New North Carolina/New Jersey Black Metal studio project, DECREPIT THRONE has released debut album Traitor’s Grave. Guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and North Carolinian Gregory Maupin joins New Jersey vocalist Ron Kaiser (BLASPHEMOUS) in offering seven iniquitous tracks of blackened fury wth influences inclusive of DISSECTION, DRUDKH, EMPEROR, DEATH, CELTIC FROST, and many others.
Maupin started DECREPIT THRONE after his last band mysteriously and abruptly came to an end. The focus is making dark music, rather than the drama in which so many local musicians drown themselves. Vocalist Ron Kaiser was kind enough to perform and write lyrics for DECREPIT THRONE.
The CD version of Traitor’s Grave will be available on April 10.
Hot on the heels of this week’s previous announcement of four special package shows featuring GORGUTS alongside FALLUJAH, HAVOK, REVOCATION and opener VENOM PRISON, the acclaimed Canadian death metal pioneers are revealing more European dates in summer. The band will perform at Brutal Assault (CZ), Ieper Festival (BE), Vagos Metal Fest (PT), and Summer Breeze (DE) as well as tour in support of CONVERGE with HAVOC and REVOCATION in August.
GORGUTS
Festivals
09 Aug 17 Jaromer (CZ) Brutal Assault
11 Aug 17 Ieper (BE) Ieper Festival
13 Aug 17 Vagos (PT) Vagos Metal Fest
18 Aug 17 Dinkelsbühl (DE) Summer Breeze
GORGUTS
+Converge +Havok +Revocation
20 Aug 17 Wrocław (PL) Zaklęte Rewiry
21 Aug 17 Bratislava (SK) Majestic Music Club
22 Aug 17 Wien (AT) Arena
23 Aug 17 München (DE) Backstage Halle
24 Aug 17 Aarau (CH) Kiff
25 Aug 17 Paris (FR) Trabendo
GORGUTS will be performing in support of their previous albums as well as their critically highly acclaimed latest EP ‘Pleiades’ Dust’,
The artwork of the EP that contains only its epic title track was created by renowned Polish artist Zbigniew M. Bielak and can be viewed below.
Canada’s long-running and much loved craftsmen of technical death metal are returning with a 33-minute song. Entitled ‘Pleiades’ Dust’ this complex, image evoking, and masterly arranged eponymous track fills an entire EP. Expect the unexpected, when it comes to GORGUTS.
In an age of a postulated clash of cultures, mastermind Luc Lemay delivers a piece of music that is conceptually and lyrically based on the “House of Wisdom”, a medieval library based in Baghdad and at the heart of the Golden Age of Islam with its many scientific breakthroughs in various fields of learning. As Luc comments: “It is a story about curiosity, beautiful minds and sadly, about how man destroys great discoveries and achievements.” Musically there is more narrative feeling as each section is introduced in such a way that every riff has the space to evolve like a character in a story.
The stunning cover art created to reflect this concept has been specially created by renowned Polish artist Zbigniew M. Bielak (MAYHEM, GHOST, ZHRINE et. al.).
Few extreme bands can boast the pedigree of GORGUTS. During their early days as part of death metal’s first wave, they created a legacy of legendary releases including their debut album ‘Considered Dead’ (1991) and its more experimental and technical follow-up ‘Erosion of Sanity’ (1993). After a hiatus of five years, Luc Lemay returned with a new line-up, which released the highly acclaimed and seminal third full-length ‘Obscura’ (1998). By then GORGUTS had been busy at expanding and redefining the language of death metal. With a new line-up that left Lemay as the sole original member, the next milestone album was released under the title ‘From Wisdom to Hate’ (2001).
