Swedish black metal outfit Shining unleashed their self-titled eleventh studio album, “Shining,” in September 2023. This release wasn’t just another album; it was a statement. “Shining” marked a culmination of the band’s sonic evolution, showcasing their ability to balance blistering aggression with introspective melancholy, solidifying their place as one of the most important and innovative bands in black metal today.
A Genre-Bending Masterclass: Beyond the Black Metal Stereotype
Shining has always defied easy categorization. While firmly rooted in black metal, their music incorporates elements of doom, progressive rock, and even jazz. “Shining” takes this genre-bending approach to new heights. Tracks like “Allt för Döden” (meaning “Everything for Death”) showcase the band’s ability to craft slow-burning doom metal passages that ooze despair, while “Fidelis Ad Mortem” (meaning “Faithful Unto Death”) injects a haunting beauty with its choral vocals and melancholic piano lines.
Niklas Kvarforth: A Controversial Figure, Undeniable Talent
Frontman Niklas Kvarforth, notorious for his outspoken views and on-stage theatrics, remains a central figure in Shining. On “Shining,” his vocals are a revelation. The signature shrieking rasp is still present, but it’s complemented by a newfound willingness to experiment. Kvarforth utilizes clean vocals, spoken word passages, and even melancholic whispers, adding depth and emotional resonance to the music.
A Journey Through Darkness, Not Just a Sonic Assault
“Shining” isn’t simply a collection of aggressive black metal songs. It’s a journey through darkness, despair, and even a glimpse of fragile beauty. The album’s thematic focus on mortality, existential dread, and the emptiness of existence is explored with a raw honesty that is both unsettling and strangely cathartic.
A Cohesive Listening Experience: A Modern Black Metal Masterpiece
The album’s flow is masterful. Songs seamlessly transition from one mood to another, creating a cohesive listening experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The production is clean and powerful, ensuring that every instrument shines through, from the distorted guitars and pounding drums to the subtle atmospheric flourishes.
Evolution Not Deviation: A Love Letter to Death
While “Shining” might surprise some fans with its stylistic experimentation, it’s not a departure from the band’s core identity. It’s an evolution, a refinement of their sound. Ultimately, “Shining” is a love letter to death, a celebration of the darkness that lies at the heart of black metal, delivered with a level of artistic maturity and emotional depth rarely seen in the genre.
Highlights:
- The masterful blend of black metal aggression with doom-laden atmosphere and progressive flourishes.
- Niklas Kvarforth’s versatile vocal performance, showcasing both his signature raspy shrieks and melancholic clean vocals.
- The album’s cohesive flow and thematic depth, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
Minor Gripes:
- The album’s introspective nature and experimentation might not appeal to fans seeking a purely aggressive black metal experience.
- The lyrical themes of death and despair might be too bleak for some listeners.
Overall:
Shining’s self-titled album is a landmark achievement in black metal. It’s an album that pushes boundaries, defies expectations, and delivers a powerful emotional punch. “Shining” is a testament to the band’s talent, vision, and their unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. It’s a must-listen for fans of extreme metal and anyone seeking a truly unique and unsettling musical experience.
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