Ascension’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.” Vocalist Nick Holmes succinctly captures the album’s essence, describing it as “a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy.” Ascension marks the band’s first new studio material in five years, following their critically acclaimed 2020 release, Obsidian.
Complementing this new chapter, Paradise Lost is also commemorating a foundational piece of their discography. Their seminal debut album, Lost Paradise, is being reissued on CD and vinyl to mark its 35th anniversary. This landmark release, a defining moment in the early development of death/doom, features newly remastered audio by Jaime Gomez at Orgone Studios, offering a fresh perspective on the band’s influential, darker approach that distinguished them from the speed-driven death metal of its era.
Formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1988, Paradise Lost quickly rose to prominence as innovators within the extreme metal scene, with early albums like Gothic (released on Peaceville Records, alongside peers such as My Dying Bride and Anathema) helping to codify the gothic death/doom style. Their journey from underground pioneers to international recognition saw their sound evolve, embracing more melodic and accessible territories.
Fans will have ample opportunities to experience Paradise Lost‘s dynamic live performance throughout 2025. Their extensive tour schedule includes a series of high-profile summer dates across Europe, featuring appearances with King Diamond in cities like Berlin, Wiesbaden, and Milan, as well as performances at major festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium and Brutal Assault in the Czech Republic.
Later in the year, Paradise Lost will embark on a headlining tour across the UK and mainland Europe in October and November. These dates will see them joined by Messa, High Parasite, and Lacrimas Profundere, offering a diverse lineup for audiences. The tour includes multiple stops in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and more, concluding with a special show in Bradford, UK, on December 13th.
Paradise Lost 2025 Tour Dates:
- June 7 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle (with King Diamond)
- June 10 – Wiesbaden, DE – Schlachthof (with King Diamond)
- June 11 – Tilburg, NL – O13 (with King Diamond)
- June 13 – Oberhausen, DE – Turbinenhalle (with King Diamond)
- June 14 – Ludwigsburg, DE – MHP Arena (with King Diamond)
- June 16 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz (with King Diamond)
- June 17 – Zurich, CH – Komplex 457 (with King Diamond)
- June 18 – Dessel, BE – Graspop Metal Meeting
- June 21 – Lublin, PL – Lublin 2025
- June 28 – Vana-Vigala, EE – Hard Rock Laager 2025
- June 30 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
- July 1 – London, UK – Roundhouse
- July 4 – Joensuu, FI – Ilovaari Festival 2025
- July 6 – Sariyer, TR – Headbangers’ Weekend 2025
- July 10 – Malakasa, GR – Rockwave Festival 2025
- July 17 – Málaga, ES – Sun and Thunder Festival 2025
- July 31 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2025
- August 1 – Czaplinek, PL – Pol’and’Rock Festival
- August 8 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2025
- August 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2025
Paradise Lost, Messa, High Parasite & Lacrimas Profundere (Select Dates):
- October 9 – Manchester, UK – New Century Hall
- October 10 – Wolverhampton, UK – KK’s Steel Mill
- October 11 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Newcastle University
- October 12 – Glasgow, UK – Glasgow Garage
- October 14 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
- October 15 – Bristol, UK – Electric
- October 16 – Southampton, UK – The 1865
- October 17 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall
- October 19 – Oignies, FR – Tyrant Fest 2025
- October 20 – Paris, FR – Élysée Montmartre
- October 21 – Lyon, FR – La Rayonne
- October 23 – Köln, DE – Live Music Hall
- October 24 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU – Rockhal
- October 25 – Dornbirn, AT – Conrad Sohm
- October 26 – Padova, IT – Hall
- October 28 – Munich, DE – Backstage Werk
- October 29 – Prague, CZ – Palc Akropolis
- October 30 – Zagreb, HR – Boogaloo Zagreb
- October 31 – Vienna, AT – Simm City
- November 1 – Budapest, HU – Dürer Kert
- November 3 – Geneva, CH – PTR/L’Usine
- November 4 – Nürnberg, DE – Z-Bau Biergarten
- November 5 – Utrecht, NL – Pandora
- November 6 – Antwerpen, BE – Trix Hall
- December 13 – Bradford, UK – Bradford Live
