In Requiem cover

In Requiem

Paradise Lost · 2007

45 min · 11 tracks · doom metal

A haunting blend of gothic melodies and crushing doom riffs creates a melancholic atmosphere throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Never for the Damned Start here — Opening with an aggressive yet melodic riff, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of despair and longing while showcasing the band's signature sound.
  • →
    Praise Lamented Shade — This song features a compelling mix of clean and growled vocals, demonstrating the band's ability to balance heaviness with emotional depth, making it a standout moment.
  • →
    Fallen Children — The track's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies encapsulate themes of loss and hopelessness, making it one of the most emotionally resonant pieces on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends heavy and melodic elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a dark tone, followed by melodic verses that contrast with the aggressive instrumentation.
  • Several tracks feature tempo shifts, moving from slow, crushing sections to faster-paced riffs, creating dynamic tension throughout.
  • The use of layered vocals, alternating between clean singing and harsh growls, adds depth to the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady progression with resolution
  • haunting melodies for deep reflection
  • immersive listening in solitude
  • melancholic atmosphere for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat or fast tempos
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers, showcasing a blend of styles.
Themes
gothic despair· melodic aggression
Career context
In Requiem marks Paradise Lost's ninth studio album, released after a notable shift in their sound with the previous album, Paradise Lost (2005). At this point in their career, the band sought to return to their heavier roots while incorporating the atmospheric elements that defined their earlier work, reaffirming their status in the gothic metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
My Dying Bride· Anathema· Cathedral

Tracklist

  • 1 Never for the Damned Start here 5:06
  • 2 Ash & Debris 4:16
  • 3 The Enemy 3:39
  • 4 Praise Lamented Shade 4:02
  • 5 Requiem 4:25
  • 6 Unreachable 3:38
  • 7 Prelude to Descent 4:11
  • 8 Fallen Children 3:38
  • 9 Beneath Black Skies 4:12
  • 10 Sedative God 3:59
  • 11 Your Own Reality 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata