Paradise Lost’s new album feels like coming home to an old friend. With The Plague Within, their fourteenth full length since forming in 1988, you’ll want to kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Coming off 2012’s very solid Tragic Idol, I could only hope the momentum would continue—and the band certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact, The Plague Within is my favorite from the band to date. Blasphemy? Get back to me once you’ve listened to this straight-ahead, dark and groovy album.

Even with Gregor Mackintosh and Nick Holmes in moonlighting in Vallenfyre and Bloodbath, respectively, Paradise Lost has somehow become an even stronger unit. From a surprisingly clean performance on opener, “No Hope In Sight,” to the gritty death-tones he shows off on “Flesh From Bone,” Holmes’ vocal range is simply stellar. The same can be said of Gregor’s lead guitar work, and he shows it all off during the almost-constant soloing in “Victim of the Past”. The skills the band members have honed working in outside projects only add to the product.

But make no mistake, it’s still a Paradise Lost album—just on a grander scale. Admittedly, the band fell off a bit midway through their career, drifting away from what made them successful. But they picked back up with Faith Divides Us — Death Unites Us and really haven’t let up since. What’s really striking here, though, is how much of an ear worm this newest set is; it’s one you’ll want to constantly replay, again and again, like an obsession.

“An Eternity of Lies” offers a glimpse into the past, with grand pianos followed by slow, bouncy guitar scrapes and choruses that open the song up to the grandiose layers of doom the band’s known for. Speaking of doom, “Beneath Broken Earth” and “Sacrifice the Flame” hit the sonic equivalent of a slow rolling earthquake. They start off small but grow in intensity and scale, little by little destroying everything in their paths. There’s little doubt this is where the band cut its teeth, as these tracks just bleed epicness and showcase the sprawling depth they are capable of.

I have to mention “Cry Out,” too, as it’s easily one of my favorites on the album. The groovy riffs, drums and lead-guitar work are reminiscent of metal’s storied past, while the vocals keep the tune grounded. This is a track meant to be played loudly. But it’s not just this tune; the entire album should be cranked, as its distinct crunch and darkness is best delivered through sheer volume.

I hoped for the best with this release and that’s exactly what I got. The Plague Within is my favorite Paradise Lost record to date. Only time will tell if it remains such. But for now, Paradise Lost is consuming me.

– Josh

The Plague Within will be available June 2, 2015 on Century Media Records. For more information on Paradise Lost visit the band’s official website.