Live Review : Paradise Lost + Messa + High Parasite @ New Century Hall, Manchester on October 9th 2025

It is now de rigueur to describe the early 90s UK metal scene as a bit of a desolate wasteland laid bare by the cataclysmic influence of grunge and American alt-rock. Whilst Seattle’s influence was far-reaching, in West Yorkshire, something quite incredible was forming. Whilst Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride (and Anathema over on Merseyside) were aware of each other, their brands of Gothic metal developed independently of each other. More a collection of bands with shared influences than a scene, it still proved that not every new act wanted to sound like they came from over the pond. Thirty-five years down the line Paradise Lost find themselves in the interesting position of being a highly influential and highly regarded act without ever really having broken into the mainstream. Tonight’s audience may not fill New Century Hall to the brim but to a person they are reverential fan boys and girls happy to venerate an act that outside of the inner sanctum are still very much a bit of a secret.

High Parasite make a very interesting and appropriate bedfellow. They are fronted by Aaron Stainthorpe, the now former lead singer of fellow Yorkshire miserabilists My Dying Bride (his departure is announced by his erstwhile bandmates whilst he is on stage here in Manchester). It seems our Aaron is too busy enjoying himself in his new persona to worry about the permanency of his day job. High Parasite put the fun back into goth and the joy back into doom. They take musical forms known mostly for their morbid nature and utterly subvert them. Aaron and his bandmates have a spring in their step and seem hellbent on entertaining. Song titles such as ‘Grave Intentions’, ‘Hate Springs Eternal’ and ‘Let it Fail’ may promise death and despondency, but it fails to take into account the frothy melodic pop sensibilities that they happily exonerate. Basically, this is far more euphoric than you would expect from one of the godfathers of doom metal, and don’t tell his ex’s in My Dying Bride, but he seems to be having a whale of a time doing it. 

Ok the New Century Hall stage is rather expansive but that doesn’t explain why Messa only ever utilises half of it. All their set-up is on stage left, and they remain firmly there, as if the other section is partitioned off and deemed a no-go area. It all looks a little lob-sided as if some magical “Do not cross” police tape has been employed. Messa fall into that bracket of ethereal and entrancing. It is all rather slight and unimposing, and the beauty is to be found in its unintrusive manner. Alberto is an astonishing guitarist with a virtuoso range. His talents though, are used sparingly. In the main, his output is tender and restrained; there are only a couple of moments where he is allowed to really let it rip. Rather than feeling annoying or impropriety, it actually adds to the air of mystery. You get the distinct impression that there is much more to this band than we are actually seeing this evening, and whilst they are supremely enjoyable the hope is that their appearance at next month’s Damnation will see them let rip.

Aside from the Spinal Tap like disregard for the health and safety of their drummers (returnee Jeff singer is the eighth incumbent in the role) Paradise Lost have been the same four musicians for the last 37 years. They have developed an almost telepathic-like form of interaction, and whilst they are spread out across New Century Hall’s mammoth stage, they are always in perfect synchronicity with each other. They may well be anointed with creating a whole musical genre, but they come across as perfectly grounded. Nick Holmes muses whether this counts as a hometown show since they come from just across the Pennines and the distinctly hostile anti-Yorkshire feeling makes him quickly change mind. It is one of many moments of friendly banter with a Ferment fan base who obviously travel with the band.

For many years Paradise Lost setlists have felt quite safe, bringing out the same numbers from their quintessential records such as “Draconian Times”, “One Second” and “Icon 30”. However, on this tour, as Nick gleefully announces, they have gone down the deep cuts route. True Belief from the latter album has been played sporadically since the early noughties, yet here it is in all its majestic brilliance. Equally unexpected is having ‘Once Solemn’ as the soul contributory moment from the much-loved “Draconian Times”. Up until now it has only appeared when they have performed the album in full, but here it is being allowed to stand on its own two legs. “Host” divides the fanbase with some seeing it as the first signs of their drift away from their roots in the noughties whilst others consider it to be an exemplary piece of self-determination that saved the band from simply sitting in the same groove. Whatever side of the fence you sit, a rather metallic reinterpretation of nothing sacred is greeted like the return of a prodigal child.

Paradise Lost are so good now at what they do and so in tune with each other that it is impossible for them to give poor performances. Whilst they have gone through many different interpretations of their sound, the 2025 variant is one that seemingly amalgamates them all into a singular vision that is quintessentially and singularly Paradise Lost. Even though they visit many of the different poles of their diverse career, nothing seems to jar and every track beautifully interweaves with the next. This may divisively play with our expectations but ‘Say Just Words’ isn’t going anywhere and brings the main set to an end. They have never taken the adulation of their fanbase for granted, and they all come across as rather taken aback by the rabid calls for three more songs. We get just that, an unexpected return for ‘No Celebration’ , a fabulous ‘Ghosts’ and a rather interesting choice of new track ‘Silence Like The Grave’ for a closing number. But it is that ability to never rest on their virtues that makes Paradise Lost still the most amazing live act. They may struggle to fill larger halls but believe us, Paradise Lost are very much amongst the greatest and most influential metal band this country has ever produced.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Paradise Lost + Messa + High Parasite