Shining

Shining announce European tour dates in May/June

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.
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.

www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

Recording line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals 
Marcus Hammarström: bass 
Peter Huss: guitar
Euge Valovirta: guitar 
Jarle Byberg: drums 

Current line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals 
Peter Huss: guitar
Benny Bats: guitar
Marcus Hammarström: bass
Frank Schilperoort: drums

Guest musicians
Andy La Rocque: guitar solo on “Jag Är Din Fiende” 
Olli Ahvenlahti: piano on “Tolvtusenfyrtioett”

Recording, Mix & Mastering: Andy La Rocque, Sonic Train Studios 

Shining stream complete new album

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.

www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

Recording line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals
Marcus Hammarström: bass
Peter Huss: guitar
Euge Valovirta: guitar
Jarle Byberg: drums

Current line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals
Marcus Hammarström: bass
Peter Huss: guitar

Guest musicians
Andy La Rocque: guitar solo on “Jag Är Din Fiende”
Olli Ahvenlahti: piano on “Tolvtusenfyrtioett”

Shining release new track and details of forthcoming album

SHINING are streaming the second song taken from their forthcoming album, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which is scheduled for release on January 5th.

The song “Gyllene Portarnas Bro” (which translates as “Golden Gate Bridge”)

SHINING mastermind Niklas Kvarforth comments: “Our new track, ‘Gyllene Portarnas Bro’ has been in the works since 1999 and is one of the calmer moments on this record. Built around three different parts, it was originally intended for the album, ‘Livets Ändhållplats’. It was later reworked for ‘Redefining Darkness’, but it wasn’t until now that this song finally started to make sense. Lyrically, it speaks of the seduction of the human mind and spirit, the ultimate destruction of the life cycle of the one being seduced. Indeed, this track sets the mood for the violent darkness that follows.”

SHINING are furthermore releasing the artwork of ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which has been created by Kevin Rolly and can be viewed 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.

www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

Swedish DSBM Legends Shining finish new album in studio

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.

Let there be Blood!”

https://www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

DSBM Legends Shining release video teaser for Art House documentary feat. Niklas Kvarforth

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

www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial