Full-length number 5 by one of my favourite Virginia band is a
juggernaut and then some. Having procured a very impressive discography through
the years, Lord are one of those rare gems who has evolved with each release.
Be it small steps or be it big steps, they never stand still, all while
retaining their Lord sound. Very few bands can claim that. And ‘Desperation
Finds Hunger In All Men’ Is no exception, in fact I want to say it is their
most ferocious recording thus far. At the same time, it is also their most
diverse. Instead of going full tilt throughout, the band shift between
different moods and tempos and by doing so it brings forth this diversity the
best.
As heavy and skull-crushing as they are, Lord are taking
some wide turns on 'Desperation Finds Hunger In All Men'. Having always played
on feelings and emotions while wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they slow
down a lot more which elegantly enhances all these modes of being they portray.
Don’t get me wrong, they haven’t not turned soft nor sappy whatsoever. But
check out ‘Nature Knows No Kings’, ‘La Fleur du Cobalt’, ‘Whispering Snakes’,
‘Mutilation Rights’ and ‘This Lonesome Linger’ and you’ll be floored by their
versatility and greatness at singing about difficult matters so candidly.
Add the brutality of ‘No Sunrise On The Third’, ‘At First I
Didn’t Believe it’ and ‘Have A Look At Yourself’ and Lord is Lord. What I mean
is all the “ingredients” mentioned are what makes Lord so damned great. There
are enough twists and turns to make you dizzy but the guys keep it so coherent
and fluid that by the time you realize you are sucked into a nightmare vortex,
all you can do is to accept it and let your mind and being be cleansed.
‘Desperation Finds Hunger In All Men’ is a disturbing album
in the best possible way because Lord leaves no stone unturned and we need this
in our lives. Regardless of what music you listen to, having someone to open up
eyes to things that are difficult to deal with. Therefore it was bittersweet
writing this review because soon after putting the words above on paper, news
filtered through that the band had called it a day. True, they have broken up
before only to get back together, but this time the split seems permanent.
Regardless, they go out with a bang having recorded their best album ever, and
what better time is there than to leave while at the top. Still, I’m going to
miss these knuckleheads immensely while basking in the beauty and glory of
‘Desperation Finds Hunger In All Men’. Thank you for everything Lord, it’s been
a great pleasure!
-Swedebeast
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