The Plague Within

"The Plague Within" is the fourteenth studio album by British gothic metal band Paradise Lost. It was released on June 1, 2015, by Century Media Records. This album marks a stylistic shift as the band revisits their earlier death-doom roots, integrating them with their established gothic metal sound.

### Background and Style:

- **Return to Roots**: "The Plague Within" sees Paradise Lost exploring heavier and darker musical territories, reminiscent of their earlier work in the 1990s. The band combines elements of death metal and doom metal with their classic gothic influences.

- **Musical Composition**: The album features a mixture of harsh growling vocals and melodic singing, underscoring the thematic contrasts of despair and haunting beauty that characterize the music. The instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs and atmospheric keyboards, providing a dense and moody soundscape.

- **Lyrical Themes**: The lyrics delve into existential and philosophical themes, exploring topics of suffering, inner turmoil, and the human condition.

### Reception:

Critically, "The Plague Within" was well received for its bold musical direction and passionate execution. Fans and critics alike praised the return of heavier elements and the band's ability to blend different metal subgenres seamlessly.

### Notable Tracks:

Some standout tracks from the album include "No Hope in Sight," "Beneath Broken Earth," and "Return to the Sun," each showcasing the band's commitment to embracing their heavy roots while maintaining melodic sensibilities.

This album represents a significant period in Paradise Lost's discography, demonstrating their willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound while acknowledging their origins.