Lorna Shore Concert Review Van Buren Theater Phoenix, AZ October 09, 2025
Concert Review and Photos By Maxwell Williamson
The Van Buren in Phoenix was truly bursting at the seams
On October 9th, as fans flooded into the sold-out venue for one of the heaviest tours of the year. The lineup — Lorna Shore, The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow of Intent, and Peelingflesh allpromised an unforgettable night of chaos; the bands delivered on their promise and the fans responded in kind. From the moment the doors swung open, the atmosphere inside crackled with energy — and by the end of the night, the humidity was a testament to just how hard everyone rocked out.
Peelingflesh kicked off the event with their raw, old-school slam vibe, perfectly setting the tone for the evening. Their bone-crushing grooves and guttural vocals quickly drew the early crowd in, and the pit was already alive before the first breakdown even hit. Following them, Shadow of Intent showcased their unique blend of technical deathcore and cinematic melodies, performing with a level of precision that was both brutal and breathtaking. The crowd’s reaction was instantaneous — fists were raised, circle pits opened, and bodies soared through the air.
As The Black Dahlia Murder took the stage, The Van Buren transformed into a vibrant sweatbox filled with metalheads passionately shouting every lyric. Their performance served as both a celebration and a release, highlighting the band’s significant impact on the contemporary death metal scene. With razor-sharp riffs and unyielding drumming, they ignited chaos on the floor — the mosh pit swirling and pulsating like a living entity.
Next up was Lorna Shore — the reason the event had sold out weeks in advance. As the lights dimmed and the intro to “Sun//Eater” began, the crowd erupted in unison. The band’s performance was nothing less than devastating in the most exhilarating way possible. Will Ramos’ vocals soared with inhuman range and precision, while Adam De Micco and Andrew O’Connor masterfully combined orchestral melodies with pure brutality. Drummer Austin Archey masterfully executed his insane precision of brutal blast beats, lightning fast fills and double bass drum grooves that at a speeds that defy human abilities.
Even amidst the sweltering humidity and tightly packed crowd, the energy never wavered. Fans belted out every lyric, from the soaring symphonic peaks to the ground-shaking breakdowns. Tracks like “To the Hellfire” and “Pain Remains I–II” resonated deeply — not merely showcasing technical prowess, but offering profound emotional experiences. The band’s music exuded a peculiar beauty within its darkness, and this connection was evident in the faces of fans who were simultaneously screaming, crying, and headbanging.
By the end of the night, The Van Buren felt transformed — humid, drained, yet united. Lorna Shore’s performance solidified their status as one of the most significant names in contemporary heavy music. Their unique blend of virtuosity, atmosphere, and raw emotional depth left an impression that will linger for a long time.
In summary: it was more than just a concert — it was a shared awakening. Intense, cathartic, and truly unforgettable.
Lorna Shore Photo Gallery:
The Black Dahlia Murder Photo Gallery:
