The most depressed group on the planet has put down their knives and decided to face the sun. SHINING have been wrecking havoc and letting blood ever since their inception in Sweden and the major releases that gained worldwide critical acclaim like "VII: Fodd Forlorare" and "V: Halmstad". Shining are mostly known for giving birth to the dark introverted genre that goes by the name of depressive Black Metal and these Swedes have been Gods of their genre ever since the late 90's. So does "Redefining Darkness" have what it takes to match up to their previous suicidal material?

SHINING's main sound has always been centered on Niklas Kvarforth's wild attempts and I'm sure the band's final efforts are due to his inspiration, because, well, up to this day, throughout my entire journey in the Black Metal kingdom, I have yet to find 1 vocalist that is as unique as Kvarforth. But of course as a solo project SHINING wouldn't have been the same, so we got to give everyone a credit for crafting such memorable masterpieces. Now as for "Redefining Darkness", it's basically what every fan of the band and genre seeks... A dark, experimental, suicidal, and a mind blowing release.

Who would have expected a Black Metal album with Alternative and acoustic influences for example? It's all for the best though. Being heavy all the time sure ain't depressive anyway. You got to have some emotional and soft addictions here and there, because as all fans of the band know, Shining need to leave an impression on you no matter what. Ever since getting rid of their early bland Black Metal efforts, they started assaulting us with one gem after the other, and that is something not everyone will understand unless you have listened to the band before.

Throughout the album you will also notice some chants and great variations in vocals. You'll witness some ULVER influences here and there, like on the amazing track "Han Som Hatar Manniskan" that borrows from many sounds and influences which will leave you mentally stunned. We have some traditional Black Metal attempts too like on "Det Stora Gra", and so on.

The record is definitely something you should look forward to trying. It has everything you'd expect and want from the band, and this is coming from a lifelong fan of Shining. So check this out, or expect Kvarforth to slit your throat at night.