BLACKJAZZ

Wow. That was the word that popped into my head when I first listened to "The Madness & The Damage Done, Pt. 1." And, that word continued to enter my thoughts as the album continued on its course. Now, at week #3 of owning this album, I can honestly say that it's one of the most powerful, artful pieces of music I've ever heard.

To say that Shining combines death metal, jazz and industrial does not do this album justice. Yes, all of those styles sit in here somewhere, but it's much more than that. It's a true musical statement that, in my opinion, pushes to the boundaries that many prog and extreme metal bands are going to be reaching for in the years to come.

Analyzing this track-by-track is not an option. One must experience this as a whole. But with that said, each track is unique in its own way, and I do recommend that you explore each track in greater detail once you ultimately get hooked on this album. And, if the quality of the original material were not enough, the album finishes with a punishing version of KC's "21st Century....", one that will literally knock you on your backside, not knowing exactly what hit you.

With that said, go out and buy this album. You'll be writing a similar review to this one rather soon!