Shining – Black Jazz

Releasedate: 25-01-2010; Label: Indie Recordings
By: Sabine van Gameren

Shining is a Norwegian band that released their new album “Black Jazz” via Indie Recordings.

Shining started out as a jazz band in 1998 but evolved during the years to progressive metal. Nevertheless the band never seemed to get rid of the experimental side of them, which comes forward quite well in this album. It has some moments that meet Industrial when synths and beats bring you in state of awareness. It also has a black metal edge, with its sometimes rather cold atmosphere, caused by dramatic black metal vocals. What sticks out is the fact that the band takes a lot of space in implementing each instrument in the music and when the saxophone comes in it sounds quite natural, while in the first place you may not have expected that. It drags you into the music, makes you feel hot and sexy and you can imagine people dancing to it in a club. The band has an interesting way to capture your attention whether it is the saxophone that dramatically drives up the tension or the drums that have smartly placed in backing up the drive. The riff and drums that the band used in songs like “The Madness And The Damage Done” made me think of the Finnish band Kilt. as well as vocals in “Fisheye”, which is a nice reference to make. The whole album is experimental and the band brings something that is worth to try, whether it is live or recorded, it is one of those things you have to face, before you die.

Line Up:
Jørgen Munkeby: Sax, Guitar, Vocals
Torstein Lofthus – Drums
Andreas Ulvo – Synths and Keyboards
Morten Strøm – Bass
Even Helte Hermansen – Guitars

Tracklist: 01. The Madness And The Damage DOne 02. Fisheye 03. Exit Sun 04. Exit Sun 05. HEALTER SKELTER 06. The Madness And The Damage Done 07. Blackjazz Deathtrance 08. Omen 09. 21st Century Schizoid Man

Links:
Shining MySpace
Shining Official