Today, Purity ThroughFire announces September 22nd as the international release date for Solus Grief‘s highly anticipated second album, What If This Was Everything, on CD format. The vinyl LP version will follow on October 27.
It was late last year when Norwegian newcomer Solus Grief burst from the void with their debut album, With a Last Exhale. Originally released digitally, by February of this year did Purity ThroughFire spread the infection in physical form, seeing as the label has taken under its banner the myriad other bands of mainman Peregrinus – among them, Unholy Craft and Kvad. With a Last Exhale, on paper, might’ve seemed like just another one-man DSBM release, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth: with robust songwriting and tangible physicality, Solus Grief‘s first album equally nodded to ’90s melodic death metal, ’80s doom metal, and even proper heavy metal itself, making for a unique expression stemming from the Norwegian black metal tradition.
Bucking expectations once again, Solus Grief returns quickly with their second album, What If This Was Everything, and just as quickly show newer sides to that expression. Immediately, it becomes clear that this sophomore full-length is a rawer and wilder one – denser and more desperate, restless and relentless, the very sound of a man painfully wearing his heart on his sleeve and then just obliterating it. Suitably recorded during the winter by Peregrinus, What If This Was Everything utilizes the same epic four-song structure as its predecessor, but with 47 minutes this time instead of 41, those labyrinths become longer and more treacherous, betraying an expanded palette and frenzied brushwork. It’s not that huge changes in style occur here – the foundation, for the most part, is nearly the same – but the songwriting undeniably becomes more winding, the melodicism more surprising, and the black metal underbelly fully felt. Still, it’s the utter anguish in Peregrinus’ voice which puts this record into rarefied territory, as well as the equally anguished manner in which he plays all the instruments: you truly BELIEVE IT. Compounding this frayed-ends-of-sanity approach is the aforementioned production, which is more caustic than its stoic predecessor, but perhaps this is simply down to Peregrinus punishing said instruments…What If This Was Everything indeed.
In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Upon the Winds, My Breath Left” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Solus Grief’s What If This Was Everything 1. Upon the Winds, My Breath Left [9:25] 2. Within the Fires [12:21] 3. What If This Was Everything [13:43] 4. Of the Earth Cold [10:42]
Today, depressive black metal pioneers Nocturnal Depression premiere the new track “Living in a Mass Grave”. The track hails from the band’s highly anticipated ninth album, Tides of Despair, set for international release on November 25th via Sun & Moon Records.
Hear Nocturnal Depression‘s “Living in a Mass Grave” in its entirety here:
French masters of nostalgic, depressive black metal, Nocturnal Depression return with their latest opus, the ever-aptly-titled Tides of Despair. A special occasion to say the very least, 2019 sees the return of Herr Suizid, founding member of the band who left in 2012, rejoining with fellow founder Lord Lokhraed. As a result, Tides of Despair has all the elements which make Nocturnal Depression stand out from all the thousands of cliche DSBM pretenders, many of whom were inspired by the band’s pioneering early works in the mid-2000s: immediately memorable riffs, achingly melodic leads, dramatic tension, and altogether dynamic songwriting. Surprisingly, Tides of Despair begins in quite a positive manner – but deceptively so, as Nocturnal Depression soon embark on a gloomy, atmospheric journey, guiding the listener onward into an exhaustingly emotional turmoil. Claustrophobic somberness comes to a climax on the perfectly titled “Living in a Mass Grave,” forlorn acoustic moments abound, despair and depression suitably mark songs like “Solitude and Despair Again” and “Farewell Letter,” epic gloom in “Muse of Suicide,” and all concluding with the bleak and melancholic “Reveries.” Throughout, the surprises continue with the integration of French horn, pianos, chimes, and bells, with a multitude of guests from different bands (Psychonaut 4, Sarkrista, Tulpa, Darkend, Selvans) making the album even more refreshing. Completed by mixing & mastering courtesy of Alessandro “Algol” Comerio from Forgotten Tomb/Hiems, Nocturnal Depression prove with Tides of Despair that both the past is alive and the future is bleak!
Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Nocturnal Depression’s Tides of Despair 1. Drowning Myself 2. Tides of Despair 3. Living in a Mass Grave 4. Solitude and Despair Again 5. Slit My Wrists 6. Farewell Letter 7. Muse of Suicide 8. Reveries
Today, Sun & Moon Records sets November 25th as the international release date for Nocturnal Depression‘s highly anticipated ninth album, Tides of Despair, on digipack CD format.
