SHINING BLACK is a supergroup of sorts who has now released its sophomore album, "Postcards from the End of the World".  Featuring two full-time members with quite the resumes, it is extremely impressive to see the myriad bands represented by just these two gentlemen.  Olaf Thörsen plays guitar and is also a member of LABŸRINTH and VISION DIVINE while singer Mark Boals has played with the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, and Dokken among many others.  With such prodigious track records, how does the album measure up?

It starts out with what is perhaps the strongest offering, the title track.  It is an exhibition of masterful riffing, soaring leads, and impressive melodic vocals.  With its driving beat, it is certain to remain in heavy rotation for this Metal fan!

After years of being beleaguered with Death, Black Metal, and other assorted extremities, this album is like a breath of fresh air.  Who knew that clean vocals could be such an elixir?  As the album progresses, though, it has its inherent highs and lows.  Beginning with such a strong song might not have been the best decision.  That is not to say it is all downhill afterwards, but in many ways, that is reality.

The next highlight is fourth track, "Summer Solstice Under Delphi's Sky".  Starting out with a soulful, evocative solo that sounds like it was played on a hot-rodded neck pickup, the song then kicks in with a powerful synth line.  Heavily syncopated, the main riff is intriguing, yet that power falls off during the verse.  Truthfully, it is the formula behind more Melodic Metal and Hard Rock - emphatic riffs driving the core of the song paired with more mellow verses.  One has to wonder, was this done for the ladies?  If the song was not structured so predictably, it would certainly have impressed more; alas, such is the way of things.

The production contained within is practically flawless.  The drums are mixed perfectly providing the fuel for the Metal while the bass locks closely in step.  The guitars could definitely be louder in the mix, though.  With such prominently loud vocals, the album almost comes across as a solo record.

The final song worthy of note is the last track, "Time Heals, They Say".  The riffing is exceptional here and sounds like a hybrid of Jake E. Lee and Yngwie Malmsteen.  That double-picking style simply never gets old, and it is refreshing to hear a bold new album that screas with echoes of classic Vivian Campbell, George Lynch, and even Andy LaRocque.

Overall, "Postcards..." is a great listen; however, not all the way through.  When playing the album in its entirety, it is easy to become lost and even play that fateful game of "guess what the next lyric will be" based off the rhyming scheme.  The guitar work, though, is stellar and any musician is certain to glean something worthwhile from it.  The crux of the argument is that the band should lean less on the catchy melodic vocals with drawn-out verses and employ more Metal riffs, pounding rhythms, and unique transitions.  The high points definitely make up for those that are somewhat mired in monotony.