Shining
Formed: 1997
From:
Halmstad,
Sweden
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Shining News
Below is our complete Shining news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 125 1 2 3 ... 6 7 Last
OpEd
Greekbastard's 2024 Anti-List
Is there anything more annoying these days than someone else’s opinion? Stolen from quotes anonymous, I think the old adage goes… “Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, and they all stink.” And if you’re not opinioned out yet regarding every bloggers 2024 top albums lists, It’s my turn to drop my top 5 albums for 2024 upon your bored and bloodshot corneas.
Before I begin, I need to point something out. I don’t check the release calendar with intense vigor to seek out new albums to listen to. My listening choices for the most part happen haphazardly. Quite often, it’s just a band I’ve always liked and happen to notice that they released some new material. Other times, there’s a buzz about an album and I want to see what the fuss is about. So, without further ado, this is my top five albums list for 2024.
Honorable Mentions:
Testament – The Legacy (Remaster 2024) and The New Order (Remaster 2024)
Testament’s first two albums were instant classics, I’m not going to review them because that’s old news. However, the remasters make them relevant again because they sound sonically superior to the original 1980’s releases. These re-releases reaffirm that Testament is one of the top thrash bands to ever exist and still sound relevant in today’s metal “metalverse.”
Electric Wizard – Black Magic Rituals & Perversions Vol. 1
Just dropped like free LSD in mid-December, this live album deserves a shout out. When it comes to contemporary doom metal, Electric Wizard is the benchmark and you can take your Black Sabbath comparisons and smoke them. That’s old news. “Black Magic Rituals & Perversions Vol. 1” is the ultimate Electric Wizard compilation album when it comes down to track selection. In fact, it was actually a live setlist from 2020 when live music was put on pause in order to keep their live chops up to par. The sound of this album is deliciously raw and lo-fi for fans of unpolished Doom and Stoner Metal
The Actual Top 5 List:
5. Necrot – Lifeless Birth
If you ask me, this is the best Death Metal album of 2024, not that trendy Blood Incantation album. Necrot makes THAT band sound like Celtic Frost did during their Cold Lake era. “Lifeless Birth” is guttural, grisly and induces grave digging. That other band makes me want to take a nap. This is TRVE Death Metal!
4. Shining – The Helsinki Tapes
When not popping up in not so favorable click bait headlines on other metal blogs, Shining has consistently put out excellent releases. “The Helsinki Tapes” is another example of this. Shining pushes the boundaries of Black Metal musically and this album is no different. As unstable as Niklas Kvarforth may seem at times, his musical prowess should never be discredited.
3. Cavalera Conspiracy – Schizophrenia
Before you start your insolent complaints that this release was a money grab and was stolen from the original members of Sepultura, let me stop you right there. This release in actuality prolongs their legacy. The original “Schizophrenia” was way ahead of its time. The masses finally took hold of the badassery of Sepultura during “Arise” and the albums leading up to it never inherited the respect they deserved. “Schizophrenia” 2024 gives the original release a much-needed makeover and prolongs the legacy of early Sepultura. More...
Shining Posts New Visualizer Video Online
The day has finally come to drown the world in a mesmerising, inescapable darkness, as iconic Swedish depressive black metal band Shining release their brand-new self-titled studio album via Napalm Records.
Formed in 1996 and centred around mastermind Niklas Kvarforth, who is known as one of the most controversial and musically brilliant artists in the black metal scene and beyond, Shining present their eleventh offering that proves the unit even darker than ever before.
The album release arrives with a third single, entitled "Fidelis Ad Mortem," that features nothing less than a brilliant guitar solo by King Diamond virtuoso Andy La Rocque, who is also responsible for producing, recording, mixing and mastering Shining in his Sonic Train Studios.
"Fidelis Ad Mortem" conjures a sinister, discomforting atmosphere that will surely be loved and feared alike. Slowing things down with reduced instrumentation and intense vocals, the song creeps its way into the listeners’ guts, causing harm and relief at the same time. Together with a visualiser that perfectly fits the mood of the new song and album in general, Shining will drench this planet in a sulphuric void you can’t escape.
Niklas Kvarforth on 'Fidelis Ad Mortem':
"'Fidelis Ad Mortem’ is a song that was partly written by myself all the way back in 2001, but somehow always felt weirdly out-of-context to the vision I had for this band back in those early days, and thus, therefore never deemed suitable of being a part of any of the last nine records that followed. However, now, when Shining finally are having a more or less stable lineup, the band convinced me that we should at least try to record it, while Andy La Rocque gave myself a boost in his role as our producer, which was something I desperately needed in order to take that necessary step backwards and fall blindly into territories both treacherous and unknown.
