Procession - A symphonic heavy metal journey echoing doom's despair and death metal's aggression

“Procession” stands as a testament to the enduring power of ambition in heavy metal. Released in 1992 by the British band Paradise Lost, it is not just a song; it’s an experience. Clocking in at over eight minutes, “Procession” takes listeners on a symphonic journey through sonic landscapes steeped in doom’s melancholic grandeur and punctuated by death metal’s ferocious intensity.

To understand the genesis of “Procession,” one must delve into the history of Paradise Lost itself. Formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1988, the band initially adhered to a more traditional doom metal sound, drawing heavily from influences like Candlemass and Black Sabbath. Their first two albums, “Lost Paradise” (1990) and “Gothic” (1991), cemented their place in the burgeoning death/doom scene.

However, by the time they started recording “Shades of God,” their third studio album, Paradise Lost was experiencing a creative metamorphosis. The band members were yearning for something more, something that transcended the confines of their established genre. They sought to infuse their music with a greater sense of theatricality and atmosphere, incorporating elements of gothic rock, progressive metal, and even classical music into their songwriting.

“Procession,” the album’s penultimate track, perfectly encapsulates this stylistic evolution. The song opens with a hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar melody, setting a somber tone that foreshadows the emotional journey ahead.

Musical Breakdown:

Intro (0:00-1:23): A solo classical guitar weaves a mournful melody, evoking a sense of melancholic grandeur reminiscent of early Romantic composers like Chopin or Schubert.
Verse 1 (1:23-3:14): The tempo gradually increases as distorted guitars and thunderous drums enter the fray. Vocalist Nick Holmes delivers guttural growls over a backdrop of intricate, melodic riffs.
Chorus (3:14-3:50): The song reaches its apex with a soaring chorus that blends clean vocals with harsh screams, creating a captivating interplay between aggression and melody.
Verse 2 (3:50-6:05): The musical intensity builds further, featuring intricate guitar solos and pounding double bass drumming. Lyrically, the song explores themes of despair, loss, and spiritual yearning.
Outro (6:05-8:17): The music gradually fades away, returning to the somber acoustic guitar melody that opened the song. The listener is left with a sense of profound emotional catharsis.

The track showcases Paradise Lost’s masterful use of dynamic shifts. From quiet introspection to bursts of ferocious energy, “Procession” is a masterclass in building tension and releasing it with devastating impact.

Lyrical Themes:

The lyrics of “Procession” are equally compelling, delving into themes of existential angst, spiritual searching, and the inevitability of death. Holmes’s vocal delivery further enhances the emotional impact, his growls conveying raw despair while his clean vocals offer glimpses of hope and transcendence.

The Legacy of “Procession”:

“Procession” stands as a landmark track in the history of heavy metal, bridging the gap between traditional doom and death metal with a touch of gothic grandeur. It influenced countless bands that followed, helping to shape the sound of melodic death metal and gothic metal.

For fans of heavier music seeking an experience that transcends genre boundaries, “Procession” is a must-listen. It’s a testament to Paradise Lost’s artistic vision and their ability to create music that is both brutal and beautiful, dark and hopeful.

Further Exploration:

To delve deeper into the world of Paradise Lost, explore their discography.
For those interested in the broader death/doom metal scene, bands like My Dying Bride, Anathema, and Katatonia are worth checking out.

“Procession” is not just a song; it’s an invitation to embark on a sonic journey. So crank up the volume, let yourself be swept away by its melancholic melodies and brutal riffs, and experience the raw power of heavy metal at its most ambitious.