Shining’s forthcoming album has been postponed again, till May, nevertheless they went on a European tour with the sole stop in the Netherlands at the baroeg in Rotterdam on this Sunday afternoon. They brought two support acts: Sarkom and Koldbrann. Neither one I knew beforehand; I don’t really follow on all the black metal bands.

Sarkom was already playing when I entered the venue. This is a rather melodic kind of black metal, which focuses mostly on the mid pace. Nothing really bad, but it couldn’t keep me interested.

Koldbrann is another Norwegian black metal band, which seems to have a bit of a harsher sound. Basically the same that went for Sarkom, goes for this band too. It’s okay to listen to for a couple of songs, but then it just bores me.

Exactly on the scheduled time, Shining started playing. Okay, so this is essentially black metal too, but at least these guys write good songs, have interesting lead work on the guitar, strong bass lines and very dynamic drums. Never mind the image that Kvarforth tries to put up. Even though he has mellowed a bit, seeking much less interaction with the audience. He also left his razors home, so no cutting this time (maybe he forgot them as he hadn’t shaved either for some time 😉 ) only a few cigarette burns and mostly on his shirt. And the bottled blood-like substance is cheesy. O well, who cares – it’s the music that counts and the rest of the band put down a steady set. The vocals were a bit low in the mix, and all in all Kvarforth appeared a bit tired – or maybe it was just too early for him. The set included three new songs that appear to be very promising for the new album, and songs from pretty much any of the previous albums including Claws Of Perdition, Submit To Self-Destruction, Yttligare Ett Steg Närmare Total Jävla Utfrysning, Svart Industriell Olycka. In total no less than 90 minutes. It was only until the encores that some one apparently found the light switch as the rest of the gig was played on a very dimly lit, and smokes-filled stage. I could hardly make out any faces at all and barely see the drummer, even though he was just a few metres away. Anyway, a decent show, but I have seen them do better.