SHINING

X - Varg Utan Flock

Release date: January 5th, 2018
(Please review this album in your publications released in December)

Niklas Kvarforth is not the first artist struggling with mental illness and related
issues. The erratic Swede is also not the first musician whose inner demons are
part of the creative genius. Yet in the world of metal, his band SHINING remains
as a unique and outstanding act in terms of talent and musical excellence.

Never shy about his personal afflictions, Niklas Kvarforth is once again baring his
tortured soul with 'X - Varg Utan Flock'. His anger, his confusion, his pain, and his
torment are all becoming tangible on the tenth album in the band's long history.
For a point of reference, the legendary 'V Halmstad' release probably offers the
most appropriate comparison. Yet all the influences SHINING fused into their
previous masterpiece, 'IX - Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends' (2015) are
also still present. Eclectic influences from progressive rock, jazz, classical music,
and even faint traces of pop have left their mark.

In addition to the broad musical spectrum on display, Niklas Kvarforth's deeply

emotional laments emerging from the dark depths of his twisted mind go beyond
the usual scale of metal bands in their great vocal scope and variety.

Founded in 1996 by Kvarforth, SHINING self-released 'Submit to Self-Destruction'

in 1998 and spawned the term "suicidal black metal" with this debut 7". A couple
years after first full-length, 'I - Within Deep Dark Chambers' (2000) and sophomore
album, 'II - Livets ndhllplats' (2001) had cut deep marks into the underground
scene, Niklas replaced his whole crew, which started a continuous cycle of line-up
changes. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, 'III - Angst' (2003) and
'IV - The Eerie Cold' (2005) began to gather major press attention. At the same
time, SHINING focused on bringing their vision and often controversially received
live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth's mental health led to cancellations,
physical and psychological fights within the band, and finally a break-up. Not
content to let things rest after his breakdown, the restless singer returned with
new members and the acclaimed masterpiece, 'V Halmstad' in 2007. By then
SHINING had reached headliner status and toured with other great acts such as
SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up changes later, the Swede recorded two
albums in one session: 'VI Klagopsalmer' was released in 2009, to be followed
by 'VII - Fdd Frlorare' two years later. The band also received their first gold disc
for the single 'Frtvivlan, Min Arvedel' in Sweden. After rotating more musicians
in and out, SHINING returned with Redefining Darkness (2012) and a less
aggressive, yet more sinister sound. Before signing to Season of Mist, the band
released the project '8 Feberdrmmar I Vaket Tillstnd', which featured six of
Kvarforth's favourite vocalists. In August 2014, SHINING entered Andy LaRocque's
Sonic Train Studios to record their ninth album, 'IX - Everyone, Everything,
Everywhere, Ends' as the sum of Niklas Kvarforth's musical evolution and
experience. More line-up changes and breakdowns followed.

Yet Niklas Kvarforth clawed his way up from the depths once more and returned
to Andy LaRocque and Sonic Train Studios to record another album. The result, 'X
- Varg Utan Flock' is a musical masterpiece far beyond simple genre limitations
and a shining tribute to the achievement that a troubled mind is capable of when
driven by a passionate will to excel and overcome. Listen with respect.
www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

Track-list
1. Svart Ostoppbar Eld (7:11)
2. Gyllene Portarnas Bro (6:39)
3. Jag r Din Fiende (7:05)
Total playing time: 41:24
4. Han Som Lurar Inom (8:03)
5. Tolvtusenfyrtioett (2:53)
6. Mot Aokigahara (9:33)

Recording line-up Current line-up

Niklas Kvarforth: vocals Niklas Kvarforth: vocals
Marcus Hammarstrm: bass Marcus Hammarstrm: bass
Peter Huss: guitar Peter Huss: guitar
Euge Valovirta: guitar
Jarle Byberg: drums

Guest musicians
Andy La Rocque: guitar solo on "Jag r Din Fiende"
Olli Ahvenlahti: piano on "Tolvtusenfyrtioett"

Style: Suicidal Metal

Recording, Mix & Mastering: Andy La Rocque, Sonic Train Studios

Cover art: Kevin Rolly

Photography: pela Bergant & Toma Gorki (assistant)

Press-Kit: https://presskit.season-of-mist.com/Shining

Booking: luc@doomstarbookings.com

Management: patriciathomas@btinternet.com

Pre-sales: http://smarturl.it/ShiningVarg

Available formats
Digibox with extras and 2 bonus tracks Digipak CD
Gatefold Double-LP in various colours with 2 bonus tracks Cassette