Album Review: Lord of the Lost – OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 (Napalm Records)

A work, a transformation, a re-entry into the melancholic self, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 is a grandiose undertaking by Lord of the Lost. Not only is it the first album as a six-piece band, but it also marks the beginning of an entire album trilogy, set to be released in multiple editions, including, of course, strictly limited collector’s items.

Each volume contains 11 songs, totalling 33 tracks, and Vol.1 will be released on August 8, 2025, via Napalm Records.

Returning to a more melancholic place, boldly so, Lord of the Lost have taken a long hard look at themselves and set out down a path that will prove to be the thing that catapults them to even greater heights. They already can be called stars, but they’re about to go supernova and it’s all because of a more cohesive and focused dark rock sound that distils their extravagant side into something so much more theatrical. Listening to Lord of the Lost was always something special, but this is an experience like no other now.

The word ‘epic’ exists specifically to describe music like this, and they’re at their potent best with an opening track like Bazaar Bizarre. A track with heavy bursts, a dark and sinister vibe, and a track that is undeniably anthemic. Alongside the vibrant gothic-laden and chorus-driven My Sanctuary and I Will Die in It, Lord of the Lost refined to a sharp point, and utterly addictive.

Another mighty cool aspect of this record is how collaborative it is, and Lord of the Lost have sought out a variety of top-tier guest artists to help them make this record special. From Within Temptation on the gorgeous Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness, where Sharon den Adel’s stunning vocals soar and work so well alongside Chris Harms’ deep tones. To the ambitious Moonstruck, which features Stimmgewalt, a 12-piece dark a cappella ensemble, and Whiplasher Bernadotte (Deathstars), helping give Lord of the Lost a filthy industrial style on Damage.

Something, unsurprisingly, the band find themselves very comfortable doing. You really can feel the confidence in Lord of the Lost throughout.

So dramatic, so colourful, so pretty, and so much fun, Lord of the Lost continue their epic run with another likable banger that makes the cello more metal than ever. It’s Ghosts, it features Tina Guo, and it’s an epic, but without an epic length. It’s also over the top, but without being a parody of cinematic grandeur. Lord of the Lost have been careful to not overdo it anywhere here, something they’ve been guilty of plenty of times in the past.

Although it does get mightily close with Lords of Fyre though, but what do you expect when Feuerschwanz are involved!? We still love them, and there’s no denying that the track is stupidly anthemic and so much fun.

Whereas The Things We Do for Love isn’t fun, but it is spectacular and Lord of the Lost at their absolute best. Combining soaring melodies, dramatic synth, blasts of aggressive heaviness, a deep layers of cinematic and gothic opulence. The chorus is stunning and while this might have a finale feel, it’s anything but as The Sadness in Everything is next and takes things to a more frenetic place, while featuring the ethereal vocals of Anna Maria Rose.

Finally, it’s Dreams Are Never Alone, the actual finale, and one befitting of its place. All thanks to the potent cinematic feel it has. The moody melodies, the measured vocals, sinister synth, and infectious chorus embody the dark side of Lord of the Lost. They’ve well and truly embraced it here, and so will you. They’ve set themselves one hell of a high bar with Vol. 1.

Lord of the Lost – OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 Track Listing:

1. Bazaar Bizarre
2. My Sanctuary
3. Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness (& Within Temptation)
4. I Will Die in It
5. Moonstruck (& Stimmgewalt)
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

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