Experiential and Interpersonal Analysis In Lorna Shore's Pain Remains Trilogy Songs

Abstract

This study explores how grief is represented in Lorna Shore’s Pain Remains trilogy using Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG). Although often associated with aggression, metal music can express deep emotional themes such as loss and despair. This research focuses on analyzing the experiential and interpersonal meanings within the lyrics to uncover the linguistic construction of grief. A qualitative descriptive method is applied, with data drawn from the full lyrics of Pain Remains I, II, and III. Each clause is examined through multivariate analysis that combines transitivity and mood system analysis. The findings show that grief is primarily realized through material and relational processes, as well as declarative and imperatives mood types. These elements highlight both the internal suffering and the external expression of emotional struggle. The use of interpersonal metaphor further intensifies the personal tone of the lyrics. In conclusion, the trilogy demonstrates how extreme metal can utilize complex linguistic choices to articulate grief not just as emotion, but as lived experience.