The Story Of Lorna Shore: Bringing Deathcore to the Mainstream

Since 2021 Lorna Shore has blown up to levels previously unseen by most deathcore bands. Renowned for technical instrumentals, ridiculous breakdowns, and some of the nastiest vocals known to man, Lorna Shore has become a staple in the extreme metal scene.

by The Metalverse

Updated October 07, 2024

Since 2021, Lorna Shore has skyrocketed to unprecedented heights in the deathcore scene. Known for their technical instrumentals, earth-shattering breakdowns, and some of the nastiest vocals known to man, the band has cemented its place as a staple in extreme metal. With their unique blend of symphonic deathcore and relentless live energy, Lorna Shore has captivated fans across the globe.

The Origins of Lorna Shore

Lorna Shore was formed in 2009 in New Jersey and initially embraced a more traditional metalcore sound. Their debut EP, "Triumph," was released in 2010 but is no longer available on streaming platforms, making it somewhat of a collector's item for long-time fans. While the EP showed promise, it was clear the band was still finding their musical identity.

The early lineup featured Tom Barber as lead vocalist, who would later go on to join another prominent deathcore band, Chelsea Grin.

In 2012, Lorna Shore released their EP, "Bone Kingdom," a pivotal moment in their musical evolution. This 5-track offering marked the band’s shift into deathcore, a genre known for its brutal breakdowns and guttural vocals. The standout track "Life of Fear" helped establish their darker, heavier sound. Interestingly, this song gained a second wave of attention thanks to a humorous cat remix that went viral a few years later.

By 2013, Lorna Shore was back with another EP, "Maleficium," which continued their deathcore trajectory. The single "Godmaker" became one of the band's first major hits, with its music video garnering over 1.2 million views on YouTube.

Breaking Through: Record Deals and Full-Length Albums

Lorna Shore's big break came in 2015 when they signed with Density Records and released their debut full-length album, "Psalms." The record was produced by Will Putney (of Fit for an Autopsy) and showcased the band’s distinct sound—a fusion of symphonic deathcore with highly technical instrumentals and crushing breakdowns. The combination of atmospheric elements and extreme metal brutality set them apart from their peers in the genre.

Their growing momentum continued in 2017 with the release of their second album, "Flesh Coffin," under Outerloop Records. This album was their most successful at the time, furthering their reputation as one of deathcore's most exciting and innovative bands. By blending symphonic elements with unrelenting heaviness, Lorna Shore was carving out a niche for themselves.

Vocal Changes and Controversy

In 2018, Lorna Shore experienced a significant lineup change when Tom Barber left the band to join Chelsea Grin. His departure led to the introduction of CJ McCreery, formerly of Signs of the Swarm, as their new vocalist. However, McCreery’s time with the band was short-lived due to allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to his firing in 2019. Despite the controversy, Lorna Shore had already recorded their next album, "Immortal," featuring McCreery’s vocals. Released in 2020 under Century Media, "Immortal" became one of their most critically acclaimed albums, despite the challenges surrounding its release.

The Introduction of Will Ramos

In 2021, Lorna Shore introduced their new permanent vocalist, Will Ramos (formerly of A Wake in Providence). Initially brought on as a touring fill-in, Ramos quickly proved himself a perfect fit for the band. That same year, Lorna Shore released "To the Hellfire," a single that would become their breakthrough moment.

"To the Hellfire" was nothing short of a viral sensation, exploding on platforms like TikTok and even charting at number 4 on Spotify's Viral Charts. The song’s over-the-top breakdown, featuring Ramos’ infamous pig-squealing vocals, took the metal world by storm. The track received critical acclaim from outlets like Revolver Magazine and was named by Loudwire as the best metal song of 2021.

Building on this success, Lorna Shore released their three-track EP, "...And I Return To Nothingness," which included "To the Hellfire" along with two other tracks that expanded their blackened/symphonic deathcore sound. The EP reaffirmed the band's dominance in the genre and showcased their ability to innovate within the extreme metal landscape.

Lorna Shore Live Concert at The Electric Ballroom 2022 — Lorna Shore Live @ The Electric Ballroom - (Credit: therockfix.com)

2022 and "Pain Remains": A New Chapter

Lorna Shore's upward trajectory continued into 2022 with the release of five new singles, culminating in their highly anticipated full-length album, "Pain Remains," in October. This 10-track album spans just over an hour and includes a 3-part, 20-minute movement that stands as one of their most ambitious projects to date.

"Pain Remains" isn’t just another deathcore album. It’s a carefully crafted journey that combines emotional depth with the band's signature brutal sound. The album takes listeners through a range of intense emotions, weaving in themes of loss, despair, and existential reflection — all while maintaining their reputation for delivering neck-demolishing breakdowns.

The 3-song movement, (Pain Remains I, II & III) in particular, has been praised for its innovative structure, combining symphonic elements with devastatingly heavy riffs, making "Pain Remains" a landmark release not only in Lorna Shore's discography but in the broader deathcore scene.

With each new release, Lorna Shore continues to redefine what it means to be a deathcore band, blending genres and pushing boundaries in the scene. Their rise from underground metalcore beginnings to international deathcore phenomenon has been nothing short of meteoric, and it seems like they’re just getting started.

If you're new to Lorna Shore, we recommend starting with "To the Hellfire." Its groundbreaking breakdowns and Will Ramos' next-level vocals make it the perfect introduction to their music. From there, you can dive into their latest album, "Pain Remains," to experience the full spectrum of Lorna Shore’s evolved sound.