Shining – International Blackjazz Society (Spinefarm Records, 2015)
As with Shining’s other albums, International Blackjazz Society is a bewildering experience. The mix of jazz and industrial metal hits like a ton of bricks dropped from the Empire State Building while the album’s intense tracklist grabs onto the listener and refuses to let go. Combining hints of Powerman 5000 with Phil Anselmo-like vocals, all the while throwing chaotic jazz-fusion into the mix, Shining’s latest also find them infusing some Trent Reznor into their sound for good measure. The combination makes no sense on paper, but works surprisingly well musically. Though not without flaws, International Blackjazz Society absolutely needs to be experienced at least once for its musical prowess alone. It is living proof that controlled chaos exists and that it can work perfectly when created in the right environment.
Trial Track: “Last Day”
7/10