French masters of nostalgic, depressive black metal, Nocturnal Depression return with their latest opus, the ever-aptly-titled Tides of Despair. A special occasion to say the very least, 2019 sees the return of Herr Suizid, founding member of the band who left in 2012, rejoining with fellow founder Lord Lokhraed. As a result, Tides of Despair has all the elements which make Nocturnal Depression stand out from all the thousands of cliche DSBM pretenders, many of whom were inspired by the band’s pioneering early works in the mid-2000s: immediately memorable riffs, achingly melodic leads, dramatic tension, and altogether dynamic songwriting. Surprisingly, Tides of Despair begins in quite a positive manner – but deceptively so, as Nocturnal Depression soon embark on a gloomy, atmospheric journey, guiding the listener onward into an exhaustingly emotional turmoil. Claustrophobic somberness comes to a climax on the perfectly titled “Living in a Mass Grave,” forlorn acoustic moments abound, despair and depression suitably mark songs like “Solitude and Despair Again” and “Farewell Letter,” epic gloom in “Muse of Suicide,” and all concluding with the bleak and melancholic “Reveries.” Throughout, the surprises continue with the integration of French horn, pianos, chimes, and bells, with a multitude of guests from different bands (Psychonaut 4, Sarkrista, Tulpa, Darkend, Selvans) making the album even more refreshing. Completed by mixing & mastering courtesy of Alessandro “Algol” Comerio from Forgotten Tomb/Hiems, Nocturnal Depression prove with Tides of Despair that both the past is alive and the future is bleak!
First track premiere to be revealed shortly. Preorder info can be found HERE.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Nocturnal Depression’s Tides of Despair 1. Drowning Myself 2. Tides of Despair 3. Living in a Mass Grave 4. Solitude and Despair Again 5. Slit My Wrists 6. Farewell Letter 7. Muse of Suicide 8. Reveries
SHINING are
heading out for their first European tour in three years in honor of their 10th
album ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which was released via Season of Mist last year.
The ‘Return of the Enemy’ kicks off at the Helvete in Oberhausen (DE) on May
15, and sees the band traveling throughout 9 more countries before a final
curtain at the Throne fest in Kuurne (BE) on June 9.
To make things even
more intriguing, SHINING are preparing a longer set than usual
and promise an event full of uncompromising darkness and perversion. Join them
in a celebration of the downfall of man! A list of all confirmed dates can be
found below.
SHINING European tour +SRD 15 May 19 Oberhausen (DE) Helvete (tickets) 16 May 19 Paris (FR) Nouveau Casino (tickets) 17 May 19 Nantes (FR) Le Ferrailleur (tickets) 19 May 19 Grenoble (FR) L’Ampérage (tickets) 20 May 19 Toulouse (FR) Connexion Live (tickets) 21 May 19 Madrid (ES) Caracol (tickets) 22 May 19 Barcelona (ES) Boveda (tickets) 23 May 19 Marseille (FR) Jas Rod (tickets) 24 May 19 Verona (IT) Pika Future Club (tickets) 25 May 19 Bologna (IT) Alchemica Music Club (tickets) 26 May 19 Munich (DE) Backstage (tickets) 27 May 19 Kranj (SL) Trainstation Subart (tickets) 28 May 19 Vienna (AT) Viper Room (tickets) 29 May 19 Budapest (HU) Blue Hell (tickets) 30 May 19 Krakow (PL) Zet Pe Te Club (tickets) 31 May 19 Poznan (PL) U Bazyla (tickets) 01 Jun 19 Leipzig (DE) Hellraiser Club (tickets) 02 Jun 19 Erfurt (DE) Club From Hell (tickets) 04 Jun 19 Mannheim (DE) MS Connexion Complex (tickets) 05 Jun 19 Copenhagen (DK) Hotel Cecil (tickets) 06 Jun 19 Hamburg (DE) Kronensaal (tickets) 07 Jun 19 Groningen (NL) Vera (tickets) 08 Jun 19 Utrecht (NL) Helling (tickets) 09 Jun 19 Kuurne (BE) Thronefest 2019 (tickets)
SHINING will be touring in support of their 2018 release ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which can be listened to in full here.
The artwork has been created by Kevin Rolly and is shown together with the album details below.
Niklas Kvarforth is not the first
artist struggling with mental illness and related issues. The erratic Swede is
also not the first musician whose inner demons are part of the creative genius.
Yet in the world of metal, his band SHINING remains as a unique
and outstanding act in terms of talent and musical excellence.
Never shy
about his personal afflictions, Niklas Kvarforth is once again baring his
tortured soul with ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’. His anger, his confusion, his pain,
and his torment are all becoming tangible on the tenth album in the band’s long
history. For a point of reference, the legendary ‘V – Halmstad’ release probably
offers the most appropriate comparison. Yet all the influences
SHINING fused into their previous masterpiece, ‘IX – Everyone,
Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ (2015) are also still present. Eclectic influences
from progressive rock, jazz, classical music, and even faint traces of pop have
left their mark.
In addition to the broad musical spectrum on display,
Niklas Kvarforth’s deeply emotional laments emerging from the dark depths of his
twisted mind go beyond the usual scale of metal bands in their great vocal scope
and variety.
