PARADISE LOST’s GREGOR MACKINTOSH On Producing Ascension, Imperfections And Staying True

Interview by Angela CroudaceThree decades into their career, Paradise Lost remain masters of gothic metal’s melancholic grandeur. With their new album Ascension, guitarist Gregor Mackintosh took on the dual role of musician and producer—a responsibility he says wasn’t a giant leap, given his growing involvement in shaping the band’s sound over recent albums.“In the past, producers used to be heavily involved in songwriting and structure,” Gregor explained. “Now it’s more about getting the sound in your head onto the record.” While self-producing offered him complete creative control, it also brought the risk of over-polishing, a trap he deliberately avoided. “Metal’s become so sanitised, chasing perfection until all the character is gone. I wanted Ascension to have flaws that give it life.”Inspiration for Ascension struck after a period of creative standstill, triggered, unexpectedly, by the band’s re-recording of their 1993 album Icon. “It put me in a different headspace,” Gregor says. The record’s visual identity came together just as organically, centred on George Frederick Watts’ Victorian painting The Court of Death, whose calm central figure surrounded by grief perfectly mirrored the album’s themes.For Gregor, Paradise Lost’s longevity comes from refusing to chase trends. “We’ve always done our own thing, not been part of any scene,” he says. “If it resonates, great—if not, so be it.” That independence extends to songwriting, where fan expectations take a back seat to authenticity.And while misery remains at the heart of Paradise Lost’s music, Gregor sees its appeal as intensely uplifting. “Dark music is evocative; it makes you feel something. It’s not about being miserable, it’s about connection.”Australian fans may get to experience Ascension live in early 2026, with tour plans currently in discussion. “Fingers crossed,” Gregor says. “We’d love to be back.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.