Label: Napalm Records
Genre: Gothic Metal
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Line Up:
Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar
Pi Stoffers – Guitar
Benjamin “Benji” Mundigler – Guitar, Synths
Klaas Helmecke – Bass
Gerrit Heinemann – Piano, Synths, Percussion
Niklas Kahl – Drums
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 Edges
This marks the second installment of 11 tracks from Lord of the Lost’s expansive ‘Opus Noir’ series. Similar to the first volume, this collection features three collaborative pieces, with Lena Scissorhands from Infected Rain, IAMX, and Anna Brunner joining forces with the band. Chris Corner’s solo endeavor IAMX, established in London in 2002 following Sneaker Pimps’ break, blends synthpop, dark cabaret, industrial, and experimental electronic sounds—making it an ideal match for Lord of the Lost’s style. Currently generating significant buzz, Infected Rain appears poised for major success in the near future. These partnerships benefit both acts equally, much like the involvement of Anna Brunner from Exit Eden and League of Distortion. After witnessing League of Distortion’s performance at this summer’s Masters of Rock Festival in Czechia, their future prominence seems assured.
With these qualifications noted, what’s the verdict on ‘Opus Noir Vol.2’? The album delivers a distinct atmosphere compared to its predecessor, creating compelling variety. While ‘The Fall From Grace’ serves as an engaging introduction, the Lena Scissorhands collaboration ‘Would You Walk With Me Through Hell’ absolutely devastates—grabbing you firmly and delivering an unrelenting four-and-a-half-minute assault. The intensity is unmistakable.
Despite feeling thoroughly pummeled, I press forward, delighted by Lord of the Lost’s current excellence and eternally thankful to my editor for the introduction years ago. That discovery has proven invaluable!
Releasing these 33 tracks as three separate volumes demonstrates strategic brilliance. Given modern attention spans—challenged even by brief TikTok clips—absorbing 11 consecutive songs proves difficult, let alone 33. This approach transforms ‘Opus Noir’ into three EP-style releases that ultimately unite as a complete work. Two-thirds complete, the experience has already proven exceptional. The featured vocalists integrate seamlessly into their respective tracks, indicating genuine artistic partnership rather than superficial contribution—where Lord of the Lost truly excel. From the magnificent IAMX collaboration to Anna Brunner’s ‘Please Break The Silence’, the track arrangement effectively divides the album into three cohesive segments. Another astute decision from creators attuned to contemporary listening habits.
This release earns my complete admiration. Having awarded ‘Vol.1’ a perfect 10, I’m equally confident bestowing the same score on ‘Vol.2’. Now comes the challenging task of compiling that year-end list!
Ratings: 10/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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