The 17 songs that make up this collection clearly display the band's early influences of Kreator, Celtic Frost, and Black Sabbath along with more recent industrial, doom, and death metal styles. However, throughout their entire history the development of the singularly unique Paradise Lost style is quite evident. If you were to arrange the songs in chronological order it is quite easy to hear Paradise Lost develop from a band with a unique sound in the death metal genre into a band that has incorporated lush arrangement and orchestral elements. 

Paradise Lost share a lot in common with their fellow countrymen Iron Maiden yet still have their own distinctive style. While Iron Maiden was fairly consistent in their style from one album to the next, Paradise Lost have constantly avoiding repeating themselves. Paradise Lost is as talented a band that you'll find on the scene today.

From very humble beginnings Paradise Lost have continued to develop their audience in Europe to near legendary status, yet remain practically unheard of in the U.S. The prevalence of near-guttural death metal style vocals in their early work is probably the primary reason for the lack of radio airplay. While the vocals may be a bit gruff, in no way does it detract from the band's ability to take chances and constantly expand their own as well as the listener's horizons.

Highlights include "Say Just Words" which rails against hypocrisy and "Forever Failure" which is a mournful song. "As I Die" is another great track. The only weak track I can find on the disc, comparatively speaking, is "Eternal" which is a bit fuzzy despite it's heavy groove; "Eternal" seems to lack the clear focus of the band's other work. Elegant use of keyboards throughout the various tracks offset the crystalline metallic sheen of the guitars. Other elements that keep the listener interested are added female vocals that are prevalent in some songs to recent inclusion of industrial noise to the overall Paradise Lost style. In addition, three live tracks are included which gives an added dimension of the band and their sound and lets the listener know this band can pull it off live as well as in the studio.

Phil Alexander, the editor of the famed British hard rock magazine "Kerrang!", wrote the liner notes in a very entertaining fashion. Additional liner notes are provided by the band which gives a unique historical perspective on the development of Paradise Lost through their music.