Comparing bands to other, usually better known, bands can be a bit tricky. The Shining has been compared, by me, with (old) Municipal Waste on several occasions. The Amsterdam pack of hungry wolves, obviously do not sound EXACTLY like their American counterparts. On ‘Rise Of The Degenerates’, even less. The Shining seems to become more of a pure crossover band of the 80s, in the sense of a primitive Suicidal Tendencies and a punky DRI, rather than a modern thrash metal band, a direction I was thinking they would take after their previous efforts. It is now safe to say that The Shining have found a drinking hole of influences, which is pretty much fresh water. The liquid is still slightly contaminated with the bands mentioned above, and also Nuclear Assault or The Accused. And judging by the BGK cover ‘Rules’, they also know their Dutch punk history. The band’s love for these crazy classic bands makes this one amazing pleasure to listen to, as the joy in playing and the respect for the heroes of old go hand in hand. The compact, crunching songs, with the uncontrollable urge to derail entire societies, gives energy and puts an evil smile on your face. Madness still rules supreme, but more and more on The Shining’s own terms. Let your inner degenerate take control and mosh. Martijn Welzen
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