Conor Fynes 'III: Angst, Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie' - Shining (5/10)

Before Shining went on to release some of the most devastating depressive black metal albums of all time in the form of 'IV: The Eerie Cold', 'V: Halmstad' and 'VI: Klagopsalmer', this suicidal band played a less refined, more straightforward brand of black metal. 'III: Angst, Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie' shows Shining at the end of their early stretch of albums, and the potential that would later go to be realized a couple of years later is here. All the same, while this music was evidently inspired by the same dark feelings that would fuel the masterpieces of this band, Shining's third album does not yet demonstrate Shining's now- trademark emotional intensity, although it is a certain step up from their origins.

More or less, Shining's 'Angst, Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie' is a depressive black metal album on the more aggressive side of the spectrum. Much like Burzum, Shining at this point delivers repetitive, somewhat hypnotic songwriting through atmospheric riffs, subtle melodies, and blastbeats aplenty. Of special note to any black metal enthusiast; the legendary drummer Hellhammer delivers a percussion performance here, and his skill with the double kick brings a power that I was sorely missing on the band's debut. In comparison to the more modern Shining that more people are evidently familiar with, the songwriting here lacks the same heavy-to-soft dynamic that draws so many comparisons to Opeth, although a few passages see the black metal riffage take a step back in favor for some cleaner tones, at times. The production is a small step up from your run-of-the-mill black metal.

'III: Angst, Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie' has some very good ideas in regards to some guitar melodies and keen drumwork at the hands of Hellhammer. The songwriting on this album is still somewhat immature, and like the earlier two albums, a generic production holds the band back from excelling in their field. It is too repetitive and monotonous for my tastes, but there are enough intriguing ideas planted throughout each of the songs to merit a listen.

bonnek Shining should not be confused with the Norwegian avant Jazz/Metal band of the same name. The band under dissection here is an extreme black metal / shock-horror experience with disturbing subject material covering self-mutilation and suicide. Obviously much of that must be either a pose or a theoretical issue; otherwise they wouldn’t have been around anymore.

Angst is the third Shining album and it concludes their growth into a solid atmospheric black metal experience. From the next album onwards they would become more experimental and progressive. Here the sound is still very similar to the harsher side of Agalloch. The music is open and mid-paced and provides a solid entrancing tempo where Kvarforth can spit out his vile and loathsome vocals. He has quite a unique voice in a field dominated by copy-cats, very dramatic disgusted and tormented. His delivery is compulsive, urgent and scary. Angst is sure an appropriate title for this album. Ork and troll fans lend your ears here!

All elements that make black metal savory are present. Especially the chilling guitars that are played like keyboards, meaning they don’t resort to the usual heavy metal riffing but rather weave dark ringing chord progressions extended over multiple bars, either picked or quickly strummed. Very repetitive and entrancing. The guitars sound sharp and snippy as it should and they luckily also have enough body. The drums are solid and mr. Hellhammer varies the tempo quite a lot, which guarantees extended listening pleasure. Shining also starts on some more adventurous song material here like Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie, something they would further explore on the ensuing albums.

Overall this is a very strong and original black metal album. Highly recommended.