Lorna Shore’s Adam De Micco Takes Aim at ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ While Chasing Timeless Sound

Lorna Shore guitarist Adam De Micco recently sparked debate with his remarks about Guns N’ Roses’ classic hit “Sweet Child O’ Mine” during an interview with Guitar World.

When discussing the band’s creative direction for their new album following the success of Pain Remains, De Micco reflected on how touring influenced his songwriting. “After touring Pain Remains, riffs or ideas I thought were cool didn’t land when we played them live,” De Micco said. “You realize a part is too complicated, or isn’t musical or digestible.”

He then shared an unexpected source of inspiration that helped shape his musical approach. “I was at the gym once and heard Guns ‘n’ Roses. Sweet Child O’ Mine is a terrible song – I hate Axl’s voice and don’t even like Slash’s playing, but it stands the test of time,” he explained. “Nowadays music comes and goes in less than a year, yet there are bands from 30, 40 years ago, and people are still excited to hear it, and I’m like, ‘How?’”

De Micco emphasized that this realization became central to his desire to craft music with enduring value. “That was my main inspiration – writing something timeless. I wanted to write a guitar lick that some kid wanted to learn. Crazy Train was mine and Andrew’s,” he continued.

This philosophy on timeless songwriting has had a direct impact on Lorna Shore’s latest work. According to Blabbermouth, the band released their fifth studio album, I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me, on September 12, 2025, through Century Media Records. The album marks a significant evolution from Pain Remains, featuring singles such as “Oblivion,” “Unbreakable,” and “Prison of Flesh.”

It showcases a more mature and developed sound that the band describes as the next level of what Lorna Shore represents. De Micco played a major role in shaping the guitar work, combining technical intensity with a focus on timeless songwriting—aiming to create music that transcends fleeting trends and holds lasting appeal.

Metal Insider noted that the band continues to push boundaries in extreme metal while incorporating a wider range of musical influences. De Micco’s dedication to creating memorable, enduring music highlights how even controversial opinions about classic rock can spark innovation in heavy music.

The band’s 2025 plans include a North American tour with The Black Dahlia Murder and Shadow of Intent, reinforcing Lorna Shore’s growing presence in the metal scene. Wikipedia also reported that a European tour is scheduled for early 2026, underscoring their expanding global reach and steady momentum following the new album’s release.