Napalm Records
Genre: Synth/Pop/Rock
Release: 7 February 2025
Links: https://www.facebook.com/chrisharmsofficiallordofthelost/
Tracklist:
1. I Love You
2. She Called Me Diaval
3. Somewhere Between Heaven And Armageddon
4. Missed Call
5. Madonna Of The Night (feat. Sven Friedrich/Solar Fake)
6. Lunamor
7. Parallax
8. Past Pain
9. The Grey Machines (feat. Ronan Harris/VNV Nation)
10. Vagueness Of Faith
11. May This Be Your Last Battlefield
Chris Harms, the musical chameleon known for fronting Lord of the Lost, ventures into uncharted sonic territory with his debut solo album “1980“. Released via Napalm Records, this synth-driven masterpiece not only pays homage to the golden era of electronic music but reinvents it through a modern lens, marking a bold departure from his guitar-driven roots.
Each track on “1980” meticulously crafts the perfect fusion between Harms’ commanding vocals and vintage synth-pop elements. The 11-track odyssey begins with the hypnotic “I Love You” and flows seamlessly into the keyboard-laden “She Called Me Diaval” – an instant classic that demands repeat listens. The dynamic pacing of “Somewhere Between Heaven And Armageddon” keeps listeners entranced, while the aggressive keys in “Madonna of the Night” (featuring Sven Friedrich of Solar Fake) demonstrate the album’s impressive range.

Photo credit: Lennard Schmitt
The second half maintains its momentum with standout tracks like “Parallax” and the emotionally charged “Past Pain“, while “The Grey Machines” soars to new heights through a masterful collaboration with Ronan Harris (VNV Nation). The crystalline production quality elevates every track, complemented by artwork that brilliantly captures the neon-soaked essence of 80s arcade aesthetics.
For someone initially skeptical of synth-pop’s charms, this record proves revelatory. While it echoes the greatness of Depeche Mode, it forges its own distinct identity – or as Harms himself perfectly describes it, “a strange but successful mix of Depeche Mode, Modern Talking and Sandra, but with less perm and mullet.” Coming fresh off Lord of the Lost’s Eurovision appearance and triumphant tours with Iron Maiden, this passion project stands as testament to Harms’ boundless artistic versatility. “1980” emerges as not just one of 2025’s most unexpected triumphs, but a defining moment in electronic music’s modern evolution.
Written by: DJ