When a genre-bending band like LORD OF THE LOST announce that their upcoming album will be titled “Opvs Noir,” one thing is for certain – they fucking mean business. A less experimental but more grounded affair than “Blood & Glitter” was, this new studio offering showcases many of the shades of black LORD OF THE LOST are known for. All has been revealed on August 8th, 2025, when “Opvs Noir” dropped on Napalm Records.
The singles released thus far – from last year’s anthemic and entertaining “Lords of Fyre” (a collaboration with FEUERSCHWANZ), through this year’s Gothic rockers “My Sanctuary” and “I Will Die in It,” as well as the featurings with Tina Guo and WITHIN TEMPTATION – paint only half a picture of what “Opvs Noir” actually delivers in terms of sonic nuances, metal textures, and lyrical depth. One of the best things about this album is how the songs that are made in cooperation with other artists fit those respective artists so well. For example, when I heard Sharon den Adel’s opening vocals on “Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness” and how the song delicately balances subtle symphonic nuances with a more predominant Gothic aura, I thought it could fit WITHIN TEMPTATION’s discography pretty seamlessly. Likewise, “Lords of Fyre” fits FEUERSCHWANZ’s antics and lightheartedness like a glove. Conversely, Tina Guo is an excellent partner for Chris Harms’s cello melodies, adding drama and intensity to the rather heavy and distorted “Ghosts.”
If the album’s full experience could be summed up in a song, it would probably be “Ghosts,” as it offers both aggression and emotion in equal measure. So, when it comes to heaviness, LORD OF THE LOST really don’t hold back, actually opening “Opvs Noir” with “Bazaar Bizarre,” a rather heavy and distorted track that starts full force with a wall of sound made of guitars, drums, and some choirs. It ebbs and flows between quieter, vocal-driven parts and a fuller chorus before ramping up the aggressiveness factor for its bridge part. It is followed by “My Sanctuary,” “Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness,” and “I Will Die in It,” a trio of darker songs that showcase the band’s uncompromising penchant for Gothic anthems with a solid metal backbone to them. Where “My Sanctuary” is a more straightforward track (by their standard) with lyrical depth that gives it emotional weight, “I Will Die in It” mixes in a variety of singing styles that range from soft and delicate to rougher and harsher, which complement each other while also showcasing Chris Harms’s versatility as a singer.
However, “Moonstruck” comes along and brings a healthy dose of theatrical flair to the fray as it merges sharp guitar riffs with sweeping piano melodies while a cappella ensemble STIMMGEWALT enhances the ghostly atmosphere with their presence. For me, this is one of the album’s highlights as the combo of harsh and soft sonic textures is done incredibly well (not to mention being one of my favorite musical juxtapositions). Speaking of harsher textures, “Damage” is a true industrial banger with a rather catchy chorus section boosted by a great melodic hook, while the upbeat tempo sustained by a solid rhythm section will get you moving one way or another – headbanging, foot-tapping, head-bobbing, or full on moshing especially if this is played in a live setting. There is nothing soft about this one as the guitar riffs are sharp and even the percussive section feels discordant. On top of everything, Whiplasher Bernadotte (DEATHSTARS) adds to the sonic mayhem with his unique voice.
The final part of the album is reserved for a trio of songs that showcase the band’s melancholy and emotional side. As such, “The Things We Do for Love” is another weird juxtaposition of heavy soundscapes and beautiful lyrics elevated by one of the best choruses on the album (which makes it another highlight as far as I’m concerned). Up next, “The Sadness in Everything” features Anna Maria Rose (TALES OF TIME), which adds a fragile touch to another rather harsh piece of music, her ethereal vocals contrasting with Chris Harms’s grave tones and enhancing the song’s melancholy atmosphere. The closing track, “Dreams Are Never Alone,” acts as the ballad of the album with its lullaby-esque vocal melody and gentle ambiance, broken by occasional instrumental swells. Not a bad way to unwind!
All-in-all, “Opvs Noir” is the most LORD OF THE LOST-sounding album the German sextet could have ever crafted, as this bunch of songs highlight so many aspects of what makes LORD OF THE LOST not just a genre-bending band but a multifaceted one at that. They can stretch their sound in so many directions without losing their essence, as their musical DNA is well grounded by Chris Harms’s dark timber and their familiar dark atmosphere. The eleven songs on this album cover so much sonic ground – from Gothic ambiances and industrial harshness all the way to soft, delicate soundscapes – that it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that “Opvs Noir” is a great calling-card of who LORD OF THE LOST is as a band in 2025 and what it can deliver.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
1 Bazaar Bizarre
2 My Sanctuary
3 Light Can Only Shine In The Darkness (& Within Temptation)
4 I Will Die In It
5 Moonstruck (& Vocal Power)
6 Damage (feat. Whiplasher Bernadotte)
7 Ghosts (feat. Tina Guo)
8 Lords Of Fyre (& Feuerschwanz)
9 The Things We Do For Love
10 The Sadness In Everything (feat. Anna Maria Rose)
11 Dreams Are Never Alone
Lineup
Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar
Pi Stoffers – Guitar
Benjamin “Benji” Mundigler – Guitar, Synths
Klaas Helmecke – Bass
Gerrit Heinemann – Piano, Synths, Percussion
Niklas Kahl – Drums
Label
Napalm Records
