Let’s get straight into it. The latest from Paradise Lost, “Serpent On The Cross,” doesn’t waste any time showing you that they’re still the reigning overlords of gothic metal. Lars Kristoffer Hormander’s direction has gifted us with visuals that could double as an amped-up meditation session—if your idea of “relaxation” involves brooding landscapes and moody shadow play. The imagery blends harmoniously with the haunting melodies, encapsulating the dark allure we’ve come to bow down to from these legends.
Now, about that riff. It’s pure gold, my friends. Heavy as a doom-laden anchor with just enough melodic lift to keep your head firmly attached for consistent banging. The track serves a cocktail of everything that screams Paradise Lost—ambient heaviness, existential dread, and a sprinkle of melancholy that hits deeper than Peter Steele’s vocal range. You’ll thank your neck muscles later, assuming they survive the trip.
Lyrically, “Serpent On The Cross” delves deep into the introspective abyss. Yeah, we’ve all had a snaky moment or two, wrestling with whatever existential crisis the universe throws our way. But Nick Holmes isn’t here to coddle you. His delivery is as gritty and cathartic as ever, making even the emo-est passages punch harder than a mosh pit at Hellfest.
Standout moments? Plenty. But the atmosphere—oh, the atmosphere—is the true MVP here. Thanks to Lars Kristoffer Hormander, the video is less a visual accompaniment and more an integral piece of the storytelling puzzle. It wraps around you like a dark, comforting coil, elevating each note and every growl to cinematic heights. Turn the lights off and let it wash over you, and maybe don’t look too hard for a happy ending.
In a genre so committed to its roots, Paradise Lost constantly evolve in ways that feel natural. “Serpent On The Cross” is yet another chapter in their gothic gospel, and it’s proof they’re still here to guide us through our shadowy wanderings. Yes, you. Still contemplating the mysteries of life at 2AM, there’s your next soundtrack. Go forth and revel.
