Album Review: Lorna Shore – I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me (Century Media)

Extreme metal giants, Lorna Shore, are back. Their brand-new album, ‘I Feel the Everblack Festering Within Me’ is set for release on September 12, 2025 via Century Media.

The rise of Lorna Shore has been fascinating and exciting, after all, it’s not every day that you get to see a deathcore band capture the imagination of the mainstream metal audience.

Of course, so much of that lies at the feet of 2021’s EP …And I Return to Nothingness (specifically To the Hellfire) and 2022’s Pain Remains album and the focusing on cinematic and symphonic infusions, alongside deeper storytelling aspects, something that made the latter album so very special. It’s not hyperbolic to call it the album that helped Lorna Shore become a household name, so it’s no surprise that this follow-up sticks to that winning formula, albeit with some refinement.

Unfortunately, as much as this pleases me, and I do really like the album, I will admit to being unimpressed by the lack of innovation here.

It was always going to be a difficult task to follow-up such a phenomenal release, so it does feel like I’m being a bit unfair to bemoan the fact that Lorna Shore have just carried that on. Except for the reality that this isn’t a better album and if you told me several of songs were written during the Pain Remains period, I wouldn’t disbelieve you.

However, I do still say that this is a great album none the less, with some really stellar moments, it’s just an album that doesn’t feel as important or game changing.

This is Lorna Shore solidifying their position and strengthening their catalogue as they continue to rise up the ranks. So, you know what that means. Insane vocal performances, blistering drumming, furious riffs and massive solos, and grandiose symphonic melodies that add a ton of emotion. Oh yeah, and breakdowns to upset your nan, of course.

Fast, furiously heavy, layered with extravagant symphonic elements, and exceptionally dramatic, but catchy, touches. That sums up the album, but it’s the specific moments in songs that help it stand out. In the case of opener Prison of Flesh, it’s the breakdown at the end – sickening, and in the case of In Darkness, it’s the thrilling guitar solo. Whereas Oblivion and Unbreakable are just solid tracks overall. The latter of which has such a positive vibe and a chorus that freaking soars. It will kick all kinds of ass, live.

With some of the albums biggest guitar melodies, Glenwood is another potent listen, albeit with that overpowering smell of familiarity. Followed then by stronger cinematic elements, a vibrant Will Ramos vocal performance, and gut-churning blast beats with the no-nonsense power of Lionheart. Before the word ‘epic’ takes on new meaning via the lavish and over the top symphonic aspects of Death Can Take Me. A garish showcase of Lorna Shore’s power.

As I said before, it’s more of the same, refined, so there really aren’t any surprises as the album reaches its end. Both War Machine and A Nameless Hymn are enjoyable enough, delivering an array of savage deathcore heaviness infused with opulent melodies. However, it’s a big finish with Nevermore, and not just because it’s nearly ten minutes long.

No, this is the epitome of Lorna Shore today. Masterfully telling a story through music and lyrics, extravagantly showcasing cinematic and symphonic composure, and displaying a potent style of deathcore that crushes skulls and breaks necks. Mix it all together and you have this track, and then some, and I think it’s up there as one of the best songs the band has produced to date.

Take my criticism of the album with a pinch of salt. I enjoyed the hell out of it, and while I do think I am justified with my comments about it not having much innovation, I don’t think it really matters. Lorna Shore fans are going to eat this up, it’s going to earn them even more fans, and the haters are going to hate no matter what. The world’s biggest deathcore band? If they’re not already, they will be soon enough.

Lorna Shore – I Feel the Everblack Festering Within Me Track Listing:

1. Prison Of Flesh
2. Oblivion
3. In Darkness
4. Unbreakable
5. Glenwood
6. Lionheart
7. Death Can Take Me
8. War Machine
9. A Nameless Hymn
10. Forevermore

Links

Pre-order Album | Website | LinkTree