LORD OF THE LOST - OPVS NOIR Vol. 2

In this volume the lyrics speak of ghosts, the human spirit and determination; a wish for freedom and a yearning for connections. Synthesised strings and choirs envelop a hopeful presence to the sound, giving tracks an anthemic uplift alongside strong riffing and solid percussion, rock very much at the core. It can be easy to close one's eyes and imagine the sound reverberating in a stadium as songs have claps, catchy riffs and swelling backing vocals. The sound is stimulating. Lyrics are poetic, memorable and clear, delivered passionately by vocalist Chris “The Lord” Harms, inviting listeners to sing along with vigour.

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The expressive usage of keyboard and piano on tracks build atmosphere and offer emotion at crucial moments, such as heard in “One of Us Will Be Next”, creating a very memorable ballad. Kahl’s drumming is strong and structured, working in tandem with lyrics and giving deliberate pauses for emphasis, telling a tragic story together. Guitar riffs are heavy but never overboard, a balance of power that is effective as much as it is addicting in nature. The production of Vol 2 is clean and tight, it does not skip a beat in terms of necessary tracks. Everything feels right and in place, structured and high quality in delivery and mixing.

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Whilst staying true to their goth-metal and industrial rock nature, Lord of the Lost continue to genre-blend, inviting guests onto the album who are outside of the metal sphere to contribute. This results in some very unique songs like “Raveyard” featuring Käärijä, bringing a very wild Eurovision power combo that has elements of industrial, electronics and rap. “Would You Walk With Me Through Hell” is gothic and techno, a romantic collaboration with an incredible chorus, accompanied by Infected Rain’s Lena Scissorhands. “What Have We Become” and “Please Break the Silence” add to a strong tracklist, a peer into other genres and singing styles while remaining very grounded in the band’s sound. It ensures the album stays fresh, experimental and full of powerful voices. They match energies perfectly, in every genre they choose to explore together.

The six piece band work together with fluidity, creating a list of songs that vary in hardness and softness; a mix of rock, electronica and pop beats, varying much like the waves of emotion. The album flows well as they all have that Lord of the Lost sound remain. Vol 2 overall is a musical epic that uplifts hearts and pumps blood, urging one to bang their head and dance the very next moment. That energy stays for as long as it needs to. “Sharp Edges” dials back the heavy rock and exposes gothic, romantic roots, a smooth ballad to wind down to until the end but the lyrics remain with your heart.

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Overall, OPVS Noir Vol 2 glitters gothic, it is ambitious, loud and a rush of spirit. It does not disappoint, a welcome second half of a personal journey for the band. It is best enjoyed with an open mind and the desire to be swept up by the sound.

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SCORE 9/10

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REVIEWED BY GhostinthearmouR

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