On May 30, 2025, LORD VIGO is set to release their sixth full-length album, Walk The Shadows. For returning fans, it should be noted that Walk The Shadows does not conclude the trilogy which included their last two releases. Concept-wise, this album is a standalone release. As Vinz Clortho (drums, vocals, synths) explains: “There is no coherent concept this time around, not a specific plot. These are all individual songs. It was quite a change for us after two very elaborate concept albums, and it was fun.”

Not only is Walk The Shadows distinct thematically from the band’s two previous releases, but also musically with an “eclectic mix of epic metal, gothic rock and post-punk.” Clortho further explains, “The album combines several different styles to create something entirely new. My roots are in classic metal which means that the songs on the new album, which are definitely leaning in a dark rock direction, have taken a life on its own.”

Now, it takes a certain degree of confidence to make this kind of explorative album, but with 11 years and five previous albums under their belt, LORD VIGO has established the needed credibility to do it. And to be honest, Walk The Shadows serves as something of a palate cleanser from the five heavier albums that precede it. It gives long-time listeners a break from the seriousness of the ensuing storyline and also enables the band to exercise some artistic freedom outside of the narrative restrictions of the trilogy as well as the band’s trending trajectory.

So, yeah, LORD VIGO takes some risks with this album. The question is: Does it pay off? The answer is, Depends. I, for one, enjoyed it. It does, however, require returning fans to maybe set aside expectations and to be open-minded. And being open-minded is one of those things that everyone says they are but few actually are, so we’ll see how this goes over. I’m optimistic it will land well.

Walk The Shadows works exactly because it’s so different than what LORD VIGO has produced in the past. If this was the band’s debut album, it would be classified as Alternative and nowhere near Metal. This is not to say the tracks are bright, happy songs delighting in diurnal pleasures. They aren’t. As the album title and cover art would suggest, the tracks explore the dark side . . . but in a less heavy way than their previous albums.

With that said, my pick of standout tracks are as follows: “Walk the Shadows” for its visceral streak countered with an epic air. Nice aggressive tempo and a harsh sense of urgency. Probably the heaviest track on the album. I also really enjoyed “Through a Glass Darkly” which invokes the spirit of the works of Lewis Carroll but with a spectral overcast. I love the gothic melancholy of this track which holds back from dumping too far into the Romance side. Next on my list is “Servant of the Dark,” which does dip heavily into the Romance side of the Gothic spectrum, at least musically. Just a nice melodic tune reminiscent of older Goth traditions.

Altogether, Walk The Shadows is an interesting artistic departure for LORD VIGO. I’m sure it will have its fair share of detractors but for those who are flexible enough, they may find it actually succeeds.