Doom Icons Paradise Lost Reveal Striking ‘Medusa’ Album Cover + Release Date

British death / doom pillar Paradise Lost have been projecting hopeless feelings of emptiness and sorrow for nearly 30 years. As one of the early pioneers of the genre, the band has remained at the forefront of the movement and are now ready to deliver their 15th studio album, Medusa, out Sept. 1 through Nuclear Blast.

The artwork (seen above) was created by Branco Studio and depicts the infamous Medusa from Greek mythology. Resting atop a magenta background is the central figure, looking ahead with a frozen stare, clasping a cobra-topped staff. She's encircled by a crown a slithering snakes, which represent the hair of the character in accordance with the mythos. The legend says anyone who gazes into the eyes of Medusa will be transformed into stone.

Lead guitarist Greg Mackintosh elaborated on the artwork, stating, "Whilst we were writing Medusa and realizing what the new songs were becoming, we had to find an artist to reflect this direction. After searching around for a while, I found Branca Studios. They have a keen eye for design and their modern take on retro artwork really fit the bill. What they have come up with is a blending of colorful yet retro styling, whilst maintaining the classic Paradise Lost feel."

Adding to these comments, vocalist Nick Holmes explains, "I was intrigued about a greater meaning and thinking more along the lines of what Medusa represents metaphorically. Medusa as a title works in many ways. From a Nihilist perspective, when I read the description of Medusa on the Wikipedia page: 'Attempts to avoid looking into Medusa's eyes represents avoiding the ostensibly depressing reality that the universe is meaningless' The title was pretty much in the bag!"

Joining the four original members, Holmes, Mackintosh Aaron Aedy (rhythm guitar) and Stephen Edmondson (bass), is the Finnish Waltteri Väyrynen (drums), who joined Paradise Lost in 2016 and makes his first studio appearance with them on Medusa. There's some familiarity between both sides as Väyrynen and Mackintosh are bandmates in death metal act Vallenfyre.

Paradise Lost have also announced a special Medusa release party, which will be held in the German capital city, Stuttgart. The group will perform the entire new record from start to finish and more surprises regarding the show will be revealed in the near future. For more information and to purchase your ticket, click here. To see a list of upcoming European tour dates with support from Pallbearer Sinistro, head to the Paradise Lost Facebook page.

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