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, which started a continuous cycle of line-up
changes. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV –
The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major press attention. At the same time,
SHINING focused on bringing their vision and often
controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental
health led to cancellations, physical and psychological fights within the band,
and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after his breakdown, the
restless singer returned with new members and the acclaimed masterpiece, ‘V –
Halmstad’ in 2007. By then SHINING had reached headliner status
and toured with other great acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up
changes later, the Swede recorded two albums in one session: ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’
was released in 2009, to be followed by ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ two years later.
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’ as the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical
evolution and experience. More line-up changes and breakdowns
followed.
Yet Niklas Kvarforth clawed his way up from the depths once
more and returned to Andy LaRocque and Sonic Train Studios to record another
album. The result, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ is a musical masterpiece far beyond
simple genre limitations and a shining tribute to the achievement that a
troubled mind is capable of when driven by a passionate will to excel and
overcome. Listen with respect.
SHINING are
heading out for their first European tour in three years in honor of their 10th
album ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which was released via Season of Mist last year.
The ‘Return of the Enemy’ tour will kick off at the Helvete in Oberhausen (DE)
on May 15, and sees the band traveling throughout 9 more countries before a
final curtain at the Throne fest in Kuurne (BE) on June 9.
To make things
even more intriguing, SHINING are preparing a longer set than
usual and promise an event full of uncompromising darkness and perversion. Join
them in a celebration of the downfall of man! A list of all confirmed dates can
be found below.
SHINING European tour +SRD 15 May 19 Oberhausen (DE) Helvete 16 May 19 Paris (FR) Le Flow 17 May 19 Nantes (FR) Le Ferrailleur 20 May 19 Toulouse (FR) Connexion Live 21 May 19 Madrid (ES) Caracol 22 May 19 Barcelona (ES) Boveda 23 May 19 Marseille (FR) Jas Rod 24 May 19 Verona (IT) Pika Future Club 25 May 19 Bologna (IT) Alchemica Music Club 26 May 19 Munich (DE) Backstage 28 May 19 Vienna (AT) Viper Room 29 May 19 Budapest (HU) Blue Hell 30 May 19 Krakow (PL) Zet Pe Te Club 31 May 19 Poznan (PL) U Bazyla 01 Jun 19 Leipzig (DE) Hellraiser Club 02 Jun 19 Erfurt (DE) Club From Hell 04 Jun 19 Mannheim (DE) MS Connexion Comples 05 Jun 19 Copenhagen (DK) Hotel Cecil 06 Jun 19 Hamburg (DE) Kronensaal 07 Jun 19 Groninghen (NL) Vera 08 Jun 19 Utrecht (NL) Helling
SHINING festivals 27 Apr 19 Stockholm (SE) Stockholm Slaughter 2019 11 May 19 London (UK) Incineration Fest 2019 09 Jun 19 Kuurne (BE) Thronefest 2019
SHINING will be touring in support of their 2018 release ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which can be listened to in full here. The artwork has been created by Kevin Rolly and is shown together with the album details below.
Niklas Kvarforth is not the first
artist struggling with mental illness and related issues. The erratic Swede is
also not the first musician whose inner demons are part of the creative genius.
Yet in the world of metal, his band SHINING remains as a unique
and outstanding act in terms of talent and musical excellence.
Never shy
about his personal afflictions, Niklas Kvarforth is once again baring his
tortured soul with ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’. His anger, his confusion, his pain,
and his torment are all becoming tangible on the tenth album in the band’s long
history. For a point of reference, the legendary ‘V – Halmstad’ release probably
offers the most appropriate comparison. Yet all the influences
SHINING fused into their previous masterpiece, ‘IX – Everyone,
Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ (2015) are also still present. Eclectic influences
from progressive rock, jazz, classical music, and even faint traces of pop have
left their mark.
In addition to the broad musical spectrum on display,
Niklas Kvarforth’s deeply emotional laments emerging from the dark depths of his
twisted mind go beyond the usual scale of metal bands in their great vocal scope
and variety.
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, which started a continuous cycle of line-up
changes. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV –
The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major press attention. At the same time,
SHINING focused on bringing their vision and often
controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental
health led to cancellations, physical and psychological fights within the band,
and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after his breakdown, the
restless singer returned with new members and the acclaimed masterpiece, ‘V –
Halmstad’ in 2007. By then SHINING had reached headliner status
and toured with other great acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up
changes later, the Swede recorded two albums in one session: ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’
was released in 2009, to be followed by ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ two years later.
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’ as the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical
evolution and experience. More line-up changes and breakdowns
followed.
