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September 2021

• Brainstorm: Wall Of Skulls
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August 2021

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July 2021

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June 2021

• Pharaoh: The Powers That Be
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[ More Music Reviews ]

Shining Black: Shining Black

Melodic Heavy Metal Rock

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 10.07.2020 | Released: 10.07.2020

The roots of new band, Shining Black, go back to 2014 when Italian metal band Labyrinth needed a new vocalist, after Roberto Tiranti left the ensemble. The band chose veteran vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire, Royal Hunt). His tenure lasted 3 years, but he and Labyrinth guitarist Olaf Thorson (also, Vision Divine) remained friends and kept in touch. Thanks to the prompting of the music gurus at Frontiers Music, the duo finally gathered to form Shining Black.

Mark Boals and Olaf Thorson

It goes without saying that both of these artists are exceptional at their craft. But Shining Black isn't a clone of Labyrinth, Ring Of Fire, or Royal. No, their sound traverses the genre of melodic heavy metal, with bits of power metal, and definitely infused with hard rock groove. Obviously, in the song composition emphasis is placed upon the principal players' strong points: Boals' voice and vocal arrangements and Thorson's rhythmic riffs and soaring solos. But there's also some power and groove from the rhythm section and a nice synth layer for accent and embellishment. The result is some solid and entertaining melodic heavy metal rock.

You'll find this quickly with The House Of The Fallen Souls, but also with the big beat and heavy Shining Black, the fast grooving Carousel, and the rather catchy melodic metal of Just Another Day. Alternatively, a song like Where Are Your Gods turns more upon melodic power metal with its quick pacing. Shining Black also offers a fine metal anthem with The Day We Said Goodbye, featuring acoustic guitar, strong guitar lines and, after the three minute mark and a ripping guitar solo, a fine piano segue. Wrapping up, the duo of vocalist Mark Boals and guitarist Olaf Thorson is a strong musical combination, and Shining Black delivers exceptional melodic metal rock. Get it, easily recommended.

The duo of vocalist Mark Boals and guitarist Olaf Thorson is a strong musical combination, and Shining Black delivers exceptional melodic metal rock. Get it, easily recommended.

Alphabetical Index

England's Vega hit the ground running in 2009 with their debut album, Kiss Of Life and, with a constant output of studio albums, have never looked back. Twelve years on, the band has become a notable and ... [ Read More ]

Multi-instrumentalist, prolific composer, and pastor Neal Morse returns with a new solo album, Sola Gratia (latin: grace alone). Much like Sola Scriptura, a concept album about the life of Protestant reformer ... [ Read More ]