Yet again the band went into hibernation, while their musical legacy continued to inspire and thrive as their native Quebec became a focus for technical death metal with acts such as CRYPTOPSY, NEURAXIS, and BEYOND CREATION to name but a few following in their footsteps. After more than a decade of silence, mastermind Luc Lemay unleashed ‘Colored Sands’ (2013) with an all-star line-up including Colin Marston (BEHOLD THE ARCTOPUS), Kevin Hufnagel (DYSRHYTHMIA), and John Longstreath (ORIGIN, SKINLESS), who has in the meantime been replaced by Patrice Hamelin (QUO VADIS, BENEATH THE MASSACRE).
Line-up
Luc Lemay: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Kevin Hufnagel: Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Colin Marston: Bass
Patrice Hamelin: Drums
BEYOND CREATION are announcing a string of European dates for this summer. The Canadian masters of progressive technical death metal will be supported by Swiss brothers in spirit, VIRVUM. The tour kicks off with a show at the prestigious Hellfest in Clisson France on June 18th and continues through 11 countries on the continent before its grand finale at the UK Tech Fest at the Newark Showground in Winthorpe on the 9th of July.
Please see below for a list of all confirmed dates.
BEYOND CREATION
18 Jun 17 Clisson (FR) Hellfest
BEYOND CREATION
+Virvum
20 Jun 17 Aarau (CH) Kiff
21 Jun 17 Bologna (IT) Alchemica Music Club
22 Jun 17 Ljubljana (SI) Orto Bar
24 Jun 17 Tuzla (BA) Club Palma
25 Jun 17 Sofia (BG) Live & Loud
26 Jun 17 Cluj (RO) Napoca The Shelter
27 Jun 17 Kosice (SK) Colloseum
28 Jun 17 Budapest (HU) Dürer Kert
29 Jun 17 Wien (AT) Viper Room
30 Jun 17 München (DE) Feierwerk
02 Jul 17 Utrecht (NL) dB’s
Feel the onrush of sweeping arpeggios, crushing waves of fretless bass, complex rhythmical patterns and erupting scales peppered with jazzy feeling and masterful execution under the mark of ‘Earthborn Evolution’, which names the sophomore full-length of BEYOND CREATION. The French part of Canada is home to a vibrant culture of technical Death Metal fostered by outstanding acts such as GORGUTS, CRYPTOPSY, MARTYR, and NEURAXIS. This illustrious family tree has produced many sprouts in the past, yet none of them are as brilliant as Quebec’s new amazing scion: BEYOND CREATION! Founded in the Olympic city of Montreal in the year 2005, the band worked hard to gain technical expertise before putting out their only demo in 2010. The immediate buzz resonated within and beyond technical Death Metal circles and was followed up by a self-release of “The Aura” (2011), which was re-issued by Season of Mist in 2013. With their debut album, BEYOND CREATION delivered a ferocious blend of technicality, melody, and brutality aided by fang-filled growls, which was interwoven with beautiful progressive interludes. Yet this was just the beginning as ‘Earthborn Evolution’ proves beyond doubt. Their next step now catapults the Canadians into the top league of their genre, right among such giants as ATHEIST, DEATH or early CYNIC. Prepare for the lightning evolution of the progressive technical death metal revolution!
Line-up
Simon Girard: vocals, 8-string guitars
Kevin Chartré: 8-string guitars
Dominic ‘Forest’ Lapointe: 6-string fretless bass
Philippe Boucher: drums
EARTH ELECTRIC are now premiering their complete debut album, ‘Vol.1: Solar’, which will hit the streets on Friday, May 12th.
The Norwegian-Portuguese rockers lead by mastermind guitarist Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (ex-MAYHEM, ex-AVA INFERI, AURA NOIR) are exclusively streaming ‘Vol.1: Solar’
The artwork of ‘Vol.1: Solar’, which has been created by renowned Romanian artist Costin Chioreanu, can be viewed below
Track-list
01. Mountains & Conquerors (3:08)
02. The Endless Road (3:45)
03. Meditate. Mediate (3:58)
04. The Great Vast (4:31)
05. Set Sail (Towards the Sun) (1:55)
06. Solar (5:25)
07. Sabbatical Moons (4:51)
08. Earthrise (5:06)
09. Sweet Soul Gathering (2:32)
EARTH ELECTRIC are the new exciting brainchild of Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen. The Norwegian mastermind is known and praised for his stylistically diverse output within a mostly metal framework, which includes highly acclaimed compositions for MAYHEM, AURA NOIR, AVA INFERI, and TWILIGHT OF THE GODS.
