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Band: Chris Harms
Album title: 1980
Release date: 7 February 2025
Label: Napalm Records
Genre: Synth-Pop, Synthwave
Tracklist:
01. I Love You
02. She Called Me Diaval
03. Somewhere Between Heaven And Armageddon
04. Missed Call
05. Madonna Of The Night (feat. Sven Friedrich/Solar Fake)
06. Lunamor
07. Parallax
08. Past Pain
09. The Grey Machines (feat. Ronan Harris/VNV Nation)
10. Vagueness Of Faith
11. May This Be Your Last Battlefield
Chris Harms, the enigmatic frontman of one of the most successful German rock/metal bands in recent years, Lord Of The Lost, has fulfilled a long-held dream with his first solo album, 1980. As the title suggests, the album takes listeners back to what many consider the best decade of all time, the 1980s, when dreams flourished and many paths opened up - not only in music but in society as a whole. Chris Harms masterfully evokes this era, which is sure to resonate with those who experienced it, perhaps even bringing a tear or two.
Although the album is rooted in the dark sounds of 80s synth-pop, Chris has refined these elements with modern production, creating a sound that feels distinctly postmodern. Much like what Dero Goi, a former frontman of Oomph!, did with his debut album, 1984, Chris Harms, also renowned for his versatility as a musician, has created a nostalgic fairy tale. Although the albums are very different, they share a common core, and interestingly, the two musicians collaborated in 2020 under the name Die Kreatur and released the Panoptikum album.
With his 1980 album, Chris Harms distanced himself from the Lord Of The Lost sound, but his unmistakably deep, hypnotic and charming vocals will still appeal to fans of his parent band. The album eschews the distorted guitars, heavy rhythms and singing of "stadium" gothic metal melodies. Instead, Chris immerses himself in the uniquely atmospheric synth sounds of the 80s, which intertwine electronic, wave and gothic elements, moving away from the typical guitar-driven rock sound.
The album is distinguished by its soft and catchy rhythms that evoke a dark, timeless club atmosphere, allowing emotions to permeate the voice and creating an incredible listening experience. The atmospheric tracks - including "I Love You", along with hits like "She Called Me Diaval", "Lunamor", and duets with Ronan Harris (VNV Nation) on "The Gray Machines" and Sven Friedrich (Solar Fake) on "Madonna Of The Night", will, no doubt, captivate listeners. Even if you don't get moving, the infectious dance beats are sure to inspire soul-swinging.
The 1980 songs are compact, dreamy and consistently danceable. Whether ballads or more energetic tracks, Chris Harms leans towards seductive rhythms. The melancholic atmosphere culminates in "Past Pain", while "She Called Me Diaval" and "Parallax" make you want to dance. The latter two, along with "Lunamor", radiate a delightful lightness, while tracks like "Somewhere Between Heaven And Armageddon", "Past Pain", and the profoundly evocative "May This Be Your Last Battlefield" evoke a more reflective mood.
Each track has the potential to become a hit, and if released in the 80s, they would probably have achieved that status. Some sections are reminiscent of Depeche Mode and Soft Cell, while others recall A-Ha, Duran Duran, Modern Talking, Visage and even Sandra. Elements of the increasingly popular Italo-disco are also heard, along with darkwave influences. Chris Harms has created an extremely enjoyable, nostalgic collection. There is no sign of calculated trends; instead, the album is fueled by passion, desire and a love of music that marks a remarkable new peak in Chris Harms' discography. 1980 is an essential addition to any goth club's repertoire.
Review by Tomaz
Rating: 8/10
