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Shining Black: Postcards From The End ...

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 23.03.2022 | Released: 18.03.2022

Shining Black returns with their latest and sophomore recording, Postcards From The End Of The World. As you may recall, the metal band features two genre stalwarts: vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire, Royal Hunt) and guitarist Ölaf Thorson (Labyrinth, Vision Divine). The two began their association when the former joined the latter's Labyrinth with the prospect of recording a new album (which never happened). However, the two have remained friends and their musical association continues with this new album. (And for the record, yes, Thorson did cut off his long locks.)

Shining Black: featuring Ölaf Thorson

In light of the COVID pandemic I thought Postcards From The End Of The World was aptly titled. But then it also may have a larger context: the coming sixth extinction of all life, including mankind, less than 40 years away (as some environmental scientists suggest. But closer to current times, with this new album, Shining Black offer listeners their trademark melodic power metal which features Boals' assertive and strong vocals and Thorson's epic and soaring guitar work. You'll hear the speed and heaviness of power metal with We Are Death Angels, Fear And Loathing, and A Hundred Thousand Shades Of Black. Perhaps a bit steadier, but equally heavy with moments of quickness, is Faded Pictures Of Me. Higher Than The World will give you a twist at the start with vocals over piano. But it quickly rises with a Thorson solo, only to mix steady and power metal with groove in fine combination. Just past the three minute mark there's also a segue with softer, smooth guitar work from Olaf. While many songs invoke the essential rock groove in the metal, the beginning title track definitely gives the listener a large taste of groove linked to strong guitar and vocal harmony. All in all, Shining Black's Postcards From The End Of The World is another fine guitar-forward melodic power metal romp from veterans Mark Boals and Olaf Thorson. Easily recommended.

Shining Black's Postcards From The End Of The World is another fine guitar-forward melodic power metal romp from veterans Mark Boals and Olaf Thorson. Easily recommended.

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