Lord - Desperation Finds Hunger In All Men

Full-length number 5 by one of my favorite 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