With the departure of their previous vocalist, it was understandable that people had questions over the direction future Lorna Shore material might take, or if there would be one at all.
Fortunately, with the arrival of new vocalist Will Ramos and the single ‘Into The Hellfire’, all those doubts were soon silenced. That single comes from their new EP, …And I Return To Nothingness, which sees them returning to top form rather than falling into said nothingness.
While it may close the EP, the title track deserves special mention first. It’s six minutes of relentless symphonic deathcore as only LORNA SHORE know how to do, replete with vicious roars, howls and even guitar solos. You might not guess that from the ominous synths that open it, but as soon as the melody comes in, it’s immediately apparent this motif will reappear throughout the track. That’s no bad thing, as it provides a cornerstone for things to build around and evolve from amongst the sheer brutality on display.
‘Of The Abyss’ is the second track and it begins with choirs before rapid-fire double bass drumming enters, closely followed by Ramos’ guttural roar. The rapid higher-pitched shrieks contrast with the expansive symphonic moments, making for compelling listening. It also features a frankly disgusting breakdown, his cavernous vocals sounding truly abyssal – and it’s not even the best breakdown on the EP. That singular honour belongs to the lead single and opening track, ‘Into The Hellfire’.
You wouldn’t expect that from its opening, however. Although short-lived, acoustic guitar opens the song, heralding the arrival of the same motif on the guitars themselves. While LORNA SHORE have often dealt with blackened elements, they’re heightened here with the discordant elements. These are again somewhat short lived as layered vocals atop a min-breakdown take the lead. No discussion of this track is complete, however, without talking about its closing moments. Perhaps the most over the top and ridiculous breakdown this side of SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, Will Ramos even brings in pig snorts as he inhales in a truly inhuman display of demonic gutturals, rapid double bass patterns and guitars.
As a standalone EP it’s a fascinating snapshot of not only where the band were with Immortal but also where they’re now heading from …And I Return To Nothingness and beyond. The fusion of symphonic elements and blackened deathcore, along with Ramos’ vocal acrobatics, show a bright – albeit heavy as sin – future for the band.