Another great PL single
Roger FitzAlan | Ithaca, NY | 09/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was surprised at my initial impulse to give this thing four stars. "Erased" is one of the weaker songs on Paradise Lost's album "Symbol of Life." It has a slightly outdated goth style and sounds like it was chosen to appeal to Germany's heavy music market, which eats this type of stuff up. It's a good enough song, but PL's usually tasteful use of female vocals goes overboard in a cheesy chorus replete with pseudo-tough guy anger. Don't completely count the song out, though-- it's got some great sounds and slick production to it.
But the real reason to buy this single is the two B-sides. Paradise Lost has a great tradition of excellent non-album songs, and "I Can Hate You" and "Deus" are two of their best in years. "I Can Hate You" resounds with Aaron Aedy's sharp, vicious, and heavy guitar overlaid with guitarist Greg Mackintosh's superb touches on lead guitar. PL does many things well, but this is what they do best-- rhythm guitar that could carry a song all by itself accompanied by brilliantly creative lead guitar on top of it. The song has an immediacy in its anger which makes it a unique for Paradise Lost-- you won't find a similar emotional tone on any of their other contemporary stuff. "Deus" continues with the excellent guitar work and inspired singing of Nick Holmes. If you are fond of older Pl material, this song will take you back somewhat, although it sounds much more "modern" thanks to Rhys Fulber's excellent production.
As for the "enhanced" portion, the "Erased" video is ok, although it won't blow anyone away. The live tracks don't sound very good-- this single is mainly worth it for the taste of "Symbol of Life" and the great non-album studio tracks."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1