Review LOST SOCIETY “”Hell Is a State of Mind”

Four years after releasing “If the Sky Came Down”, Finnish metal band Lost Society return with their new album, “Hell Is a State of Mind”. Having started out as a thrash metal band, the group has steadily shifted its sound toward groove-driven modern metal. “Hell Is a State of Mind” continues this transformation, which becomes apparent from the very beginning of the album.

The opener, “Afterlife,” blends nu metal elements with modern rock. A solid sense of heaviness is paired with a melodic approach, while theatrical orchestration echoes throughout the track and sets the tone for the entire record. “No Longer Human” pushes this direction even further, as the band’s metal roots give way to darker rock influences that are more reminiscent of HIM than of untamed metal.

With “Black Diamond,” the band drifts closer to pop than metal. Although heavier riffs and occasional screams attempt to inject some raw energy, the overall feel remains restrained. “Synthetic” is lively but predictable, featuring odd electronic gimmicks that fail to add anything distinctive. It is polished synthetic rock without a real standout moment.

The tear-jerker “Is That What You Wanted” is also far from jaw-dropping and reflects a recurring issue throughout the album. Many of these songs recall the late ’90s, and while they carry a modern production, the element of surprise is missing. “Kill the Light” is among the heavier tracks on the record, while “Dead People Scare Me (But the Living Make Me Sick)” stands out as a crossover piece with rap-like vocals, ’90s-style guitar riffs, and a subtle industrial vibe. It is certainly one of the album’s stronger three minutes. The same formula continues through the final two tracks.

“Hell Is a State of Mind” has little in common with earlier releases like “Fast Loud Death”. Lost Society have undergone a complete musical transformation, raising the question of whether this shift truly works. Musical evolution is not a problem in itself, but changing the band name might have avoided confusion. Ultimately, “Hell Is a State of Mind” feels like a fragmented collection of songs from a band still searching for a clear new direction while trying to recalibrate its musical compass.