Submit to Selfdestruction

Here we have the very first release from Swedish depressive black metal band Shining.This band has had quite a bit of controversy during its existence, mainly because of the actions of vocalist Kvarforth.They ended up receiving a lot of criticism because of this as well.However, this band should not be judged by its member's actions, and this EP proves it.

Seeing as this is the debut release of the band, I had somewhat lower expectations before actually hearing it.I was definitely wrong.Right from the start of "Endless Solitude", I was completely caught off guard by the riffs.The songwriting here is very effective at creating that bleak, suicidal atmosphere.These riffs perfectly portray pain,depression,and hopelessness.On top of that, we have Kvarforth's very impressive vocal performance.Considering he was only 14 when they recorded this EP, he does a very good job.His style is torture screams, but they sound very unique.He sounds so hopeless, as if actually on the verge of suicide.The vocals perfectly match the hopeless atmosphere.Nothing much can be said of the bass guitar.It is audible, but it merely follows the guitar.The percussion is performed very well.The drum beats will more than likely sound familiar to fans of depressive black metal.In this song, it is mostly slow beats with good usage of double bass.It doesn't get too technical or fast, but is played flawlessly.This is a very good song, and is one of my favorites from Shining.

The title track makes up the B-side of the EP.This song has much more variety in tempo changes.It starts out quicker, but does have a good amount of slower passages as well.The drums incorporate a good amount of double bass again, but there are some good single bass beats as well.The guitar tone in this song actually sounds a bit less suicidal, and a bit more black metal.Don't get me wrong, this is not at all a bad thing.Once again, the riffs are very good, and create incredible atmosphere that will surely keep the listener's attention.Kvarforth delivers another impressive performance, fitting in perfectly with the music.He's a very good vocalist, even at age 14.This song seems fitting as the closing track.Although this is a good song, I must admit that I do prefer the first song much more.

As far as production goes, this material sounds very clean, but maintains the atmosphere of the songs very well.All instruments are heard perfectly.This release was a good way for Shining to make their debut.I highly recommend it to fans of depressive black metal, and to fans of black metal in general.