As the gates swung open on the first day of TUSKA 2024, I plunged into the familiar grounds of Suvilahti, Helsinki, eager to catch Lord of the Lost kick-off proceedings on the Karhu main stage. The anticipation was palpable, evident in the serpentine queues that stretched for hundreds of metres long before the first chord resonated through the air.

Lord of the Lost, a stalwart of the German dark rock scene since their formation in 2007, had eluded my live experience until now. Known not only for their haunting blend of gothic rock, industrial metal, and electronic influences but also for their theatrical live performances, they were a must-see act for many attendees.

Their set began with a surge of energy gripping the crowd, though I was slightly underwhelmed by the visual spectacle. Perhaps my expectations had been coloured by their extravagant Eurovision appearance or their visually striking music videos. Nevertheless, the raw power of their performance quickly overshadowed any initial reservations.

Lord of the Lost’s music delves deep into themes of despair, loss, and introspection, resonating with emotive vocals and symphonic undertones. Tracks like “Thornstar” and “Drag Me to Hell” reverberated through the festival grounds, captivating the audience with their dark, atmospheric allure.

With each chord and each lyric, Lord of the Lost proved why they remain a formidable force in the dark rock and gothic metal genres. Their ability to weave intense narratives within their music, coupled with a dynamic stage presence, ensured that their debut at TUSKA 2024 was nothing short of memorable.

As the sun set over Suvilahti, Lord of the Lost’s performance lingered in the minds of the audience, setting a high bar for the festival’s ensuing days.