"And I am glad he did, so that this unorthodox piece of anti-humanitarian art can finally be unleashed publicly and hopefully go on to inspire you all. Finally, it so happens that Andy actually found this particular moment of productivity so inspiring that he ended up recording the two solos as well, showcasing his patented skills in a remarkably fiery way, the way only he can." More...
Shining Debuts "Avsändare Okänd" Lyric Video
Iconic Swedish metal band Shining have unleashed the second new single, "Avsändare Okänd," off of their upcoming self-titled Napalm Records debut, Shining, out on September 15, 2023! Formed in 1996 and known as one of the most controversial and musically brilliant bands in the black metal scene and beyond, Shining present their eleventh offering that proves even darker than ever before.
According to the band themselves, Shining “will be a downward journey in stereo that will drown the world in a mesmerizing, inescapable darkness". The sinister, lurking second single "Avsändare Okänd" is one of the most vicious and brutal songs in the band’s history. The unsettling accompanying lyric video adds to the disturbing atmosphere of the track.
Niklas Kvarforth on "Avsändare Okänd":
"Our second single, 'Avsändare Okänd,' could best be described as what 'Halmstad' or 'Varg Utan Flock' could have sounded if recorded with the current lineup. It’s the opening track of our new album and classic SHINING at its absolute darkest.
The physical version also includes a Danzig cover on the B-side, which will not be released digitally." More...
Headline News
Brujeria Drummer Diagnosed With Kidney Failure
British metal drumming legend Nick Barker, known as the drummer of Brujeria and Shining and formerly of Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth and Lock Up, has been diagnosed with kidney failure. A crowdfunder has been launched to help the musician, which can be found here. Brandi Campanile, who is handling the GoFundMe campaign, revealed his condition thusly:
"As many noticed, back in 2022, Nick was hospitalized several times… a couple of these times while on tour. During these visits, it was discovered that he was losing kidney function. With determination, he tried to continue caring for himself while maintaining the tours and his musical career. His life has been dedicated to it along with his daughters. Both of which are his life blood.
"Unfortunately, it has all taken its toll and the kidneys are in full failure. With all things, he has been going through this the best he can, on his own. After giving so much of himself to his music, to us, his friends and fans. He now needs us as he cannot currently work due to the dialysis schedule and focusing on his health."
Barker is perhaps Britain's most in demand metal drummer, having not only recorded albums with Brujeria, Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up and Monolith, as well as the new, eponymous album from Shining which will be released in September, but has also performed as a live drummer for such bands as Exodus, Testament, Anaal Nathrakh, Possessed, Nuclear Assault and Venom Inc. among many others. More...
Behemoth Premiere New Music Video
Behemoth premiere their cover of The Cure‘s “A Forest“, featuring a guest appearance from Shining (SWE) singer Niklas Kvarforth. An official music video for it is streaming via YouTube for you below. The single serves also as the title track to their impending new EP, out May 29th through Metal Blade Records.
Comment Behemoth of it: More...
Shining Announces European Tour Dates
Swedish black metal veterans Shining are heading out for their first European tour in three years in honor of their 10th album "X - Varg Utan Flock!"
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. More...
Shining Replaces Katatonia for Inferno Festival
The Swedish black metal band SHINING will replace Katatonia after they had to cancel their tour and put the band on a short-term hiatus. Shining has just released their tenth album “X - Varg utan flock” earlier this year and are ready to step in and show the Inferno audience Swedish black metal at its very best! More...
Shining Premiere Pre-Release Full-Album Stream
Shining premiere the pre-release full-album stream of the band's upcoming new album "X – Varg Utan Flock", which will be out in stores this Friday, January 05th.
You can take it in below:
Shining (SWE) Share Details Of Upcoming Album
Sweden's Shining, led by frontman Niklas Kvarforth, enter their third decade with their upcoming new album 'X - Varg Utan Flock' (English translation: ‘Wolf Without A Pack’), which Season Of Mist will release on January 05. Check out one track from it and the track list below.
Track List: More...
Cyhra To Join Kreator On Their North American Tour
Cyhra (ex-In Flames/Amaranthe/Shining, etc.) will be supporting Sabaton and Kreator on their forthcoming North American tour. Cyhra will participate from February 12th through to March 11th.
