Lord Of The Lost - 'Fears'

In recent years, the distinctive line between gothic/rock and classic heavy metal has grown blurred and the result is a strange subculture that can be found worldwide. Binding this subculture together is a genre which combines both of these forms of music and is ever expanding from its submissive cave to slowly forge a path through a music scene which has, for the last decade, been pushing the boundaries of the already established gothic rock genre.

With bands such as Type O Negative and The 69 Eyes breaking into the mainstream pop culture, the doors have been opened for a new generation of gothic metal. The latest band to break the mould of popular music is Germany's Lord Of The Lost, whose new album 'Fears' combines everything from 80's metal to classic rock and roll, all the while showcasing the kind of dark gothic style vocals which has become increasingly popular, specifically throughout northern European bands.

The album opens with 'Last Words', which brings the world of Lord Of The Lost crashing into fruition, with an almost perfect piece of new gothic metal. The intro song to ‘Fears’ proves that singer/songwriter Chris Harms is very quickly climbing the ladder to the top of the genre, with everything from clean and growled vocals, to forceful guitars and an explosion of drums which will make your ears bleed.

'Fears' has something for all avid fans of gothic metal, with the use of underlying screams used throughout the entire record, combined with Chris Harms' addictive clean vocals and heavy guitars in tracks such as 'Dry The Rain' and 'Never Forgive'.

What sets this album apart from previous releases in this genre is the elaborate mix of heart pounding metal and slower paced Goth/rock tracks like 'Break Your Heart', which is a heartfelt rock and roll song. This specific track is an excellent example of the type of European rock music that Lord Of The Lost delivers.

The heavier side of this album, which is evident throughout the majority of the record, will let Lord Of The Lust leave its mark on the alternative music scene. With constant touring alongside some of today's most anticipated goth/rock artists and with the undying support of the widely renowned Mama Trash Promotions, it just may be a matter of time before this band receives vast recognition.

The highlight of 'Fears' is without doubt the aforementioned 'Dry The Rain', which incorporates every aspect of the genre, with aggressive screams, clean chorus', and a solid rhythm section tied together by some impeccable guitar solos. 'Dry The Rain' has deservedly become an anthem for one of the most promising acts to emerge from the depths of the German music scene, and solidifies Lord Of The Lost as a band to watch in the future.

'Fears' comes to a close with 'Sooner Or Later', which is an extended 13 minute outro that blends together the previous 12 songs and brings the record to a well weighted, yet somewhat overdone conclusion. 'Sooner Or Later' yet again reestablishes the diversity of an album which is very quickly becoming a favourite among fans of this specific genre.

It's very rare that we stumble across a completely faultless album in this genre, and while 'Fears' may be lacking in some areas, with a release of this magnitude already, in the band’s short existence since their formation in 2008, it is only a matter of time before that quintessential record emerges.

Album: Fears
Year : 2010
Label: Out Of Line

Track Listing:
1. Last Words
2. Break Your Heart
3. Dry The Rain
4. My Deepest Fear
5. The Measure Of All Things
6. Till Death Us Do Part
7. Prologue
8. Never Forgive
9. To Die For
10. Vicious Circle
11. Not From This World
12. Nothing Words Can Say
13. Sooner Or Later