Shores of Null - Homesick

Shores of Null is an Italian doom metal band who formed in 2013.  Their latest release, “Homesick,” is their fifth full-length album; they have also released a live album and a split.  The latter, "Latitudes of Sorrow," was a release I also reviewed—you can check that out HERE.

I’ve been following this band since my days at Metal Temple, when I reviewed 2020’s “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying).”  Most recently, they released a split album last year with another stalwart of the modern doom scene, Convocation.  Shores of Null’s sound on that album was probably their most destructive and horrific—whether they did it to match Convocation’s own brand of doom or not, I didn’t expect them to continue that path on their next full-length album.  

Instead, “Homesick,” is the next logical step coming off their previous full-length album, the amazing “The Loss of Beauty.”  That’s a good thing because, at the time, I thought that album was their best. For them to take that sound and expand it?  Hell yes.  It’s safe to say that “Homesick,” is the best album they have released so far.  

Their songwriting has continued to improve in every way imaginable.  I find this album is much more balanced between light and dark elements than anything they have done before.  The songs are much tighter too—not as repetitive and definitely more fluid.  Beyond that, the overall flow of the album is the best they have done.  There isn't any short instrumental, filler songs this time around (a minor complaint from their previous full-length) but instead is focused on 10 songs that naturally flow after each other.  

Production and mix are perfect for this style.  Everything is atmospheric as needed but not airy—each song feels alive with real density to it so even the calmer parts seem to have a sense of doomy urgency and speak as loudly as the heavier passages.

Every song has a moment that just grabbed me, too.  The opening song, “Allies Before Defeat,” begins with a catchy counter melody to the riff that takes a tight grip on the song, pushing it to move right into the equally catchy chorus.   Davide Straccione’s vocals have a low, Gothic croon that exemplifies both the longing and heartache on the song, and album in general.  This is a very strong opening track but this album actually continues to get better throughout. 

The band knows exactly when to pour on the aggression too.  During “Two Mountains,” the catchy chorus is boosted by a rumbling rhythm that sounds like it has the power to move those mountains.  This song uses death growls more than the opener and their smartly paced position makes everything in the song all the more potent.  

By the time the album is at its halfway point, things are getting even better.  “Dreaming of a Scar,” is not only one of the album’s best but also one of the best songs the band has written.  Its somber opening is both majestic and sad–it also flows into the distortion perfectly, which in turn, brings in those wonderful growls.  With this song (and album as a whole, of course) the band has mastered the art of symmetry.  The vocals at the 3:30 passage are as honest as anything I’ve heard and the melancholic music it’s the emotions like a ton of bricks.

“The Numbing Void,” is another one of the best songs in their catalogue.  It’s slow, destitute, and almost painful to listen to, such is the emotive fury the band pushes into the very psyche of the listener.  The melodies may be dour, but they light up against the heavy riffs and the melancholic but catchy as hell chorus.  The atmospheric passage after the 3:45 is a stark moment that builds back into a roaring inferno with a harrowing scream.  

You might be seeing a pattern here with how good this album is but the final song, "Disappear," is yet another favorite of mine of their entire collection.  It’s one of the album’s most intense songs musically. Lyrically, and vocally.  Of course, despite that, it still manages to have a catchy chorus.  The riffs are great, vocals on fire, and the rhythm section is a machine. What more could you want as a finale?  

“Homesick,” is a fantastic album that showcases a band that has surpassed an already high bar they set for themselves.  How many bands actually improve album to album?  I don’t know but “Homesick,” proves that Shores of Null are one of these bands and they, no doubt, have much more to say. 

Rating:  Excellent