02/08 Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
02/09 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
02/10 San Francisco, CA – The UC Theater
02/12 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
02/13 Seattle, WA – Showbox
02/14 Vancouver, BC – The Vogue Theater
02/16 Edmonton, AB – Union Hall
02/17 Calgary, AB – The Palace
02/19 Boise, ID – Revolution
02/21 Denver, CO – The Gothic Theater
02/22 Kansas City, MO – The Truman
02/23 Minneapolis, MN – Music Hall
02/24 Madison, WI – Orpheum
02/26 Grand Rapids, MI – Venue
02/27 Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
03/01 Toronto, ON – The Phoenix
03/02 Montreal, QC – Metropolis
03/03 Boston, MA – House Of Blues
03/04 Huntington, NY – The Paramount Theater
03/06 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
03/07 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
03/08 Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
03/10 Tampa, FL – Jannus Landing
03/11 Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Shining (SWE) Premiere New Song
Sweden's Shining premiere their new song “Svart Ostoppbar Eld” (meaning ‘Black Unstoppable Fire’ in English). It’s the latest track to arrive from the band’s forthcoming album, “X – Varg Utan Flock“, which Season Of Mist will release on January 05.
Shining Premieres New Song "Gyllene Portarnas Bro"
Sweden's Shining premieres its new song “Gyllene Portarnas Bro“, taken from the band's forthcoming album "X – Varg Utan Flock". The outing which will be released on January 05th via Season Of Mist.
Comments Niklas Kvarforth of the song: More...
Shining Posts New Song
Swedish outfit Shining today unleashes the first track taken from forthcoming album, "X - Varg Utan Flock" (due out out January 5th). The song "Jag Är Din Fiende" will also be released on the A-side of a 10" vinyl single, entitled "Fiende" and coming out November 24th.
Shining mastermind Niklas Kvarforth comments on the new song: "The third track, 'Jag Är Din Fiende,' from our upcoming tenth album embodies everything that Shining represents on a musical level. An uncompromising mix of high and low tainted with a sinister atmosphere of horrible unease.
"Lyrically, this track speaks of the need and means for retribution, making not only this, but the album overall, infused with a nightmarish maliciousness and a pitch-black hatred that hasn't been as prominent on our earlier albums. There is a war coming and this is our statement on what we have in store for you!" More...
"Light Dawning" Available For Free This Week
Hey there regulars, passers-by, and detractors, just a heads up that my latest fiction release - the grimdark fantasy / horror novel "Light Dawning" - is available for free this week through Friday night!
You can snag a copy for yourself at no cost in digital Kindle format 
If you missed it or want to try before you (freely) buy, the full first chapter can be read at this location.
Heavily inspired by a variety of metal from the likes of Code to Shining to Ihsahn, a full playlist that evokes the themes and mood of the book can also be heard below after the trailer.
Check it all out and let me know what you think! Here's a quick synopsis of what to expect from the book:
Once known as the City on the Hill and revered far and wide for its independence and boundless opportunity, Cestia has become home only to the damned. Surviving under the brutal occupation of a southern empire for three long years, the oppressed populace has lost hope of liberation, turning instead towards an increasingly desperate rebellion willing to commit any atrocity for a chance at freedom.
As total war approaches, four lost souls trapped behind Cestia's walls are on a collision course with fate, destined to either save the city or see it utterly destroyed while calling on forces beyond mankind's comprehension. For good or ill, the light of a new day is about to dawn. More...
Shining Finishes Work On 10th Album
Controversial Swedish metal band Shining just completed work on a tenth studio album. The album, titled "X - Varg Utan Flock" ("Wolf without a Pack"), will be released worldwide by Season of Mist.
Regarding the new album, Shining 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!"
Shining was also featured as the focal point of a new documentary produced by Art House Films. Titled "Cold Void," the documentary is a personal portrait of Kvarforth, the man behind headlines that have included suicide and self-destruction, addiction, bipolar disorder, passion and schizophrenia. "Cold Void" is set for release in the fall and DVD and VOD. More...
Shining Show In Phoenix Cancelled
After front man Niklas Kvarforth's aggressive on and off stage behavior got a show in Portland cancelled, now the upcoming May 21st show in Phoenix has been nixed as well, with the promoter commenting:
"The show is officially cancelled. I tried to make this event happen but Metalsuck.com is turning people away as well as other publications. Not to mention the people that witnessed the event in question posting everywhere about it."
It's unclear at this point the fate of the remaining tour dates with Revenge and Wolvhammer, which were slated as follows:
May 17 Portland, OR @ Tonic Lounge (Cancelled)
May 18 Oakland, CA @ Metro Opera House
May 19 Las Vegas, NV @ Adrenaline
May 20 Los Angeles, CA @ Complex
May 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Joe's Grotto (Cancelled)
May 23 Austin, TX @ Grizzly Hall
May 24 Fort Worth, TX @ Rail Club More...
