Redefining Darkness
Shining · 2012
41 min · 6 tracks · black metal
A harrowing blend of dissonant melodies and chaotic rhythms, reflecting a deep exploration of darkness within the human experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Du, mitt konstverk — Opening the album, this track sets a haunting tone with its intricate guitar work and shifting tempos that encapsulate the band's adventurous spirit.
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The Ghastly Silence — This track juxtaposes eerie calm with explosive intensity, illustrating Shining's ability to weave atmospheric elements into their aggressive sound, creating a gripping listening experience.
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Hail Darkness Hail — With its anthemic chorus and relentless drive, this track embodies the album's thematic exploration of darkness while showcasing Shining's unique blend of melodic and harsh vocals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's complex structures and experimental sound mark it as a significant entry in the black metal genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered, dissonant guitar melodies and abrupt tempo changes, establishing an unsettling atmosphere.
- Each song typically shifts dynamics multiple times, often transitioning from chaotic sections to quieter, introspective moments.
- The final track includes an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- harrowing emotional exploration
- intense focus on darkness
- unsettling rhythms and melodies
- long tracks for deep dives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat or cheerful
- prefer short, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2012, 'Redefining Darkness' is Shining's fifth studio album and marks a pivotal moment in their evolution as they embraced a more progressive sound. Following the critically acclaimed 'VII: Född Förlorare', this album further solidified their reputation in the black metal genre, showcasing their unique fusion of jazz elements with heavy metal.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Du, mitt konstverk 7:43
- 2 The Ghastly Silence 7:20
- 3 Han som hatar människan 6:50
- 4 Hail Darkness Hail 7:05
- 5 Det stora grå 3:26
- 6 For the God Below 8:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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