LORNA SHORE

After seeing Lorna Shore multiple times, I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. A night full of pyrotechnics, high energy and a continuous moshpit, this gig was one to remember. 

Lorna Shore has been on an upward trajectory since their single ‘To the Hellfire’ went viral during the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly progressing from playing clubs to selling out larger venues. It is no surprise that the tour sold out quickly. They have been touring extensively for most of the last year going from playing the main stage at Download festival to performing in a packed-out tent in Hellfest the following week. Each show is a completely new and unexpected experience. 

DISTANT

The Dutch 5 piece deathcore band Distant kicked the night off right. Although starting extremely at half past 6 the venue was already pretty full of people waiting to see what was in store. Usually, the opening band will ease you into the night and hype the crowd for the show. Distant, however, disregarded this idea and went full speed ahead and commanded the attention they deserved from the first song. It was a tight, downtempo performance that had the crowd moving early on. The sickening breakdown on ‘Heirs of Torment’ was enough to win any Deathcore fan over, while simplistic it was definitely effective. Based on the crowd’s reaction in the pits and sheer chaos, it’s safe to say the band got what they wanted and gained more than a few fans from that performance.

Although their set was only half an hour long they had truly cemented their place on the tour. By the end of the set, any stragglers in the venue had all eyes on the stage. Distant are a perfect example of why you should show up early to a show. 

INGESTED

Ingested are likely one of the most extreme bands to emerge from Manchester, with their aggressive performance and revolting lyricism. A set filled with infectious breakdowns and noises one could only compare to that of creatures from hell, it was mere minutes before circle pits, moshing and satisfied metalheads filled the room. The intensity had increased and the band embraced every second of it. Ingested’s performance was just as energetic and aggressive as the crowd. 

RIVERS OF NIHIL

RiversRivers of Nihil were a tonal shift that is difficult to describe, their blending of genres gives them a completely unique sound, not only from the rest of the bands on the tour but also wholly distinctive from anything else I’ve heard. 

A highly technical band, the level of proficiency on display was impressive, which really shows on the more ambient tracks such as ‘The Silent Life’. Vocalist/bassist Adam Biggs is a monster of a frontman, not only playing a 6 string bass with ease and precision, weaving in elements of slap bass but also only becoming the band’s vocalist a little over a year ago. They were also the only band on the line-up to utilise clean vocals which are often contributed by drummer Jared Klien. 

Despite being a stark contrast to the previous bands, the audience gave them the respect they truly deserved, appreciating the more technical, ambient and impressive elements in the songs and letting loose for the heavier moments. Although not as heavy as the other bands, the crowd surfers were coming fast and the band, although unexpected, rose to the occasion and put on a wonderfully unique performance. 

LORNA SHORE

When the symphonic juggernauts Lorna Shore took to the stage, hell broke loose. From the first song, the stage was filled with pyro, the breakdowns were massive and the blast beats heavy. Will Ramos’ screams were inhumane with beastly growls, screeches that could shatter skulls and gnarly screams, and an incredible ability to jump from one style to another on a moment's notice which only contributes to the dimensions and band's technical execution. Ramos’ capability as a frontman is on full display, from the moment he went on stage, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

The night’s set was primarily made up of songs from ‘Pain Remains’, which is fitting for the band as it's their momentous landmark. Seeing this album live is a completely different experience from listening to the album. The band's ability to replicate the songs to an arguably higher standard on an already phenomenal album is something utterly remarkable to see. 

The symphonic opening of the track ‘Of The Abyss’ leads into rapid percussion and accompanies Ramos’ monstrous screams that sends the crowd into a carnivorous pit. From the first breakdown, the pits are open and the crowd surfers come fast and heavy with seemingly no rest. It was worth getting a ticket to see them based on ‘Into the Hellfire’ alone, a melodic intro accompanied by Adam De Miccos riff that deepens as Ramos’ vocals begin and transforms into tremolo picking and animalistic squeals by the breakdown. It is impossible not to move with this earth-shattering track. If this wasn't enough to sell you on seeing the band live, they finished with all three parts of ‘Pain Remains’ which perfectly encapsulates the band's musical talent and stamina, which not only builds in intensity but is packed with human emotion that is tangible. The 20 minute 3 part song includes elements of black metal, melodeath and symphonic metal woven together to make each part coherent but extraordinary, a technique that has worked wonderfully for them, elevating their performance from one-dimensional to a fully composed experience each time they play. Will Ramos’ energy is unmatched, constantly on the move and engaging with the audience at every opportunity, even at the end of the tour, the band shows no signs of tiredness or fatigue. Lorna Shore works as one, each member plays a role in keeping the performance tight and on a level rarely seen by a band of their size.  

They pulled out all of the stops on this tour utilising the stage to its fullest, elevating the drum kit and having plenty of podiums for the band to jump on. The entire production was filled with smoke and pyrotechnics making this an exceptional show.

A remarkable night that I won't soon forget, not only were the bands phenomenal, but the crowd was one of the most brutal and dedicated that I've witnessed. 

A hot sweaty metal gig filled with surprises, some of the best musicians in the industry and the craziest fans I’ve ever seen! What more could you want? The pits saw even the most season of moshers bow out early on in the night. Everyone was unified by music, with no crowd member stationary, compelled to move by the infectious energy. 

Each time I've had the pleasure of seeing Lorna Shore, I am thoroughly impressed. Every performance is a wholly unique and unforgettable experience.