Pain Remains

''Pain Remains'' is the fourth studio album by American deathcore band Lorna Shore. It was released on October 14, 2022, through Century Media Records and was produced by Josh Schroeder. In addition to being the first album (and second overall release) to feature vocalist Will Ramos and rhythm guitarist Andrew O'Connor, the album is their first release featuring new bassist Michael Yager.

Background and promotion

On April 29, 2022, the band debuted a new song, "Sun//Eater", during a concert from the album. The song, along with a music video, was officially released on May 13. As well as the album announcement, the new single was the first to feature new bassist Michael Yager, who joined the band during the recording sessions for the album. On June 22, Lorna Shore debuted their second single from their upcoming album titled "Into the Earth" with an accompanying music video.

On July 26, the band released the third single from the album, "Cursed to Die", and also revealed the album would be released on October 14. On September 14, the band released the first part of the album's title track titled "Pain Remains I: Dancing Like Flames". On September 29, the band released the second part of the album's title track titled "Pain Remains II: After All I've Done, I'll Disappear" along with a music video. The music video for "Pain Remains III: In a Sea of Fire" was released October 14, 2022, coinciding with the album release.

Critical reception

The album received acclaim from critics. Dom Lawson from Blabbermouth.net gave the album 9 out of 10 and said: "Frankly, ''Pain Remains'' is fucking ridiculous — far beyond deathcore. The entire game just changed, and Lorna Shore have already won it." James Weaver of ''Distorted Sound'' scored the album 9 out of 10 and said: "With ''Pain Remains'', Lorna Shore have straddled the online hype and delivered a record that not only exceeds the surge of reaction videos, but cements the band as the flagbearers for modern deathcore. Expansive, technical and utterly monstrous, ''Pain Remains'' is the face of deathcore in 2022 and showcases a band more than ready to lead the frontline." ''Kerrang!'' gave the album 4 out of 5 and stated: "Three years ago, Lorna Shore didn't even know if they had a future, but with ''Pain Remains'' they have sealed their fate as one of the bands to take actual heavy music forward. Hear them roar." ''Louder Sound'' gave the album a positive review and stated: "Lorna Shore have been audacious and daring in the composing of ''Pain Remains'', and it's paid off handsomely." ''Metal Injection'' rated the album 9 out of 10 and stated, "''Pain Remains'' is even better than we had hoped. Anyone who thought the last EP was a fluke or a passing trend has been proved wrong. Lorna Shore joins the likes of Spiritbox and I Prevail at the very top of modern metal. Lorna Shore are several degrees heavier than those two bands though, an unstoppable juggernaut driven by confidence and raw talent. Nobody can accuse them of selling out. It's been a long, hard road and all the work has paid off. Lorna Shore have delivered the best album of their career and one of the best symphonic metal and deathcore albums in recent memory."

Max Heilman of MetalSucks rated the album 4.5 out of 5 and said: "Lorna Shore clearly have a vision on ''Pain Remains''. They want to write large-scale, festival-ready metal while pushing the boundaries of deathcore. Sure, they're not the first core band to incorporate black metal—or to drag the concept of a 'breakdown' to almost ludicrous depths—but ''Pain Remains'' stands out. It deserves whatever recognition it gets, because it's an insanely well-written, fun listen. Lorna Shore aren't just 'that blackened deathcore band from TikTok.' They've effectively proven their staying power in the larger pantheon of kick-assery." ''New Transcendence'' praised the album saying, "''Pain Remains'' is a lot of things, but despite dense instrumental complexity, intense vocal dynamism, brilliant lyricism and marvelous production it also manages to be a remarkably fun record—and undoubtedly 2022's finest foray into the world of deathcore. While Lorna Shore have encountered more than their fair share of pain, they use all of it on ''Pain Remains'', and have crafted something truly immaculate." ''Rock 'N' Load'' praised the album saying, "''Pain Remains'' is the best release of 2022 so far and it's going to take some beating." ''Wall of Sound'' gave the album a score 8/10 and saying: "''Pain Remains'' extends over an hour to deliver the symphonic masterpiece you expected, with more drama than a Shakespearean poem. Packed with not-so-kosher/halal pig-squeals, this record will have you pulling a stank face that might just leave a mark. My only gripes on the album include a slight overuse of symphonies (despite its impressive variation) and some of the track lengths, which may be a bit hyperbole. Other than that, it delivers above expectations and will be an album you remember for a very long time."

Track listing

Personnel

Lorna Shore
* Will Ramos – vocals
* Adam De Micco – lead guitar
* Andrew O'Connor – rhythm guitar
* Michael Yager – bass
* Austin Archey – drums

Additional personnel
* Josh Schroeder – production, mastering, mixing, engineering

Charts

References

{{Lorna Shore

2022 albums
Lorna Shore albums
Century Media Records albums