Shining
VII: Född Förlorare
2011
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Black metal is a tricky thing. I have started to realize that it is very much like modern art in the way that, either you get it, or you don’t. One black metal band may have a tremendous effect on someone, while another band would have none, just as modern art effects people. Luckily enough for me, I found this album to be fascinating!
Shining is a Swedish black metal band, that is really making its mark in the scene. This is, as the title may give away, their seventh album, and my first experience with them. However, this sounds like a seventh album, it’s very mature, well thought out and all around fantastic. Instead of falling victim to the tight constrains of the black metal genre, Shining has a different take on the style.
The riffs are actual riffs, not the tremolo picking galore, the drums have interesting patterns, not just blast beats, and the vocals growl, shriek, and pull out a bit of singing from time to time, to keep it interesting. Acoustic guitars also make a few appearances, and they add a real reflexive feel they appear. Probably the best thing about this album is the fact that there are guitar solos! Yes a black metal band with guitar solos. I never thought I would see the day. They do use them sparingly however, as there are only two or three on the album. They follow the golden rule of solos: Only solo when it fits the song. Too many bands are infected with an unnecessary-solo-addiction, but Shining show a level of finesse when it comes to their solos. The drums sounded very good here, very natural, but still powerful.
Apparently, this band is famous for their extremely depressing lyrics. However, this didn’t affect me in the least, as I don’t speak Swedish. But if you do, and you don’t like depressive lyrics, check them out before buying.
This band brings the general atmosphere of black metal, with an increased level of musicianship and maturity than the average hordes of bands. This is what black metal strives to be.
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Claus’ Rating 4.25/5
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