Yet Niklas Kvarforth clawed his way up from the depths once
more and returned to Andy LaRocque and Sonic Train Studios to record another
album. The result, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ is a musical masterpiece far beyond
simple genre limitations and a shining tribute to the achievement that a
troubled mind is capable of when driven by a passionate will to excel and
overcome. Listen with respect.
SHINING are now unleashing their complete forthcoming album, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which is scheduled for release on January 5th.
Niklas Kvarforth comments: “The time has finally come to invite you to my most destructive nightmare yet, enjoy!”
The artwork of ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which has been created by Kevin Rolly is shown below.
Track-list
1. Svart Ostoppbar Eld (7:11)
2. Gyllene Portarnas Bro (6:39)
3. Jag Är Din Fiende (7:05)
4. Han Som Lurar Inom (8:03)
5. Tolvtusenfyrtioett (2:53)
6. Mot Aokigahara (9:33)
Total playing time: 41:24
Niklas Kvarforth is not the first artist struggling with mental illness and related issues. The erratic Swede is also not the first musician whose inner demons are part of the creative genius. Yet in the world of metal, his band SHINING remains as a unique and outstanding act in terms of talent and musical excellence.
Never shy about his personal afflictions, Niklas Kvarforth is once again baring his tortured soul with ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’. His anger, his confusion, his pain, and his torment are all becoming tangible on the tenth album in the band’s long history. For a point of reference, the legendary ‘V – Halmstad’ release probably offers the most appropriate comparison. Yet all the influences SHINING fused into their previous masterpiece, ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ (2015) are also still present. Eclectic influences from progressive rock, jazz, classical music, and even faint traces of pop have left their mark.
In addition to the broad musical spectrum on display, Niklas Kvarforth’s deeply emotional laments emerging from the dark depths of his twisted mind go beyond the usual scale of metal bands in their great vocal scope and variety.
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, which started a continuous cycle of line-up changes. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV – The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major press attention. At the same time, SHINING focused on bringing their vision and often controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental health led to cancellations, physical and psychological fights within the band, and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after his breakdown, the restless singer returned with new members and the acclaimed masterpiece, ‘V – Halmstad’ in 2007. By then SHINING had reached headliner status and toured with other great acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up changes later, the Swede recorded two albums in one session: ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’ was released in 2009, to be followed by ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ two years later. 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’ as the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical evolution and experience. More line-up changes and breakdowns followed.
Yet Niklas Kvarforth clawed his way up from the depths once more and returned to Andy LaRocque and Sonic Train Studios to record another album. The result, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ is a musical masterpiece far beyond simple genre limitations and a shining tribute to the achievement that a troubled mind is capable of when driven by a passionate will to excel and overcome. Listen with respect.
A year after the critically acclaimed full length “Absence”, Swedish Symphonic DSBM act MIST OF MISERY is going to disclose two new chapters, and the first chapter — a mini album entitled as “Shackles of Life” — is going to be released via Black Lion Records.
After their critically acclaimed sophomore full length “Absence”, released back in 2016, Mist of Misery is returning with their long anticipated mini album “Shackles Of Life” the first of the two chapters to be opened. The symphonic/DSBM band from Stockholm started their journey back in 2010, March, and so far have released two full lengths and two EP releases. Currently, the band is working as a quartet.
First chapter of their dual mini albums, “Shackles of Life” features some of the most gloomy and utter beautiful crafted work in a long time. its simply one of those releases that rarely comes out, If you’ve enjoyed Absence then this will be a step above.
This EP also marks the sad departure of Erik Molnar’s history in Mist of misery, he took this decision because of being busy with recording and writing for the new Hyperion album. Erik will of course still linger around for this mini release to watch as everyone absorbs it.
“Broken Chains”, the third track from the mini album, is having a haunting beauty within its mournful atmosphere, filled with the serene arrangements of synths, endless melodic guitar harmonies and stirring melancholic vocals
The mini album was mixed by Mortuz Denatuz and mastered by Ronnie Björnström of Defitory and EAP Mix Room…known for working with bands like Bodyfarm, Aeon, Cut up,
Artwork was done by talented Russian artist Alex Tartsus.
Track – List:
01. Shackles Of Life
02. Placid Drowning
03. Broken Chains
04. A Dreamless Void (Euthanasia Part 2)
05. Dagon
06. Opening Chapter To A Solitary Confinement
07. Closing Chapter
SHINING have finished recording their tenth studio album, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ (“Wolf without a Pack”).
Mastermind Niklas Kvarforth comments:” It has been an ordeal of gigantic proportions, but I am pleased to announce that the recording of our tenth album have now come to an end, and I am currently working on the final visual details before this aural nightmare can be sent off to our label and fuck up your lives.
‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ is the direct follow up to our fifth album, but, as usual it does contain a few unexpected twists and turns that will send cold shivers down your spines. It was an honour to serve for two decades as the grand puppet-master and bringer of chaos.
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
