In the deluge of metal that come out each month, it’s easy to overlook or just miss good releases.  One band that should always be on your radar is Sweden’s SHINING.  Aside from mainman Niklas Kvarforth’s extreme on stage performances, the band’s unique style of suicidal black metal is damn good.  In many ways, they are like a dark version of OPETH.

So last year they released an EP entitled, Lots of Girls Gonna Get Hurt, via Spinefarm Records.  This all covers releases showed a different side to the band, one that embraces sad, melancholic music that wasn’t in the “extreme metal” category.  With this release, Niklas Kvarforth shows the world his talent with clean vocals.

The band opens with a cover of KATATONIA’s “For My Demons” from the classic, Tonight’s Decision.  It’s not that much from the original but sounds damn good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS14MFp1mFg

Then the band go into more dark rock territory starting with “Utan dina andetag” by Sweden’s KENT.  You don’t have to know Swedish to feel the power and soul of this one.  Next up is a cover of another Swedish language song, “Kung av jidder,” by IMPERIET.  SHINING add some extra meatiness to this great new wave song.  Lots of Girls Gonna Get Hurt ends on a high note with “Carnival of Rust” by POETS OF THE FALL.  The original is great but SHINING slow it down just a hair to add more power, and give it a more desperate, darker feel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtw-HV50V3I

In conclusion, there are two things you must do: 1) appreciate the fact that SHINING is one of the best metal bands on earth; 2) purchase this EP.