Obsidian
Paradise Lost · 2020
56 min · 11 tracks · doom metal
A haunting blend of gothic melodies and crushing doom riffs, layered with introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Darker Thoughts Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Fall From Grace — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of melodic elements with heavy instrumentation, featuring a haunting chorus that encapsulates themes of despair and redemption.
-
→
Ghosts — With its ethereal soundscapes and evocative lyrics, this song captures the emotional essence of the album, highlighting the band's ability to blend beauty with darkness.
-
→
Serenity — This track stands out for its contrasting serene verses against crushing choruses, illustrating the band's dynamic range while delving into themes of inner turmoil and longing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Obsidian balances heavy riffs with melodic elements, showcasing solid songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that consistently employ heavy guitar riffs and growled vocals, while the second half shifts to more melodic elements and clean singing.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that create a sense of space between heavier sections, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's closing track is notably longer than the others, featuring an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a lingering effect.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing for deep reflection
- melancholic melodies for introspection
- haunting soundscapes for evening solitude
- mid-tempo progression for thoughtful listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat energy
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in the band's later years.
- Themes
- inner turmoil· gothic despair
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2020, Obsidian marked Paradise Lost's sixteenth studio album, following their acclaimed record Medusa. At this stage in their career, the band was embracing a return to their heavier roots while also incorporating more melodic elements, showcasing their evolution within the doom metal genre after decades of influence.
- Stylistic neighbors
- My Dying Bride· Anathema· Cathedral
Tracklist
- 1 Darker Thoughts Start here 5:46
- 2 Fall From Grace 5:42
- 3 Ghosts 4:35
- 4 The Devil Embraced 6:08
- 5 Forsaken 4:30
- 6 Serenity 4:46
- 7 Ending Days 4:36
- 8 Hope Dies Young 4:02
- 9 Ravenghast 5:30
- 10 Hear the Night 5:34
- 11 Defiler 4:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Angel and the Dark River
My Dying Bride
Shares the same gothic despair and atmospheric soundscapes with heavy, melodic riffs.
When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light
Swallow the Sun
Combines introspective lyrics with haunting melodies and crushing doom elements.
Weather Systems
Anathema
Explores emotional depth through layered soundscapes and melancholic themes, similar to Obsidian's vibe.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.