With their debut album ‘Vol.1: Solar’, EARTH ELECTRIC turn out to be a quite different beast again. Eriksen is drawing heavily from classic rock influences including such giants as DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, and PINK FLOYD. Those roots are rather hinted at than clearly visible and the Nordic track-smith has always made sure to hammer them into an individual shape of his own twisted liking.
EARTH ELECTRIC were formed by Rune Eriksen in cooperation with AVA INFERI vocalist Carmen Simões in early spring 2014, who graced the project with her ethereal soprano, which has also been enlisted by MOONSPELL on several recordings and live productions. The couple’s renewed cooperation was based on a mutual desire to explore today’s opportunities of creating energetic and extrovert rock. The duo enlisted the help of their friends Luigi “Gee” Anzalone from DRAGONFORCE and DORO band member Luca Princiotta and recorded a 3-track demo, entitled “2014” at Ultrasound Studio, Portugal in September 2014.
After completing the demo, the two core members decided to turn into a heavier and slightly more progressive direction, while the overall concept became more ethereal. EARTH ELECTRIC added GROG and NEOPLASMAH bassist Alexandre Ribeiro and Ricardo Martins, who also drums for JIBÓIA and PAPAYA to their line-up. The London based keyboarder Daniel Knight from the progressive UK rock band MESSENGER completed the crew for the recordings.
‘Vol.1: Solar’ was mainly recorded at Orgone Studio under the direction of acclaimed producer Jaime Gomez Arellano (GHOST, SÓLSTAFIR, PRIMORDIAL), who also signed responsible for mix and mastering in late summer 2016. Now EARTH ELECTRIC are ready to rock the world with their stunning debut. Rock on!
Line-up
Carmen Susana Simões: vocals
Rune Eriksen: guitars, vocals, FX
Alexandre Ribeiro: bass, FX
Ricardo Martins: drums & percussion, vocals
Daniel Knight: keyboards (studio)
Melodic Death/Thrash quartet DEAD ASYLUM will release sophomore album Death Always Wins on June 2. On the follow-up to 2013 debut General Carnage, the Vancouver, Canada band has sharpened the songwriting to a fine point and bolstered its established muscular attack with a harder rhythmic punch and an even deadlier arsenal of riffs!
With an unexpected combination of thrash and melodeath elements reminiscent of the Gothenburg Sound (AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY, et al), DEAD ASYLUM’s Death Always Wins is one killer listen! The songs on Death Always Wins range from thrashy headbangers, to technical compositions, and chantable, heavy metal anthems. While it might seem like their sound covers the spectrum of metal, everything is tied together by brutal dual vocals and melodic leads. Lyrical themes include revolution and political uprising, the apocalypse, and—as the band name alludes—twisted facets of the human psyche. The band’s famously intense live shows are about to get fiercer when the new material is left beaten and bloodied on the stage!
Death Always Wins was tracked at Jam Factory Studios in Port Coquitlam, BC; recorded and edited by Roger Mowat; and mix/mastered by Chris Holmes. Pierre-Alain (3mmi Design) was responsible for the album art.
Track List:
1. Defiance
2. Death Always Wins
3. Between Me and the Grave
4. Bury the Living
5. Forgotten Sacrifice
6. Bred to Die
7. Welcome
8. Inmate 666
Dead Asylum is:
Mike Lister – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Roger Mowat – Vocals/Bass
Eric Morrison – Lead Guitar
Samantha Landa – Drums
Drummer Samantha Landa in many ways defines DEAD ASYLUM’s unbridled energy and inability to ever just stand still. Landa performed with Brazilian Thrashers and Napalm Records artist NERVOSA for three months throughout North America and Europe in 2016, including on a tour package that also featured DESTRUCTION, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, and ENFORCER. And all the while ran her online business from the road! Previously, Landa even served as a Pool Girl on the annual 70000 Tons of Metal cruise.
DEAD ASYLUM will hit the road this summer for an August/September U.S. tour. Stay tuned for details.
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT are now revealing details of their forthcoming fourth album. The new masterpiece of the German rising black stars is entitled ‘Finisterre’, and will be in stores on August 25th.
The band furthermore release the cover art by Max Löffler and track-list of ‘Finisterre’, which can both be viewed below.
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT explaining the album’s details in a first studio report where the band talks about the drum and stdio recording process. The video can be viewed here:
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT comment: “This album and its production process was one of the biggest challenges of our lives so far. Due to the fact that we took the whole production in our own hands, we had full control over everything but of course it was also hard work to achieve our vision and the sound we were looking for. However, now we’re very proud of what we’ve created and happy to share these insights from the recording sessions with you! The first part covers the drum recordings and shows the life in the studio.”
Tracklist
1. Aufbruch
2. Ein letzter Tanz
3. Skepsis Part I
4. Skepsis Part II
5. Finisterre
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT previously announced a European headlining tour supported by French brothers in spirit, REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER and the recently added INTER ARMA.
Vocalist Nikita Kamprad comments: “We’re stoked to have INTER ARMA as another special guest joining our album release tour this fall. All the way from the US they will enrich each night with their unique soundscape and thus complete this killer package. We can’t wait, do not miss it!”
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT Festivals
29 Jul 17 Albi Carmaux (FR) Xtreme Fest
09 Aug 17 Fortress Josefov (CZ) Brutal Assault Open Air
16 Aug 17 Dinkelsbühl (DE) Summer Breeze Open Air
22 Sep 17 Hamburg (DE) Hamburg Metal Dayz
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT
+IINTER ARMA +REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER
21 Sep 17 Münster (DE) Gleis 22
23 Sep 17 Köln (DE) Underground
24 Sep 17 Rotterdam (NL) Baroeg
25 Sep 17 Nijmegen (NL) Merleyn
26 Sep 17 Esch-sur-Alzette (LU) Kulturfabrik
27 Sep 17 Wiesbaden (DE) Schlachthof
28 Sep 17 Stuttgart (DE) Keller Klub
29 Sep 17 Puget Sur Argens (FR) Le Rat’s
30 Sep 17 Barcelona (ES) Razzmatazz 3
01 Oct 17 Madrid (ES) Sala Caracol
02 Oct 17 Nantes (FR) Le Ferrailleur
03 Oct 17 Paris (FR) Le Petit Bain
04 Oct 17 Strasbourg (FR) La Laiterie
05 Oct 17 Lyon (FR) O’Totem
06 Oct 17 Zürich (CH) Werk 21
07 Oct 17 München (DE) Kranhalle
08 Oct 17 Salzburg (AT) Rockhouse
10 Oct 17 Budapest (HU) Dürer Kert
11 Oct 17 Wien (AT) Arena
12 Oct 17 Ceské Budejovice (CZ) MC Fabrika
13 Oct 17 Leipzig (DE) UT Connewitz
14 Oct 17 Berlin (DE) Lido
The musical puzzle that adds up to become DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT turns into something more complex – yet also clearer defined on the band’s fourth studio album, ‘Finisterre’. The original pieces are still in play: the aggressive German directness akin to ENDSTILLE and a penchant for brooding melancholy as embodied by IMPERIUM DEKADENZ. Spiralling psychedelic moments comparable to DEAFHEAVEN and WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM also find their place – as well as a knack for majestic melodies that shows parallels in Swedish black metal spearheaded by MARDUK and DARK FUNERAL.
