Please allow a comparison between Paradise Lost and Metallica. Let's find out why!

First reason is that in metal magazines of that time, it was stated that, after the "Draconian Times" album was released in 1995,

Paradise Lost topped Metallica in some of the North-European metal tops at that time and Paradise Lost received the nickname "The European Metallica". 

The second reason for this approach is that Paradise Lost has been influenced by Metallica's music when they decided to adopt clean vocals, and represents Nick Holmes' first favorite band when he started to listen to metal music.

That being said we can imagine almost each Paradise Lost album paralleled to a Metallica's LP.

We can start with "One Second" LP and there is some elements to compare it with "Load" album.

Both are the bands' first less metal and more rock oriented albums. One being labelled Hard Rock and the other one Gothic Rock. Also, they adopted a new look when they gave up their long hair.

Going back in time, again "Draconian Times" should be the PL's black album. Easily the most appreciated and successful album from their discography containing iconic, memorable songs.

 

This album being still within the metal genre. A perfect combination of doom, gothic and heavy metal. 

 

"Icon" is the powerful one.

Similar, somehow, with "...And Justice for All". The beneficiary of a strong Arena-Rock sound, and very compact from the beginning to the end. 

Also, we can imagine that the song "True Belief" should be their "One" hit single.

 

Moving back in time "Shades of God" and "Master of Puppets" has the tree points to sustain the plan;

Battery, Master of Puppets and Welcome Home (Sanatorium) respectively; Mortals Watch the Day, Pity the Sadness and As I Die. 

 

On the other hand Gregor Mackintosh, Nick Holmes and Stephen Edmondson stated in an interview, that the main influence for this album is Black Sabbath's "Master Of Reality".

 

On "Gothic" album Paradise Lost found and  consolidates their artistic identity, much like "Ride the Lightning". Also, defining the music style they've created ,Gothic Metal, exactly how Metallica draw a strict line for the Thrash Metal genre there!

 

"Lost Paradise" is a strong musical statement who

killed 'em all with the attitude and big sound, especially at the vocal delivery. 

The album created the Doom-Death genre much like Metallica started the Thrash-Metal mania in 1983.

"Host" is some kind of a natural continuation (some say a little bit exaggerated as the guitar section was drawn back in favor for the electronica arrangements) of "One Second" and seems to be the Paradise Lost's "Reload" LP.

The infamous (nu-metal?) "St.Anger" has the counterpart collection of songs gathered under the name of "Believe in Nothing".

A blend of Gothic-Rock and Alternative-Metal. The band being not so much happy with it as they stated it contains some compromises. 

Even though, the album has at least tree strong points ; "I Am Nothing" ; "Mouth" (a very memorable and definitory Gothic-Rock masterpiece) and "World Pretending".

Starting with the "Symbol of Life" album Paradise Lost re-establish their music within the Metal genre

creating unforgettable songs up to this day much like (one of) their heroes did from "Death Magnetic" and their follow up LPs.