Paradise Lost – Draconian Times (25th Anniversary Edition)

Prepare to bow down to a true metal titan: Paradise Lost’s “Draconian Times,” back from the shadows in a killer 25th Anniversary Edition! We’re talking double slabs of glorious vinyl, remastered to sonic perfection and pressed on a slick Blue Translucent (Transparent Electric) wax that looks as brooding as the music sounds.

This bad boy comes housed in a gatefold sleeve, so you know it’s a proper collector’s piece. Originally unleashed upon the world and then reborn on December 4th, 2020, courtesy of Music For Nations and Sony Music, this is essential listening for anyone with even a ing interest in the darker side of metal.

Paradise Lost, hailing from the misty lands of England, carved a unique path through the metal landscape, and “Draconian Times,” originally released in ’95, is arguably their magnum opus. This album perfectly encapsulates their signature blend of crushing Doom Metal and melancholic Gothic Metal. It’s heavy as hell, with riffs that could sink battleships, but it’s also laced with an undeniable beauty and a profound sense of sorrow. Nick Holmes’ vocals are iconic – a deep, resonant delivery that perfectly conveys the lyrical themes of despair, loss, and the bleakness of the human condition.

The “Draconian Times” songs are more than just metal anthems; they’re carefully crafted sonic tapestries. Tracks like “The Last Time,” “Forever Failure” and “Shadowkings” are timeless classics, showcasing the band’s ability to write powerful, emotionally charged music that sticks with you long after the final note fades. Gregor Mackintosh’s lead guitar work is both melodic and haunting, soaring over the crushing rhythm section laid down by Aaron Aedy, Stephen Edmondson, and the thunderous Lee Morris. This lineup was at its peak, creating a synergy that made “Draconian Times” the masterpiece it is.

This 25th Anniversary Edition has been lovingly remastered at Fascination Street Studios, ensuring that every nuance of the original recording shines through with newfound clarity and power.

The production by Simon Efemey, originally engineered and mixed by Pete Coleman, was already top-notch, but this remaster takes it to another level.

The artwork and design by Stylorouge, along with Holly Warburton’s illustrations and photography, perfectly complement the album’s atmosphere.

If you missed out on this landmark album the first time, or if your original vinyl looks a bit battle-scarred, now’s your chance to own this definitive edition.

This Mint condition, double blue translucent vinyl of Paradise Lost’s “Draconian Times” isn’t just an album; it’s an experience. Prepare to be immersed in darkness, beauty, and timeless metal mastery.

Don’t let this one slip through your fingers!

https://www.pulserecords.pt/product/paradise-lost-draconian-times-25th-vinyl/

This release sounds amazing. Dead quit, flat vinyl. The mastering is great - great separation. I don’t understand people, who are complaining about this “cheap” reissue. It’s about the music, isn’t it? I am very happy to finally have this iconic album in my vinyl collection.

I know people were disappointed with the lack of effort put into this anniversary edition and I'lll reluctantly agree it could've been better. But one upside to this release is people can now buy an excellent sounding pressing of this wonderful album for a reasonable price. Prior to this pressing being released you were looking at spending 200 to 300 bucks on a beat up original or150 minimum on the previous reissue which sucked pretty bad.

Great sounding pressing. The gatefold is also very nice, but like others mention, the lack of inner sleeve with lyrics etc is very disappointing, especially for an anniversary edition.

My copy came from the factory already with a deep scratch on the second track of the side B(((

Sound is good. Low-quality polygraphy. Vinyls without printed inner sleeves.Not the best reissue!

Good clean pressings of a legendary record. Sadly, the lack of lyric sheet or any other accompanying extras in this anniversary edition is a bit disappointing.

Icon has been re-released much better. Here they could make a booklet with texts and all the printing. But alas, someone did not have the mind. And why mention with every song that it's a remaster?

It really seems that the people involved doing this release don`t care much about records and details. This is closer to a basic lame Back on Black release than an anniversary release. No basic black vinyl available? And all the other things that people mentioned here. If Music for Nations ever decide to do a re-release on Cradle of Filth`s "Dusk and her..." I really hope that they put more effort into it.

The sound on this pressing is awesome. Clean, powerful and without a bit of surface noise. Now, as others noticed here, I find the absence of the lyrics sheet infuriating. Why did they do this, seriously? In the end, apart for the "25th Anniversary Edition" written on the cover, there's nothing special about this one. I consider Draconian Times not just as the pinnacle of Paradise Lost's career but as that decade's best metal album. It literally changed my life (well, it changed my way of conceiving music but that's what life is all about, right?) and it deserved a more special edition... How dumb I was to on the previous reissue as well as on an original pressing I saw at a shop for a relatively decent price some years ago...