SHINING - Shining 2LP

Iconic Swedish metal band SHINING are set to release their self-titled Napalm Records debut, Shining, on September 15, 2023! Formed in 1996 and known as one of the most controversial and musically brilliant bands in the black metal scene and beyond, SHINING presents their eleventh offering that proves even darker and more brutal than ever before. According to the band themselves, Shining “will be a downward journey in stereo that will drown the world in a mesmerizing, inescapable darkness".                    

The unit centered around mastermind Niklas Kvarforth roots their main musical influences in black metal, but does not fit into a single genre alone. SHINING incomparably combines influences from various far-reaching genres such as classical music, jazz and progressive rock, conjuring grim moods, aching wounds and deep emptiness. Themes such as self-destruction, suicide and violence play an important role in the band’s music. Over the course of ten studio albums, including masterpieces such as the acclaimed V. Halmstad and Redefining Darkness, SHINING has garnered a large and loyal following who adore the musical genius and eccentric nature of Niklas Kvarforth.                     

The sinister, lurking album opener “Avsändare Okänd” counts as one of the most vicious and brutal songs in the band’s history. Next track “Snart Är Dem Alla Borta” starts with a hauntingly mellow intro before progressing into aggression. The first single and homage to Death, “Allt För Döden”, is a well-designed nightmare cut from the pitch-black horrors of Shining, and according to the band, is drenched in an instantly recognizable sound that has been perfected over the last three decades, and that today has become their trademark. Fourth track “Fidelis Ad Mortem” showcases progressive rock influences that are present on several tracks featured on Shining. Instrumental piano piece “Åttahundratjugo” calms the atmosphere down, before closing track “Den Permanenta Sömnen Kallar” shakes the listener by instantly kicking off in black metal style from its first seconds. 

Shining is a hauntingly captivating and skillful album that features a unique metal sound in true SHINING manner, serving the very best of black metal creatively combined with several other influences. The band has sparked a fiery interest with all their previous offerings, and it is certain that their ruthless upcoming album will exceed all expectations.  

DOUBLE LP - BLACK VINYL - NAPALM RECORDS 2023