Iconic UK metallers, Paradise Lost, have signed a worldwide deal with German-based metal powerhouse Nuclear Blast. Formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1988 and still boasting four of its five original members, the band are widely-credited with co-founding the gothic metal genre with their sophomore album, Gothic (1991).

Through the years, Paradise Lost have changed their style effectively and reinvented themselves again and again. They elbowed their way from their original doom/death metal on their debut, Lost Paradise (1990) to the classic Icon (1993) and more experimental One Second (1997). Finally they went back to the roots with their current release, The Plague Within (2015) and some of the best reviews of their career.

Vocalist Nick Holmes commented: "Paradise Lost's career has run alongside Nuclear Blast Records since the label began in the late 80's. And as huge fans of original death metal, we still have the majority of the label's first releases from those very early days. It's pretty incredible to see how the label has become a real force in metal music over the years, both in Europe and America and now, nearly 30 years later, in a new chapter for the band, it's exciting for Paradise Lost to be a part of Nuclear Blast in 2017!"

Nuclear Blast owner Markus Staiger adds: "As a fan from day one I've been following Paradise Lost ever since their death metal era but also enjoyed watching them grow into something even bigger and so unique. They defined and later on re-defined the gothic genre and always delivered the most dark and memorable songs. It's with great pleasure to finally welcome the band to the ever-growing Nuclear Blast family! Needless to say that we're very much looking forward to this cooperation!"

Paradise Lost live:

June
18 - Dessel, Belglium - Graspop Metal Meeting
19 - Clisson, France - Hellfest

July
3 - Roitzschjora, Germany - With Full Force
9 - Novi Sad, Serbia - Exit Festival
17 - Joensuu, Finland - Ilosaarirock

August
11 - Schlotheim, Germany - Party.San Open Air
13 - Walton On Trent, UK - Bloodstock Open Air
20 - Hamburg, Germany - Elb-Riot
27 - Istanbul, Turkey - 100% Metal Fest Headbangers' Weekend

October
15 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Epic Metal Fest Brazil

Paradise Lost are:

Nick Holmes - vocals
Greg Mackintosh - lead guitars
Aaron Aedy - rhythm guitars
Steve Edmondson - bass
Waltteri Väyrynen - drums