Shores Of Null – Homesick

Shores Of Null
Homesick
Label: Dusktone
Out: 16^th October 2026
Playing time: 47:33

Shores Of Null were formed in 2013 in the Italian capital, Rome, initially as a side project involving members of various Italian bands spanning a wide range of genres (Zippo, The Orange Man Theory, Noumeno, Il Grande Scisma d’Oriente, Mens Phrenetica). As Shores of Null, the musicians dedicated themselves to melodic Death/Doom Metal. It is impressive that there has apparently not been a single line-up change since 2013. Their debut album, ‘Quiescence’, was released in 2014. This was followed, at three-year intervals, by further studio albums and two live albums, one of which features unplugged recordings. At the Metal Over Malta Festival in 2016, I was able to witness the band’s live prowess for myself. “Homesick” also maintains this three-year cycle.

Right from the start, ‘Allies Before Defeat’ is dominated by sweeping walls of sound, though there’s no skimping on the heaviness. The powerful drumming alone ensures that. Davide Straccione sings with a dark timbre, as is often heard in the Dark Rock genre, amongst others. A few growls can be heard subtly. The Italians pick up the pace a little on ‘Two Mountains’. Once again, the at times harsh vocals are underpinned by heavy drumming and guitar riffs. And the riffs become even darker and heavier on ‘Bleed To Life’. Yet beautiful, cleanly played guitar melodies are woven in time and again. The alternation between very clear yet gloomy vocals, growls and screams continue. On the title track ‘Homesick’, the tempo is slowed down slightly. Calm and heavy riffs dominate. The deep vocals are also subdued. However, the gloom doesn’t last for the entire duration of the song. Later on, the Italians briefly increase the tempo. A guitar solo rounds off the song. In contrast, ‘Son Of The Tide’ feels almost fast, mainly thanks to the double bass drum. Davide Straccione’s growls sound even more evil and are contrasted by the clean vocals. On ‘Dreaming Of A Scar’, which begins as a contemplative power ballad, you can hear the violin playing of Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride). But even later on, it remains contemplative despite the growls. ‘Society Is The Murderer’ kicks off with heavy, distorted guitar riffs underpinned by powerful drums. ‘The Numbing Void’ is a gloomy Doom Metal track. Here we hear Shaun MacGowan’s second guest appearance. In the track ‘Another Breath’, the double bass once again provides intensity and a slightly faster tempo. ‘Disappear’ then provides a contemplative finale. But even here, the drums, guitars and growls ensure a proper level of intensity.

Yes, that’s exactly how I remember Shores Of Null: melodic Doom Metal, with Davide Straccione’s harsh growls adding a slight Death Metal edge. Thanks to the varied compositions and the wide range of instrumentation, the album never feels boring. Of course, when listening to it, you have to immerse yourself in the dark atmosphere. Then the sound hits you with full force.

Shores Of Null – Two Mountains: https://youtu.be/YGa75zQf3T4?si=uURDr0_UatyMLRgu

Lineup:

Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

Track list:

• Allies Before Defeat
• Two Mountains
• Bleed To Life
• Homesick
• Son Of The Tide
• Dreaming Of A Scar
• Society Is The Murderer
• The Numbing Void
• Another Breath
• Disappear