In 1989, the band signed to Peaceville Records and released their first album, Lost Paradise. November 1990 saw them return to The Academy where there debut was recorded to start work on Gothic, their second album. This album proved to be what drew attention to the band as one of the leaders of the gothic metal sound. The album featured a symphonic orchestra and female lead vocals from Sarah Marrion.
Their next album came out in July 1992. Shades of God contained the single As I Die, which has become an anthem for their fans at Paradise Lost concerts. Their fourth album, Icon, was released in September 1993, and cemented their place in the mainstream metal scene, with Paradise Lost tickets always popular on the scene.
Draconian Times was released in June 1995. This was to become one of their most successful releases and is considered a masterpiece in gothic metal. Paradise Lost tickets for the supporting tour sold well throughout Europe, South America, Australia and Japan.
In 1997, the band returned with a revamped look and sound – the album One Second experimented with synths and electronica. Although this was considered a mistake by some of their older fans, it gained them legions of new ones and increased their popularity in Europe. Their next two albums, Host (1999) and Believe in Nothing (2001) continued down the synth/electronic route, but the latter incorporated a more rock sound.
In May 2002, they signed to G.U.N Records, and released Symbol of Life, returning to their metal roots. Their next release was an eponymous album combining electronic and rock music but remaining well within the gothic metal genre. Their 11th album, In Requiem, was released in spring 2007. It marked a welcome return for their fans to a heavier sound, similar to that of Draconian Times. The Enemy was the first single from the album.
In August 2008, Jeff Singer left his role as drummer. This impacted the upcoming Paradise Lost tour, but Mark Heron took his place and the tour was rescheduled. In March 2009, after they had recorded their next album, Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us, Adrian Erlandsson joined as drummer. The band performed at Ozzfest 2010 as the new lineup.