Review By Kenny Lenehan
Lord Of The Lost return with “OPVS NOIR VOL. 2” which is the follow up to August 2025’s “OPVS NOIR VOL.1”. Releasing 12/12/2025 via Napalm Records.
My first full length album review after returning to music reviewing under “DYSTOPIAN MANTRA” label imprint of XAAR (my music and art project). I have been looking forward to this release many thanks to Napalm Records for the invite.
“The Fall From Grace” perfectly opens proceedings with its angelic yet dark piano ambience, bleeding into a massive sounding verse that has been in nostalgia for older LOTL albums. Guitars take a back seat while letting synth, drums and vocals lead the way before reentering to showcase the signature LOTL chorus. I like this track. It has a laid back feel yet holds the LOTL energy that leaves a lasting impression. Great opener.
Track 2 is “Would You Walk With Me Through Hell” which I reviewed upon its release you can see full review of the single here-https://kennylenehanmusic.blog/2025/11/09/lord-of-the-lost-x-infected-rain-would-you-walk-with-me-through-hell-review/
“One of us will be next” track 3 adds to the recurring concept of dark songs of love lost and what could be. Excellent piano and synth work from the extremely talented “Gerard Heinemann” who also plays custom percussion and guitars both live and in studio switching roles many times during performances. Great track although it may be missing something I can’t put my finger on.
“Walls Of Eden” excellent intro with synth and vocals giving a throwback to the thornstar era. In my opinion this is good news to me as its my favorite era of LOTL. Really nice melodic garnishes throughout this track and album. This track feels like a contender for my favorite track on “OPVS NOIR VOL.2”. Chris Harms vocals on top form on all tracks and shows no sign of slowing down. Great track that took me around half the track to make me want to revisit.
“Raveyard feat. Kààrija)” hits me right away with its nostalgic synth sound and upbeat europop intro. It’s got a toxic bubblegum vibe in my opinion, meaning the bubblegum synth with the dark overtones of the LOTL sound.
“The Last Star” has me more enthusiastic, reminding me of the harder hitting LOTL tracks. Outstanding, it will be the first track I save to spotify upon its release. I am getting “Deathstars” vibes from the backing vocals and voicebox lines. I love it. This track is a great example of the current era LOTL sound but takes me back to previous LOTL sounds that made me fall in love with the band.
“What Have We Become” outstanding this track hits me as a potential James Bond soundtrack! This track features “IMAX” and the guest vocalist takes things to the next level just adding a certain edge that compliments this track and takes it to a whole new level. Killer the orchestration adds a movie level experience.
“Winter’s Dying Heart” perfectly follows up “What We Have Become” with its sombre and sincere overtones.
“Scarlight” adds to the concept erupting after a very sluggish start. This album is extremely bipolar in moods and textures.
“Please Break The Silence” has a more commercial sound in my opinion.. not a bad thing. Of course the mood shifts to a barrage of the LOTL sound but keeps the melodic vocals of “Anna Brunner” guest artist in this track. Not a bad song at all, just not my vibe.
“Sharp Edges” closes the album with a slow sombre mood closes the madness. Awaiting the eruption of the metal side of LOTL on this track to my suprise its leaves the listener on a cliffhanger and is tastefully hinted towards the final act of the album.
All in all an excellent addition to the LOTL catalogue that will be a staple of fans and new listeners. A string release that showcases the multi talented members and a no holds barred nature when it comes to genre. LOTL are the best band of the last decade in my opinion the best live show you will see!
Release Date: 12.12.2025
Photo Credit: VD Pictures
OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 tracklist:
- The Fall From Grace
- Would You Walk With Me Through Hell? (& Infected Rain)
- One Of Us Will Be Next
- Walls Of Eden
- Raveyard (feat. Käärijä)
- The Last Star
- What Have We Become (feat. IAMX)
- Winter’s Dying Heart
- Scarlight
- Please Break The Silence (feat. Anna Brunner)
- Sharp Edgee
OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 will be available in the following formats:
– 1-LP VINYL DELUXE Edition Splattered Translucent Turquoise/White, Black
with 12-page booklet. Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Liquid Vinyl Turquoise, Black
with 12-page booklet. Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Cristallo
with 12-page booklet. LORDSHOP exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Recycled Black
– 1-CD in paper sleeve for everyone that already own a OPVS NOIRCollectors Edition (= Earbook or Wooden Box Set)
– 1-CD 6-page Digisleeve
with 16-page booklet
– Music Cassette Noir with silver print
Napalm Records Mailorder & LORDSHOP exclusive (strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide)
– Digital Album
LORD OF THE LOST Live 2025
UK + IRELAND TOUR
04.11.25 UK – Belfast
05.11.25 IE – Dublin
07.11.25 UK – Bristol
08.11.25 UK – London
09.11.25 UK – Southampton
LORDFEST
13.12.25 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
Tickets: tour.lordofthelost.de
FESTIVALS
01.11.25 UK – Whitby / Tomorrows Ghosts Festival
LORD OF THE LOST Live 2026
DARK WINTER TOUR – USA & CANADA 2026
Co-Headliner Tour w/ The Birthday Massacre
Special Guest Wednesday 13
19.01.26 US – Baltimore, MD / Baltimore Soundstage
20.01.26 US – Philadelphia, PA / Theatre of Living Arts
21.01.26 US – New Haven, CT / Toad’s Place
23.01.26 US – New York, NY / Webster Hall
24.01.26 US – Worcester, MA / The Palladium
25.01.26 CA – Montreal, QC / Beanfield Theatre
26.01.26 CA – Toronto, ON / Phoenix Concert Theatre
28.01.26 US – Cleveland, OH / House of Blues
29.01.26 US – Cincinnati, OH / Bongart’s
30.01.26 US – Detroit, MI / St. Andrews Hall
31.01.26 US – Chicago, IL / Concord Music Hall
02.02.26 US – Minneapolis, MN / First Avenue
04.02.26 US – Denver, CO / Summit Music Hall
05.02.26 US – Salt Lake City, UT / The Complex
07.02.26 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Fonda
08.02.26 US – San Francisco, CA / UC Theatre
Australia 2026
19.02.26 AU – Brisbane / Crowbar
20.02.26 AU – Melbourne / Max Watts
21.02.26 AU – Sydney / Crowbar
22.02.26 AU – Adelaide / Lion Arts
LORD OF THE LOST are:
Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar
Pi Stoffers – Guitar
Benjamin “Benji“ Mundigler – Guitar, Synths
Klaas Helmecke – Bass
Gerrit Heinemann – Piano, Synths, Percussion
Niklas Kahl – Drums
LORD OF THE LOST online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
LORDSHOP
NAPALM RECORDS
DYSTOPIAN MANTRA 