Album Review: Lord of the Lost – OPVS NOIR Vol. 3 (Napalm Records)

Lord of the lost bring their ambitious album trilogy to its finale with OPVS NOIR Vol. 3. A direct continuation of OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which were both unveiled in 2025, it releases on April 10th, 2026, via Napalm Records.

Quantity over quality? I actually don’t think that even though a band releasing three albums in less than a year suggests otherwise and there have been some notable lulls across the previous two records.

Regardless, I’ve found that this period was clearly a very creative one for Lord of the Lost, and while experimentation with their lavish goth-infused heavy rock sound has been limited, they’ve collaborated with many others in interesting ways and offered up plenty of varied ideas too. Something that also continues into this album.

Overall, this series of releases have managed to turn me into a fan.

Beginning in expected fashion, the cinematic opulence of Lord of the Lost is on dazzling display with Kill the Lights. Followed by the first of several impactful collaborations, I’m A Diamond which features Alea of Saltatio Mortis. A collaboration that I don’t think anyone could have predicted and a collaboration that cleverly blends styles, while keeping the anthemic goth and synth side of Lord of the Lost at the forefront. It’s one hell of an infectious song, and the chorus slays. It’s a personal favourite of the album (and the series so far).

Less so is My Funeral. Don’t get me wrong, I dig it, just not as much as the previous track. It takes us down a moody, atmospheric, and anthemic path. Where dark romance meets gothic opulence, delivered with cinematic aplomb. Which is so very Lord of the Lost.

As is I Hate People, albeit twisted by guest, Wednesday 13, who adds his own horror-infused touch to a grand and catchy effort. Albeit one that ends up losing its lustre early on because it is so repetitive. Still, I do appreciate the lyrical sharpness.

The lull ends in spectacular fashion though as The Shadows Within spreads its epic gloominess far and wide. La Vie Est Hell has Kissin’ Dynamite vocalist Hannes Braun join Lord of the Lost on an inspired ‘power-ballad’ that is also notable for its French-sung vocals. Square One is hilariously poppy, and When Did the Love Break? overdoes the melodrama as only Lord of the Lost can do, especially when teaming up with a talent like Xandria vocalist, Ambre Vourvahis.

Each likable, each in tone with the rest, and each so very Lord of the Lost.

Of course, that last part can also be used to criticise the band too as this album does begin to run out of steam by the end. There’s an overfamiliarity that starts to become cloying by time Your Love is Colder Than Death and Take Me Far Away arrives. The former is so bland, I forgot it almost immediately, and the latter fails to make use of Damien Edwards of Cats in Space in a meaningful way. Even if the melody and atmosphere of the track do give it an interesting theatrical feel and the guest’s voice is impressive.

I still stand by what I said though. I think it’s quality over quantity overall and I think OPVS NOIR Vol. 3 can sit proudly alongside Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 as a worthwhile listen. If you’ve loved everything up to this point, you will come away very satisfied, especially as the ending of The Days of Our Lives is so damn spectacular.

Lord of the Lost – OPVS NOIR Vol. 3 Track Listing:

1. Kill the Lights
2. I’m a Diamond (feat. Saltatio Mortis)
3. My Funeral
4. I Hate People (feat. Wednesday 13)
5. The Shadows Within
6. La Vie Est Hell (feat. Hannes Braun)
7. Square One
8. When Did the Love Break? (feat. Xandria)
9. Your Love is Colder Than Death
10. Take Me Far Away (feat. Cats In Space)
11. The Days of Our Lives

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