LORD OF THE LOST – “OPVS NOIR” TRILOGY

LORD OF THE LOST are for sure a hard-working band, with their name getting more attention at an exponential rate. They are very creative by regularly releasing new music, having already unleashed 11 full-lengths into the world in almost 16 years. If we add all other releases in between such as “Weapons of Mass Seduction”, EPs, orchestral releases, live albums, while being an active touring band, the result is staggering. It is no wonder that they were picked to be a support band for IRON MAIDEN. The reason for this article falls under the band’s creativity, as in the past eight months they delivered three new albums, under the name of “OPVS NOIR” Vol. 1, 2 & 3. The trilogy is now concluded, so instead of presenting one at a time, I decided to wait and discuss the entire project in one place.

For someone getting acquainted with the band, discovering so much music may seem a bit much, especially when they see so many LPs released close together. So, let’s start by breaking things down. “OPVS NOIR” is the result of a highly productive songwriting period that gave birth to 33 songs! You know how some bands boast they have many ideas that could lead to more than 30 songs and end up releasing a 10-track record? LORD OF THE LOST actually made that a reality, so instead of becoming picky and starting to cut down material, they released it all. That’s why the volumes had such a short distance between them, as they did not fall under the usual routine of composing, recording, touring and repeating the cycle. Think of something like Lord of the Rings; all parts were shot as one big movie and released in quick cadence.

Each volume consists of exactly 11 songs, maintaining a sense of balance. While the band always fell under the dark and gothic category, this time those aspects went through the roof. The trilogy is a wet dream for people that enjoy dark atmospheres, strong catchy melodies, rich and heavy instrumentation, as well as a ton of experimentation and diverse soundscapes. In order to enhance the sense of identity between the songs, almost half of the tracks feature different guest artists. From Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION) to Käärijä (Represented Finland in Eurovision 2023), it is made clear that there are no limits or boundaries in the project.

The most impressive part? All three albums are rewarding. If you told me that an artist is about to release 33 songs, I would be skeptical and expect to like less than half of them. Here, for some incredible reason, each part is armed to the teeth with highlights, and exceedingly more interesting moments than weaker ones. You can easily create a back-to-back playlist with all of them and have a great time. I have a ranking in my head between the three, of course, but depending on my mood I alternate between them, instead of sticking to my favorite one. This project totally deserves to be called “OPVS NOIR” without breaking it down into volumes, and be experienced in its entirety. Very few bands have made such an achievement, so LORD OF THE LOST have my utmost respect for this. Without further delay, let’s take a quick tour through each of them.

Volume 1

I fell in love with the band through this one. Before, I had them on my radar, I liked individual songs, but this one changed it all. I might say it is the most diverse of the three and maybe you guessed correctly — my favorite. Is it the eerie atmosphere brought by “Moonstruck” and “Ghosts”? The uplifting nature of “My Sanctuary” and “Lords of Fyre”? Or the heavy goth duo of “The Thing We Do For Love” and “The Sadness in Everything”? It is the most adventurous and heavy part, with zero fillers or weak entries. Some symphonic or folk elements manage to make their way into Vol. 1, which earns it the title of the most orchestral child of the family. Stand-out guests are Sharon and Tina Guo, while the collaboration with FEUERSCHWANZ is “out of the box”, and it turned out quite well in a similar fashion. It was correctly released first, as it showed the potential and intentions of the trilogy. It can grab your attention and make you eager for the continuation. Perfect start that ended up as Metal Domain’s #6 album of the year for 2025.

Favorite songs: ‘Moonstruck’, ‘The Things We Do For Love’, ‘The Sadness in Everything’

Volume 2

I was eager to see how the trilogy would continue after such a strong start. The sophomore delivered in its own right by being so similar yet so different. It sounds more personal and sentiment-heavy, like it carries a burden, so it is no wonder that you will find fewer hit songs here. If there is one characteristic that this album nails, it is the bridges. In many spots within the tracklist, after the second chorus ends, you will encounter a surprising twist that spices up the song. This detail is particularly strong in this middle installment more than in its counterparts. That aside, I feel there is a deeper focus in the gloomy atmosphere this time. It is very consistent in a musical direction that gives rise to the feeling of sadness and allows for inner reflection more than ever.  Due to the strong identity of Volume 2, the guests allow for fewer deviations, making a softer impact compared to the collaborations of Volume 1 or 3. A glaring exception in all the above is “Raveyard” that features Käärijä, a song that somehow stands out as one of the highlights and ends up as the most party moment of the trilogy. The fragile nature of the songs make this part a little harder to get into, but it cuts deeper and as such may seem the perfect choice depending on your mood. Another more-than solid entry.

Favorite songs: “Would You Walk With Me Through Hell?”, “Raveyard”, “The Last Star”

Volume 3

We have already listened to so many songs, can the band maintain momentum? Will the 3rd part be good or will it contain leftovers? Similar to Volume 2, Volume 3 has a personality of its own. Its traits create a direct and accessible record that houses the most poppy and melodic moments, leaving a shorter leash to the metal outbursts. Make no mistake though, as darkness reigns supreme once more as “Kill the Lights” opens with an unparalleled atmosphere. Dressing love songs such as “When Did The Love Break?” and “Your Love Is Colder Than Death” in a way that makes them sound haunting is fascinating and magical. “I’m a Diamond” on the other hand is the king of melody and catchiness, a lyrical showcase of someone’s strong will and resilience, that invades your mind and stays there for extended periods of time without asking for permission. Admittedly, I found some weaknesses in the face of “I Hate People”, “Square One” and “The Shadows Within”, but they are not enough to derail the entire record. Especially when those three have the beautiful “La Vie Est Hell” between them. This time around, the guests captain the course of the songs allowing for more diversification. In summary, if it sounds like this is my least favourite record of the three, it is because it is true. Still, I am super glad we have it as despite everything it has some of my favourite songs of the entire “OPVS NOIR”. A fitting end to a superb trilogy!

Favorite songs: “Kill The Lights”, “When Did The Love Break?”, “I’m a Diamond”

This ends the presentation of “OPVS NOIR”. Three albums that when put together, represent the incarnation of a risky yet strong artistic vision. The average metalhead may find it a bit too much. People that find beauty in darkness will be instantly enthralled by its charms. A dive into one’s innermost thoughts, a spell that will endure and cannot be broken!

Pavlos Pavlakis