PARADISE LOST: New Song Available For Streaming

British gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST are streaming a new song, "As Horizons End", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the band's new album, "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us", due on September 28, 2009 in Europe and October 6, 2009 in the U.S. via Century Media Records.

Commented vocalist Nick Holmes: "This song is about someone who's on a downward spiral. Working too hard and trying to claw back some positive spirit by participating in all the so-called joyous occasions in life, socializing and networking but to no avail, the long days have crushed the soul till only disappointment and cynicism remains. This song was inspired by the thousands of disheveled-looking middle-aged businessmen I see in airports each year. This track has had a dozen facelifts since its inception and in true fashion, it was never intended to be the first track. Once it was mixed though it was hard to imagine any other song opening the album."

Added guitarist Greg Mackintosh: "The whole point to this song was to capture a feeling of foreboding. Like when a thunderstorm is approaching. All the chord progressions are supposed to give an ominous sense of dread. The mid section lulls you into thinking that you're safe only to discover there is much bigger storm on the horizon."

"Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us" was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren. The highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem" features around 10 tracks, including "First Light", "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us", "Frailty" and "My Last Regret".

Holmes recently stated about the album's title, "The thoughts behind the title 'Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us' are very much self-explanatory. There is so much division in the world caused by obstructing religious belief. We are all made of the same flesh and bone. What makes one religion better than the other, and would any true god allow his creation to destroy itself? The vast number of different so-called faiths around the globe just helps to strengthen my complete denial of any god and force the belief that religion is nothing more than a man-made, cash-induced fabrication to exploit a human being's natural fear of death."

Regarding the band's decision to work with Bogren this time around, Holmes previously stated, "We are very happy with [producer] Rhys Fulber's work on the last album ['In Requiem'], but after working on three albums together, we decided it was time to go for a different approach. After hearing the work he did with our 'Anatomy Of Melancholy' live DVD, we decided that Jens Bogren was the man for the job."

He continued, "Our approach this time has leaned even more towards the heavier side of things, even more so than the last. It is vital not to lose touch with our musical trip over the last 20 years. Our music may have had different facelifts, but it has always been 'dark' and the new album will be no exception. Musically and lyrically.

"Writing a new album is always exciting; we never get bored of writing music, and for me, it is the best part of being in a band. Each album is like a challenge to better ourselves, or at the very least, do something that's different to everyone else. We strive to make the ultimate modern gothic metal album, and for me that has nothing to do with the common trend of 'romance' and 'roses.' It should be music to be murdered by."

PARADISE LOST recently enlisted Adrian Erlandsson (CRADLE OF FILTH, THE HAUNTED, AT THE GATES) as the band's new full-time drummer.

Commented guitarist Greg Mackintosh: "Adrian has been a friend and acquaintance for some time. After calling me to see if the drumming position was still vacant, we quickly arranged for an audition right before entering the studio to record our new album. We knew immediately that he was the man for the job. Playing the songs with him felt very natural. He is the same age as us and from a similar musical background. Unfortunately, it was too short notice to play on the new album, but everything we do from now on will have Adrian involved."

Added Adrian Erlandsson: "PARADISE LOST has been one of my favourite bands since I first heard them in 1990. When my fellow BRUJERIA member Jeff Walker told me that PL were looking for a drummer, I got in contact with Greg straight away. After a few chats and e-mails, I was on my way to the audition. I had learnt 10 songs out of their last setlist, but after playing only four songs, Nick [Holmes, vocals] said, 'The job is yours if you want it.' Great success!! I look forward to growing even older with the lads and rocking hard with them live!!"

Angel Of Metal conducted an interview with Nick Holmes of at the inaugural installment of the Hammerfest festival, which was held April 24-25 at at Pontins, Prestatyn Sands, Wales, United Kingdom. Watch the six-minute chat below.