Paradise Lost Parts Ways With Drummer Guido Zima Montanarini

British gothic metal legends Paradise Lost have announced a significant lineup change, parting ways with drummer Guido Zima Montanarini. The band issued a statement expressing gratitude for Zima's contributions over the past two years and wished him well in his future endeavors. The announcement comes in the midst of several ongoing and upcoming tours, which the band assures will continue as planned. As no replacement drummer has been named yet, it raises questions about how the band will manage their impressive touring schedule and the impact on their upcoming album release.

Guido Zima Montanarini joined the band in March 2023, filling the drum seat vacated by Finnish musician Waltteri Väyrynen, who left to join Opeth. His time with Paradise Lost was marked by numerous live performances and creative musical contributions, most notably during the recent “The Devil Embraced” North American tour. This tour, which included stops at major festivals like the Milwaukee Metal Fest and Maryland Deathfest, saw the band reinforce their standing as a live powerhouse in the gothic metal scene. Despite his short tenure, Zima's departure follows in the footsteps of several other high-profile band lineup changes across the music industry, including notable splits involving members from bands like In Flames and Foo Fighters.

The band’s current status reveals a broader context of ongoing creativity and vigor. Guitarist Greg Mackintosh has discussed the recording progress of their latest album, which follows their 2020 release “Obsidian.” Expected to be released by September 2025, the new record promises to continue the band's legacy of intricate and dark musical compositions. Mackintosh notes that while the album is not fully mixed, it has been recorded, withholding further details to maintain anticipation. Meanwhile, his bandmate Aaron Aedy has echoed the sentiment of the upcoming release, choosing to reveal little about its musical direction, likening it to unwrapping a gift.

Paradise Lost's discography has been a profound influence on the gothic metal and doom metal genres since their inception in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1988. Over the years, the band has successfully navigated varying musical evolutions while maintaining a dedicated fanbase. Their sound has journeyed from early death/doom ambitions with works like “Gothic” to the mainstream successes with albums such as “Draconian Times.” Furthermore, their dedication to their roots is evinced by the re-recording of their fourth album “Icon” to commemorate its 30th anniversary. The reimagined version, “Icon 30,” was produced by their longtime collaborator Jaime Gomez Arellano and boasts new artwork and liner notes, enhancing its value to fans.

Amid significant touring commitments, Paradise Lost is set to embark on a comprehensive European tour later this year. They will be joined by bands such as Messa, High Parasite, and Lacrimas Profundere, guaranteeing an enthralling lineup for audiences. The ambitious tour schedule includes performances at notable venues across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and more, culminating in a series of dates that cover a significant portion of Europe. This announcement emphasizes the band's ongoing resilience and commitment to delivering live music experiences to their fans worldwide.