Formed in 1996, Shining is a Swedish Extreme band that incorporates many doom metal elements in the music. Due to the depressive undertones of their music and the mostly suicide-themed lyrics, Shining’s music is often referred to as “suicidal black metal” although the band themselves would point out that they are not a Black Metal band.

Based in Minneapolis, self-described as “blackened sludge punk,” they pull from things they loved about old school black metal/post-punk/hardcore/doom/rock and infuse that into something truly honest. No bullshit Satanism or sensationalism, just pure honest hatred for religion, capitalism, politics, sheep mentality and typical human behaviour.

With simple, memorable, and truly hate-filled metal anthems for themselves and all the other blue collar, working poor, and generally unsatisfied people who are looking for something raw and classic as soundtrack to rise up and fight the status quo around them in any way they see fit to do.

Crafting a wide variety of European influences, Withering Soul seeks to evoke a sound completely of it’s own, that is both fierce and majestic. Anything from bludgeoning riffs, brutally catchy rhythms, to ghastly yet mysterious melodies, are what will warm the ears of anyone that listens. Painted atop a diverse arrangement of musical passages, is the specter of both melodic singing and sinister screams. The veritable result is an orchestrated seance of dueling guitars, pummeling percussion, and unearthly keyboards. The lyrical content echoes of themes connected to the subconsciousness, horror, and the supernatural. Ultimately, the band strives to create a sound that will stare into the unknown, break apart the many sub genres of Metal, and challenge the limitations of an overpopulated music scene.

Ascent to Madness: https://youtu.be/OZKxtMHz62I

Hour of Obstinacy: https://youtu.be/Kf7BQd6rrLU

The idea of Terranaut was formulated deep within a great forest preserve in Chicago around late 2007. Nieko, the band founder, conjured the idea of establishing a Black Metal band writing half a dozen songs and partnering with Keith, a close friend, on the songwriting. The band’s humble beginnings was held under the banner of Dark Sodomy, though thoughts of going in a more serious direction lead to adopting the name of Terranaut in 2008. The name Terranaut became a fitting representation of the Earth-oriented and indigenous motifs found in the lyrics and art of the band.

After a period of inactivity in 2013/2014, original vocalist Alan rejoined the band and also acquiring a new member for bass duties in Patrick. Unfinished tracks became the focus of the band and are set to release an EP/Full Length in 2015.