IV - THE EERIE COLD

The Swedish progressive Black Metal band Shining is an extreme shock-horror experience. But on their fourth album and onwards, their music has become more then the harsh aggression of the previous albums. If you can stand the extravagant vocals you will find intricate progressive metal riff galore, imaginative song writing and hard-hitting intensity.

After 2 and a half minutes of audience bashing, Shining dives into a glorious ride through 6 progressive black metal epics. The sound has been fleshed out with new guitarist (John Doe ...) who does great soloing, as well as brooding post-rock textures and razor-sharp riffing that touches both the chromatic style of Voivod and the typical punkish urge of Black Metal. On the instrumental parts, Shining can certainly be compared with the sound of Enslaved on albums like Below The Lights and ISA. Also Satyricon and later Darkthrone albums come to mind. Due to the bandleader Kvarforth's unique vocal stand there's no way mistaking Shining for any other band. This man can twist his voice to beastly agony like no other. Completely over the top for some, twisted and unsettling for others.

With The Eerie Cold, Shining have matured towards a truly personal style that I would recommend highly for fans of Enslaved, Satyricon and probably Agalloch. I don't hear much Opeth similarities but it might of course attract people that are into Opeth's earlier albums.