Origin : USA
Genre : Symphonic Deathcore
Release : 2017
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Lorna Shore’s *Flesh Coffin* is not an album for the faint of heart. It’s a meticulously crafted descent into the abyssal depths of deathcore, a brutal sonic tapestry woven with threads of crushing brutality, intricate technicality, and a palpable sense of despair. Released in 2015, this sophomore offering solidified Lorna Shore’s reputation as titans of the genre, pushing the boundaries of extremity while retaining a core of undeniable musicality. From the opening salvo, the listener is plunged headfirst into a maelstrom of guttural vocals, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and blast beats that pummel the auditory senses into submission. *Flesh Coffin* is an exercise in controlled chaos, a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to sonic annihilation.
Track Analysis:
“Wormwood” erupts with a dissonant, tremolo-picked assault, immediately establishing the album’s aggressive stance. The guttural roars of vocalist Tom Barber are a force of nature, layered with a chilling rasp that hints at unspeakable horrors. The rhythm section is a relentless engine, with drummer Austin Archey delivering percussive barrages that are both technically dazzling and devastatingly heavy. The title track, “Flesh Coffin,” is a masterclass in dynamic shifts. It transitions from moments of suffocating brutality to passages of atmospheric dread, punctuated by melodic guitar lines that, while brief, offer a fleeting glimpse of somber beauty before being swallowed by the sonic onslaught. The breakdown in “From the Pale Mist” is a particularly egregious example of Lorna Shore’s signature sound – a slow, grinding chug that feels like being slowly crushed under an immense weight, adorned with dissonant chords that create an unsettling tension. “The End of Suffering” showcases a more progressive lean, with intricate guitar solos that weave through the dense instrumentation, hinting at influences beyond pure deathcore. The interplay between the guitars is a highlight, with dual leads often creating a symphonic, albeit dark, texture. “King Ov Fire” is a relentless barrage, a pure distillation of the band’s aggressive capabilities. The blast beats are relentless, and the riffing is jagged and unforgiving. The vocal performance throughout the album is a consistent marvel, Barber’s ability to shift between guttural lows, piercing highs, and spoken-word passages adding significant depth to the lyrical themes of despair and nihilism. The production is notably clear, allowing each instrument to occupy its space in the mix without sacrificing the overall weight and impact. The bass guitar, often relegated to a background hum in similar genres, is given a prominent presence, its thick, distorted tone adding another layer of sonic density.
Conclusion:
*Flesh Coffin* stands as a monumental achievement in modern deathcore. Lorna Shore doesn’t just deliver brutality; they sculpt it. The album’s intricate arrangements, coupled with its sheer sonic force, create an immersive and often harrowing listening experience. It’s an album that demands attention, rewarding those who venture into its dark corners with a cathartic release of aggression and a profound sense of sonic exploration. For fans of extreme music seeking a blend of technical prowess and unadulterated heaviness, *Flesh Coffin* is an essential listen, a dark monument in the landscape of extreme metal.
Rating: 9.5/10
Highlight Track: Flesh Coffin
