EP REVIEW: …And I Return To Nothingness – Lorna Shore

It’s been a rough few years for New Jersey’s LORNA SHORE. First they were embroiled in the events surrounding their previous vocalist CJ McCreery and then their tour was thrown into the bin as a result of the widespread effects of the pandemic. Thankfully along the way they bounced back with the acquisition of frontman Will Ramos and decided to make him a permanent member, a choice which will undoubtedly pay serious dividends. The quartet have used their time wisely and have conjured up a compact but devastating set of tracks in the form of …And I Return To Nothingness which is due for release on August 13th via Century Media Records. Don’t become too accustomed to your ears as they are about to be ripped from your head.

…And I Return To Nothingness lures you into a false sense of security with uplifting, almost optimistic tones. It doesn’t take long before the ferocity takes hold and a vicious scream is unleashed closely followed by crushing blast beats. Rapid riffing is reeled off in proficient fashion to accompany the ongoing chaos. Whilst there is a lot occurring in the same timespan it all slots together in the arrangement which only enhances the technical prowess on show. If you haven’t experienced the frightening range that Will Ramos has at his disposal then you’re about to bear witness to a masterclass.

Of The Abyss brings forth a more ominous, darker soundscape elevated by haunting orchestration and bludgeoning drumming. The blackened tones add another level of aggression to the mix as the unrelenting instrumentation refuses to offer up any kind of reprieve from its relentless assault. As well as being particularly intricate, the riff work is also ridiculously addictive and is neatly topped off with a phenomenal sweeping solo that ushers in further insanity. If you thought these tracks were intense, you’ve heard nothing yet.

To The Hellfire is certainly not for the faint of heart. The chilling acoustic tones at the beginning are only a precursor to the sheer level of madness that is about to unfold. The track gains momentum quickly and becomes like an unstoppable juggernaut, laying waste to anything in its path. The noises expelled from Ramos can only be described as gruesome. From the most ear piercing screams to the darkest depths of hellacious, bellowing growls he leaves no stone unturned and the terrifying grunts that follow will leave a sharp, cold chill running down your spine.

For a band that have endured considerable adversity to get to this point, …And I Return To Nothingness is one hell of a statement to reassure everyone that LORNA SHORE are going absolutely nowhere. The acquisition of Ramos is going to send the quartet soaring to new heights, and the new material sounds as invigorating and vicious as ever. The only minor downside is that there are only three tracks to sink your teeth into, but if this offering is anything to go by then whatever follows is going to knock our teeth down our throats.

Rating: 9/10

And I Return To Nothingness is set for release on August 13th via Century Media Records

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