Headline News
Shining’s Portland Show Cancelled
The Tonic Lounge (Portland, Oregon) has cancelled today’s (May 17th) Shining show, due to vocalist Niklas Kvarforth's alleged behavior at a bar and show a few nights prior.
States the Tonic Lounge:
"Tonic Lounge has decided to cancel the Shining show that was scheduled for this Wednesday, May 17th. All tickets will be refunded.
"We regret having not researched this band more before approving their show. After booking them, it was brought to our attention that Shining’s singer has done and said many things that could be considered offensive, dangerous, or destructive. While we were learning about and considering these issues, the list continued to grow, including a recent report that the he may have been involved in the drugging of someone’s drink.
"This morning we received a call from a trusted friend in Boise Idaho, detailing the events that took place while Shining were there on Sunday. We were told that the singer of Shining went to the local punk bar Mulligans before their concert, and was groping women and threatening to stab employees, and had to be removed. More...
Exclusive
Read The Full First Chapter Of "Light Dawning"
Update: the second chapter has also come online and can be read over here.
Following previous sci-fi novella “Empty” from 2016, Ty Arthur (Metalunderground.com's very own xFiruath) returns with new full-length horror novel “Light Dawning."
Pivoting away from the emptiness of space, the book dives headlong into the waters of fantasy, but with a seriously grimdark twist.
This next foray into the bleaker corners of human existence is officially slated for release on Friday, May 26th, 2017. Kindle digital pre-orders are now online here, with physical editions available here.
Once known as the City on the Hill and revered far and wide for its independence and boundless opportunity, Cestia has become home only to the damned. Surviving under the brutal occupation of a southern empire for three long years, the oppressed populace has lost hope of liberation, turning instead towards an increasingly desperate rebellion willing to commit any atrocity for a chance at freedom.
As total war approaches, four lost souls trapped behind Cestia's walls are on a collision course with fate, destined to either save the city or see it utterly destroyed while calling on forces beyond mankind's comprehension. For good or ill, the light of a new day is about to dawn.
Today we're introducing you to one of those main characters: Myrr, a man on the run since coming across something beyond his comprehension that is desperately sought by the Knights of the Black Gauntlet. Check out an exclusive sneak peak of the full opening chapter of "Light Dawning" below.
"Light Dawning" was inspired by heavy metal of all stripes, from avant-garde black metal to occult rock, with the Myrr segments of the book in particular drawing on tracks from the Code album "Mut" and Shining release "IX - IX - Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends." If you'd like to read the chapter as it was written and intended to be experienced, a playlist of songs fueling the writing sessions can be heard below that match the themes and tone of the book's opening section.
Niklas Kvarforth Covered In "Cold Void" Film
Niklas Kvarforth, founder of the controversial Swedish metal band Shining, is featured as the focal point of a new documentary produced by Art House Films.
Titled "Cold Void," the documentary is a personal portrait of Kvarforth, the man behind headlines that have included suicide and self-destruction, addiction, bipolar disorder, passion and schizophrenia. The documentary was filmed by Art House producer Claudio Marino and his film production company Artax Film.
"Cold Void" is set for release in the fall and will also be available worldwide in DVD format directly from Artax Film and Shining, as well as via VOD.
Marino 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." More...
Ty Arthur Releasing New Grimdark Novel
Following his debut sci-fi novella “Empty” from 2016, heavy metal scribe Ty Arthur (Metalunderground.com's very own xFiruath) returns with new full-length horror novel “Light Dawning.” Pivoting away from the emptiness of space, the book dives headlong into the waters of fantasy, but with a seriously grimdark twist.
This next foray into the bleaker corners of human existence is officially slated for release on Friday, May 26th, 2017. Kindle digital pre-orders are now online here, with physical editions to follow shortly.
Like its predecessor, the creation of “Light Dawning” was driven forward by the power of music, with special thanks in particular due to U.K. avant-garde black metal group Code, Norwegian musical enigma Ihsahn, and Chilean prog rock group Bauda. To get an advance preview of the themes and tone of the novel, a music playlist matching several scenes can be heard via Spotify here or in the player below.
Once known as the City on the Hill and revered far and wide for its independence and boundless opportunity, Cestia has become home only to the damned. Surviving under the brutal occupation of a southern empire for three long years, the oppressed populace has lost hope of liberation, turning instead towards an increasingly desperate rebellion willing to commit any atrocity for a chance at freedom.
As total war approaches, four lost souls trapped behind Cestia's walls are on a collision course with fate, destined to either save the city or see it utterly destroyed while calling on forces beyond mankind's comprehension. For good or ill, the light of a new day is about to dawn. More...