Yet while DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT are clearly progressing along the lines laid out by their previous acclaimed effort, ‘Stellar’, the band has found a way to make these pieces fit more seamlessly. ‘Finisterre’ flows together into a coherent picture that stresses the Germans’ unique approach and sound. This album marks the point where DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT turn their various influences into a work entirely of their own expression despite never trying to cover up their roots. This impressive maturity has been reached through several stages.
Founded in 2009 by guitarist Nikita Kamprad and vocalist Tobias Jaschinsky, DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT garnered early attention with their self-released debut ‘Der Weg einer Freiheit’ (2009), which quickly sold out and was re-issued with new drum tracks a year later. Following the ‘Agonie’ EP (2011), their second album ‘Unstille’ (2012) already cored international acclaim. In the aftermath of this record, co-founding member Tobias left and main songwriter Nikita Kamprad took over his vocal duties.
The frontman was first heard on third full-length ‘Stellar’ (2015), which saw DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT gaining traction across the pond as well as expanding their European base. Having performed along such diverse acts as WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, NEAERA, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, AMENRA, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, and DOWNFALL OF GAIA as well as playing prestigious festivals such as Graspop, Hellfest, Resurrection, Roadburn, Summer Breeze, and Wacken has honed the band’s songwriting skills to razor-sharp precision.
‘Finisterre’ clearly stands at the apex (for now) of the steep climb that the DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT have taken. This German star is finally shining in full black.
As a one woman act all instruments for this album were recorded simultaneously . What’s cool about this record is she uses some pretty out there instruments, stuff I have not heard before in Black metal , like the waterphone
Check out some tracks here: May the Wind Carry Your Ashes to the Four Corners of the Earth
Black Spell
A Long Forgotten Tale
You can catch Rachel on tour with Xasthur this spring – tour dates below
NE OBLIVISCARIS have released video footage from their first-ever acoustic set at the Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne, Australia. The re-imagining of “Painters of the Tempest: Pt. II, Movement III: Curator” from their most recent album ‘Citadel’
The show was an exclusive event for the Australian progressive visionaries’ Patreon membership that was also given access to a worldwide live stream. The bands Patreon page can be accessed at the link below.
The album’s artwork, which has been designed by vocalist XEN and track-list of ‘Citadel’ can be viewed below.
1. Painters of the Tempest (Part I): Wyrmholes
2. Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych Lux
• Movement I: Creator
• Movement II: Cynosure
• Movement III: Curator
3. Painters of the Tempest (Part III): Reveries from the Stained Glass Womb
4. Pyrrhic
5. Devour Me, Colossus (Part I): Blackholes
6. Devour Me, Colossus (Part II): Contortions
“Ne Obliviscaris”, which means “forget not” is the proud motto of Clan Campbell. These highlanders were as successful as ruthless and served as an inspiration for George R. R. Martin’s blockbuster series “Game of Thrones”. Yet the Australian band NE OBLIVISCARIS is neither dealing with folk metal nor bloody minded. It should be mentioned though that their compositions are at least as complex as Scotland’s history. These six musicians share the adventurous spirit of Argyll’s clansmen.
The multi-layered songs of their sophomore album ‘Citadel’ are building on a foundation of harsh metal with avant-garde elements of jazz, flamenco, progressive rock, and many more. NE OBLIVISCARIS display extraordinary musicianship and a depth of profound compositional abilities, one hardly expects from such a young group.
This impression is confirmed by one of Australia’s most prestigious classical conservatories, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music adding the song “And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope” taken from NE OBLIVISCARIS’ acclaimed debut full-length ‘Portal of I’ (2012) to their teaching curriculum. The band was founded in the beautiful Australian coastal City of Melbourne, Victoria in the year 2003. Their first demo ‘The Aurora Veil’ (2007), NE OBLIVISCARIS already garnered massive word-of-mouth prominence within the metal underground. Major press caught up with the debut album ‘Portal of I’, which showcased their unique array of influences and dynamic songwriting with a virtuous violin significantly adding to the sound.
The Australians also gained a reputation as an excellent live act, while supporting DEVIN TOWNSEND, ENSLAVED, BETWEEN THE BURIED & ME, CRADLE OF FILTH among others. After a highly successful three week headline tour throughout Asia including a sold out show in Tokyo, Japan NE OBLIVISCARIS started a crowd funding campaign to support further international touring. Their target of 37.500 US Dollars was reached in only 38 hours and the final sum of 56.644 US Dollars broke the previous Australian record. With ‘Citadel’ the band has begun to conquer the world.
Mixed and mastered Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA), this album spells international success for NE OBLIVISCARIS in capitals letter. Don’t miss their shows and judge for yourself!
Current line-up
Xenoyr: harsh vocals
Tim Charles: violin & clear vocals
Benjamin Baret: lead guitar
Matt Klavins: guitar
Dan Presland: drums
Born on the ashes of a previous obscure project, LVX HÆRESIS began in MMXIII with DH (Vocals and Guitars) and W (Bass). Quickly the duo progressed into as same spiritual and artistic path as the former project. Later, N (Drums) joins the covenant, and with this line-up they released a self-produced Single limited to 200 pieces. This single received good returns consulting the path that the horde took.
Six months later, V (Guitars) and III (Guitars) joined the band and took part on the composition of the next album, retreating themselves in studio to record their future LP “Descensŭs Spīrĭtŭs“, scheduled to be released under Atavism Records.
The coven played their first gig on the 13th of May (2016) with Temple of Baal and Déluge. Since then, Lvx Hæresis shared the stage with bands like Regarde les Hommes Tomber, Svart Crown and Malepeste. And very recently on 13th april, they opened the gig for Dark Funeral.
The band is oriented in a ritualistic and hypnotic Black Metal devoted to the occult worlds in the vain of artists such as Mortuus, Ondskapt or Funeral Mist. The formation is a strong entity of one only soul, driven in the same direction. Black metal has magnificently developed in terms of both music and spiritual direction over the last decade, and Lvx Hæresis is great addition amongst those very few bands who are precisely having strong spiritual path as well as phenomenal musicianship. Organic production, devilish vocal, appropriate drumming, dark bass tone, death evoking riffs — existence of these feature showcase the caliber of the musicianship.
SHINING have released a video teaser for an arthouse documentary feat. Niklas Kvarforth, entitled “Cold Void”. The notorious founder of the Swedish black metal act is the focal point of a new movie. The documentary tries to capture a personal portrait of Niklas Kvarforth, who has made headlines that have involved addiction, suicide and self-destruction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, passion, and exceptional musicianship. The project was undertaken by arthouse producer Claudio Marino and his film production company Artax Film.
“Cold Void” is scheduled for release in autumn. More information about Artax Film can be found at this link: www.artaxfilm.com
Claudio Marino states that “Cold Void” is a film for anyone interested in life stories, and was not made with the intention of pandering to SHINING’s fans. It is very much a personal journey, bringing a much-needed clarity and lack of sensationalism to the subject of Niklas Kvarforth.
He also comments: “I’ve known about Niklas and his music for a long time. His story interested me and I wanted to know more about him as a person. I did some research and we got in contact. I showed him my documentary trilogy ‘Blood and Spirit’ and he was interested in working with me. We got along from the start and he proved to be very cooperative. He was brutally honest, and never left any of my questions unanswered.”
