Tag Archives: shining

Norway’s SHINING Release Video for “I Won’t Forget”, New Album Drops April 23rd

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SHINING (Norway) have released a video for “I Won’t Forget“, the first single off their forthcoming album, One One One. Their avant-jazz roots continue to shed in favor of a more industrial-tinged rock sound, though with progressive tendencies and saxophone-enhanced instrumentation still intact. The futuristic, sci-fi themed music video fittingly reflects this evolution. Check it out:

One One One drops digitally via Prosthetic Records on April 23rd in North America with physical releases on CD and gatefold LP to follow. Pre-order One One One here: http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/band/shining

Fun Fact: There’s More Than One Band Named “DEATH”

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It doesn’t happen too often, especially when lawyers get involved, but sometimes bands end up using the same name.  Bands with the name “MAYHEM,” “SHINING” and “DISGORGE” have managed to coexist in harmony while also offering very cool music to the world.

While we’re on the eve of the Death to All Tour, the other band named “DEATH” is also making news with a documentary about their obscure career.  Check out the article.

IHSAHN: Eremita Release Date Announced

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Candlelight Records has announced that Ihsahn’s new album, Eremita, will be released in North America on June 19, 2012.

Alongside Ihsahn, the album features performances from drummer Tobias Ornes Andersen (LEPROUS), saxophonist Jorgen Munkeby (SHINING (Norway)), guitarist Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE), and vocalists Devin Townsend, Einar Solberg (LEPROUS), and Heidi S. Tveitan (STAROFASH). The album’s packaging has been created by award-winning Spanish designer Ritxi Ostariz viewable here.

Reflecting on the recording process Ihsahn notes, “This is right where I want to be musically, with lots of room for dynamics and expressive variety. Tobias and Jorgen have really added to the organic vibe I was going for and have contributed to the overall feel with their fantastic musicianship. And to have Devin, Jeff, Einar and Heidi adding their special moments, I am very privileged to be able to work with such a talented group of people. I really feel this is some of my most inspired work yet.”

A special two-minute video preview for Eremita, featuring audio segments from the record and exclusive footage filmed during the album’s creation can be viewed below:

Eremita will be available on standard CD and a limited edition deluxe digibook (featuring an exclusive bonus track).

SHINING’s Niklas Kvarforth Issues Statement Regarding Delayed Album Release

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The following statement has been issued by Niklas Kvarforth and SHINING regarding the delayed release of the band’s seventh album, VII: Född Förlorare:

“As everyone is more than aware, Shining VII has been delayed an unacceptably long time. There have been a lot of rumours as to why this should be, so we have decided to set the record straight once and for all.

“Despite the fact that the album was recorded two years ago, it has still not been mixed. Our producer has been concentrating on recording other artists instead of finishing the job on Shining VII. This is despite the fact that Indie Recordings has put up a lot of money to get the album finished and has supported our efforts in every way possible. It is not SHINING’s fault and it is not Indie Recordings’ fault that the album still has not appeared, and I am sure you will understand when we say that nobody wants this album released more than ourselves and Indie. Rest assured that we will be taking steps to ensure that it appears sooner, rather than later.

“No doubt some of you will be wondering whether the tour with WATAIN will still go on, since the album will not be out by then, but we have no plans to cancel and it will go ahead as planned.

“Hail Satan, and see you all soon.

“Niklas Kvarforth“

APESHIT’s Top Metal Albums of 2010

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December is here, so it is time for us, the APESHIT goons, to share with you our list of metal albums that made an impression on us in 2010. Meaningful and meaningless, but sharing is caring. Bang your head and enjoy!
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SHINING – VI – Klagopsalmer

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One of metal’s best returns with its latest chapter of dark, suicidal black metal, VI – Klagopsalmer. As can be expected, the music plays effortlessly as the vast array of memorable riffs, feel, and just the right amount of dynamics makes for a fine record. Nothing is forced and nothing is out of place. Dynamics can be found by way of a healthy blend of heaviness, melodies, those OPETH-like acoustic guitar interludes, pianos, string instruments, blistering guitar solos, and a nice contrast between the ugly/beautiful and heavy/soft. The only discernible differences between VI – Klagopsalmer and V – Halmstad are the absence of thrashier riffs and less in-your-face aggression on the former. Instead, the former is a more somber and melancholic record.

But what gives VI – Klagopsalmer that famous SHINING identity? It’s mainman Niklas Kvarforth’s desperate, dark, and melancholic imprint on the album, whether it be on the instrumentation or his soul baring vocals. His charisma is undeniable and so is his conviction to take you on another journey through his mind, heart, and soul.

Six total songs may not seem like much given the fact that you’re left longing for more after it’s all said and done. In some ways, you’ll feel as if SHINING should have given you more. Whether there is enough meat here is up each individual.

It’s not blasphemous or inaccurate to say that the level of quality that SHINING has achieved with their new album compares with that of the current output of metal stars such as OPETH, IHSAHN, and MAYHEM. Regardless of whether how many payola media sources fail to recognize this record, you unequivocally heard it here. (Season of Mist Records)

IHSAHN – After

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The arrival of a new IHSAHN invokes curiosity and anticipation as this metal god never fails to stimulate. After concludes the trilogy of IHSAHN albums released to date. To put it in general terms, the album is more like its predecessor AngL than The Adversary. Those, now, trademark cerebral, progressive black metal stylings in the IHSAHN-style are a major characteristic of After’s sound in addition to his complex and interesting song structures. And of course the decadent atmospheres and top notch musicianship, including Ihsahn’s first attempt at 8-string guitar, are all over After.

The most distinctive addition to Ihsahn’s sound is the addition of the fantastic saxophone work of SHINING’s Jorgen Munkeby on many of the album’s tracks. While the marriage of saxophones and black metal may seem like an awkward or bizarre combination, it works.

As with every IHSAHN album, you just get the overall feeling that most other metal bands are simply outclassed and outperformed in comparison. “A Grave Inversed” is a decadent and classic IHSAHN black metal track with all of its blasting fury and twists and turns, and yet Munkeby’s jazz saxophone seamlessly adds character. The excellent “Frozen Lakes on Mars” easily nullifies most bands’ entire back catalogues with its prime riffs. “Undercurrent,” features Ihsahn’s soothing clean vocals, acoustic guitars, and melancholic tone, all topped off with some very nice saxophone leads that only bleeds out the melancholy further. “Austere” explores new territory with its more minimalistic, simplified approach and tasty bass leads from Lars Norberg. The trilogy of albums ends in grand fashion with another big album closer in the form of “On the Shores.” The main riff is a crawling, dark behemoth which personifies most of Ihsahn’s post EMPEROR albums.

While After is not a landmark album, it is still an interesting and high class work. In a lot of ways, it is a culmination of the three album trilogy in which we see Ihsahn improving and elaborating on themes, sounds, and approaches that we started on his first two albums. Without a doubt, After is mandatory listening. (Candlelight Records/Mnemosyne Productions)