Melodic Metaillers’ Shining Black is a new band fresh off the Frontiers conveyor belt. The quintet features vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire & Royal Hunt) and guitarist Olof Thorsen (Labyrinth, Vision Divide) on their Self- titled Debut via Frontiers Music SRL released on July 10th, 2020.
The duo formed Shining Black after the breakdown of a new partnership for Italian Power metal/progressive rock act Labyrinth, following the departure of original singer Roberto Tiranti. A conflicted schedule for Boals caused his appointment to the role to be cancelled. As a result, the duo reunited for Frontiers’ new heavyweight band to emerge. Shining Black comprises ten songs of modern power metal, prompted by the combination of Boals’ lung -busting vocals, and Thorsen’s blistering guitar skills.
Opener the House of the Fallen Souls is a blast of heavy metal with soaring melodies and dazzling keys. Boals alto vocal range stretches over Thorsten’s erratic finger tapping to provide a unique opening. Boogeyman is a fast-paced rock track with huge pop melodies and amazing synthesiser keyboard sound. The vocal abilities and strong song writing techniques keep this album feeling fresh.
The Self-titled track feels like a contender for a festival favourite with emerging fans. The singalong chorus is instantly made unjustly enriched with Boal’s soothing vocals combined with heavy drumming, bright keys and a teeth shattering solo that marks it as a stand out. There is a danger of the ambitious album growing tired with similar ideas. However, Just Another Day changes direction with its reminiscent of an 80’s ballad, whilst The Day We said Goodbye is a beautiful, piano- driven love song. And finally, We Fall wraps up proceedings with a heartwarming finale.
Shining Black will enlighten power metal fans anew with its accomplished musicianship and empowering vocals, even if it is not an alternative to the genre.
7.5/10
TRACKLIST
The House of The Fallen Souls
The Boogeyman
My Life
A Sad Song
Shining Black
Just Another Day
Where Are Your Gods
The Carousel
The Day We Said Goodbye
We Fall