Claudio Marino is known for his documentary “Blood and Spirit”, a trilogy about three different artists who live for their art, a tattoo artist, an mixed martial arts fighter, and a Satanist, who happened to be Erik Danielsson from WATAIN
SHINING are embarking on their first headlining tour in the US today. Co-headlining will be label mates REVENGE. All currently confirmed dates including a performance at Germany’s With Foll Force Open Air can be viewed below
SHINING US Tour
+REVENGE
05 May 17 Baltimore, MD (US) Sparta Inn
06 May 17 Trenton. NJ (US) Backstage at Championship Bar
07 May 17 Quebec (CA) L’anti Bar
08 May 17 Montreal, QC (CA) Theatre Fairmount
09 May 17 Toronto, ON (CA) The Garrison
10 May 17 Detroit, MI (US) Harpo’s
11 May 17 Chicago, IL (US) Reggie’s
12 May 17 Kansas City, MO (US) Riot Room
14 May 17 Boise, ID (US) The Shredder
15 May 17 Vancouver, BC (CA) The Red Room (without Revenge)
16 May 17 Seattle, WA (US) Studio Seven
17 May 17 Portland, OR (US) Tonic Lounge
18 May 17 Oakland, CA (US) Metro Opera House
19 May 17 Las Vegas, NV (US) Adrenaline
20 May 17 Los Angeles, CA (US) Complex
21 May 17 Phoenix, AZ (US) Joe’s Grotto
23 May 17 Austin, TX (US) Grizzly Hall
24 May 17 Fort Worth, TX (US) Rail Club
SHINING are more than just a band. In fact each release, every concert and interview becomes a bloody battleground, on which Niklas Kvarforth struggles with his inner demons. The frontman and only remaining original member has never been shy to let the world know about his mental afflictions, which seem to complement or even spark his outstanding talent as a composer and musician. His ninth album, ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ is another excellent example of Niklas’ genius. Reaching back to their black metal roots, SHINING simultaneously melt eclectic influences from progressive rock, jazz, even pop and more into deeply emotional laments from the dark side of the soul. Niklas’ vocals come in an even greater variety of expressions which few would suspect in a singer coming from the extreme metal scene. Moments of pain and confusion turn into insane outbursts of anger. Despair shifts into melancholy and an eerie sense of timeless beauty permeates all. Lacking any tolerance for false tuning, technical flaws and lack of ambition, Niklas has literally beaten any weakness out of his band, which demonstrates its remarkable prowess far beyond any average on this record. Founded in 1996 by Kvarforth, SHINING self-released ‘Submit to Self-Destruction’ in 1998 and spawned the term “suicidal black metal” with this debut 7″. A couple years after first full-length ‘I – Within Deep Dark Chambers’ (2000) and sophomore album ‘II – Livets Ändhållplats’ (2001) had cut deep marks into the underground scene, Niklas replaced his whole crew and started a continuous cycle of changing his line-up. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV – The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major metal press attention. SHINING then focused on bringing their vision and often controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental health led to cancelled tours, physical and psychological fights within the band, and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after the breakdown, the restless singer returned with new members and the massively successful album ‘V – Halmstad’ (2007). SHINING had reached headliner status and toured with big acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up changes later, the Swede once again entered studio and recorded two albums in one session. ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’ was released in 2009 and two years later ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ darkened the light of day. The band also received their first gold disc for the single ‘Förtvivlan, Min Arvedel’ in Sweden. After rotating more musicians in and out, SHINING returned with ‘Redefining Darkness’ (2012) and a less aggressive, yet more sinister sound. Before signing to Season of Mist, the band released the project ‘8 ½ – Feberdrömmar I Vaket Tillstånd’, which featured six of Kvarforth’s favourite vocalists. In August 2014, SHINING entered Andy LaRocque’s Sonic Train Studios to record their ninth album. ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ is the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical evolution and experience so far. And while nobody expects the Swede to deliver a record to booze and sing along to, the charged word “art” enters the mind unbidden. This masterpiece should interest lovers of music far beyond the narrow confines of extreme metal. Plug your headphones in and find out for yourself!
Current line-up
Niklas Kvarforth – vocals
Peter Huss – guitars
Euge Valovirta – guitars
Marcus Hammarström – bass
Jarle Byberg – drums