On this, their modest debut, Paradise Lost helped define the rules of doom/death metal: grinding, de-tuned anthems of woe topped with death metal-style guttural vocals.

Yet, even as they were laying down the blueprint, Paradise Lost was already reaching for realms unknown to their then-amateurish abilities and latent promise.

This is evident in all but the most primitive tracks here, but only the occasionally memorable riff or discreet melody contained in tracks like "Paradise Lost," "Rotting Misery," "Deadly Inner Sense," and "Breeding Fear" (which introduces a female vocalist) even hint at the band's potential.

In retrospect, Lost Paradise serves as a welcome rediscovery for serious fans, but casual metalheads likely won't see anything worthwhile here.