CHRIS HARMS not only stands out as a musical chameleon with his band LORD OF THE LOST, but also with his very first solo album, 1980. The album, which is strongly reminiscent of synth-pop, will be released on February 07, 2025 via Napalm Records and is the realization of a long-cherished dream that is finally coming to life. 1980 delivers a very unique sound yet untapped in Harms' main band. Instead, it dives into the uniquely atmospheric synthesizer sounds of the 80s, interweaving them with electronic, wave and goth elements and completely diverting from the typical guitar-driven rock sound.
CHRIS HARMS describes 1980:
“If I were forced to categorize this album and label it, it would probably say ‘a strange but successful mix of Depeche Mode, Modern Talking and Sandra with Chris Harms' voice, but with less perm and mullet’”.
With LORD OF THE LOST, CHRIS HARMS just experienced the most successful four years in the band's history, including participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, tours with Iron Maiden and one #1 and two #2 albums on the Official German Album Charts. But a break is out of the question. The idea of a solo album has been maturing in his mind for a long time and has now taken its final form.
Harms' distinctive voice and 1980‘s synth-pop-inspired sound create an atmospheric journey through time, beginning with the wave and dancefloor-ready "I Love You”. Songs such as the hit “She Called Me Diaval” and “Lunamor” exude a pleasant lightness, while “Past Pain” and “May This Be Your Last Battlefield” strike a reflective note. Two selected duets round off the album: Harms welcomes guest singer Sven Friedrich (Solar Fake) on “Madonna Of The Night”, while Ronan Harris (VNV Nation) can be heard on "The Grey Machines”.
1980 deliberately avoids attempting to reinvent the wheel, but is to be understood as a musical journey through time. It is proof of Harms' artistic versatility, for which he is admired and appreciated far beyond genre boundaries. There is no deliberate calculation or riding the wave of any trends on the album, but simply a passion, desire and love for music, with which CHRIS HARMS has marked a remarkable new pinnacle in his discography as a musician.
Time now for the actual review:
I Love You mixes the 80’s sound with what I’m used to hear on the more recent Lord of The Lost albums: a song filled with pathos and a slice of melancholia. It’s surely a track written and compose with heart and soul! I adore it!
She Called Me Diaval brings in a more synth pop minded touch (genre A-HA) and a funny title. The electronic drums make relive the 80’s.
In Between Heaven And Armageddon is a nice one. I feel the song has been written from his heart and guts: reflecting things from his own past. The music is top (in fact I can state it for every song on this album, it’s clear he has worked hard on it).
Missed Call is another great track, with a more sensitive side and a classic 80’s sound.
Madonna Of The Night (feat. Sven Friedrich/Solar Fake) is the first duet and I can say without any doubt it’s the best one! I can hear the 2 voices in synergy. The sound is sweet and has on top a catchy part.
Lunamor is a catchy mid-tempo track with a good feel. The electronical part reminds me a bit of VNV Nation (sic).
Parallax is a top track with great motivating lyrics! Be ready to shout out the chorus!
Past Pain is a very emotional and melancholic song with a low tempo. I feel the song was written with certain things from his past in his mind (without naming them).
The Grey Machines (feat. Ronan Harris/VNV Nation) was one of the songs I was really looking forward to hear, but somehow didn’t match my expectations. I was hoping for a high tempo and typical VNV Nation beats, but the song stays true to the global sound of the album. It’s on top a bit strange to hear Ronan sing the way he does here (not used to it).
Vagueness Of Faith builds up slowly and sounds great! I cherish the lyrics!
May This Be Your Last Battlefield is already the last one and leaves us a fragile note. It’s not ending with a big bang, but on the other side it shows he can also end with an emotional piece of art! This one might be used in the future for funerals. Feel the power of the song! It’s just amazing!
Well: I know and noticed it with the other Chris (Blutengel): the 80’s are back and how! Unlike the other Chris: no covers but really brand new songs but with a very clear 80’s touch and all done in a great way! Looking forward to see him solo on stage!
CHRIS HARMS online:
