Concerts are my safe haven. No matter what’s going on in the world or in my life, I know I can go to a concert and everything will be okay. I always feel comfortable at concerts. It doesn’t matter if I’m at a Satanic black metal show all alone… a concert is a concert and I always feel safe and at home.
Until last night.
The show started off strong. Daigoro, the sole local band on the bill, warmed up the crowd with their homegrown death metal. It wasn’t a perfect set and it was all too quick. I started to wonder if it was even worth their time to set up and play, but all in all, it was a great way to start off a night of music that was sure to melt my face off.
Abigail Williams was the second band and first band of the tour package to play. These guys were great. The reverb on Ken’s (the vocalist) voice added a little something to help these guys stand out in a sea of black metal purists. The songs were brutal and powerful and got the crowd banging their heads. Much like Daigoro, Abigail William’s set felt all too short. I wish they had kept on playing because, out of all of the bands that played last night, I definitely liked them the most.
What happened next was nothing short of a nightmare and something I never wish to experience EVER again.
I knew nothing about Shining, the next band to take the stage. Being me, I hate to research bands. I think it’s fun to go to a concert without knowing what’s about to happen. I don’t want to judge a band until I have to and am typically pleasantly surprised by what I find. Last night this whole idea of being surprised backfired and it backfired hard.
Shining took the stage and, instantly, something felt off. I couldn’t explain it but I did not have a good feeling at all. The music started and I tried to shake the feeling. At first I didn’t mind the music or the show. The sound had heavy doom metal influences but singer Niklas Kvarforth (a.k.a. “Ghoul”) had a voice that made the music much more interesting than other doom/ black metal bands I had heard. Even though I didn’t mind the music, something still didn’t feel right. There was something about Niklas that just rubbed me the wrong way but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
That’s when I noticed exactly what I was watching and that feeling in my gut was validated.
Before I go into detail about what happened last night please note the following:
- I am not naive, I know that the international black metal work is much darker than your typical metal scene. I get that it’s supposed to be dramatic and am all for it. I love watching the theatrics of bands like 1349 and Behemoth. I find it interesting but there is a line between theatrics and complete inappropriateness.
- I know that not many females attend these shows but if you’ve been following this blog you may be able to tell that I’m okay with being one of the few females at shows. It doesn’t intimidate or scare me. I can easily hold my own in a mosh pit of metal heads and have never once felt threatened or scared.
- What I saw last night was disturbing so what I am about to write is also disturbing. You have been warned.
There was blood dripping down Niklas’ arms and onto the crowd that was in the front row throughout the set. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen blood on stage before. I’ve seen band members get nailed by the head of a guitar or bass creating a nice big gash and the subsequent blood that comes from said gash. Accidents happen and there’s nothing you can do. But this was no accident. It was clear that Niklas had slashed up and down his arms very recently letting the blood flow down his arms.
Being someone who went through a nasty bout with self-harm, this made me feel super uncomfortable. I am super proud that I no longer have the urge to self harm and consider myself a “recovering cutter”. Seeing Niklas scratch at the fresh cuts to make them bleed more disgusted me. He was glorifying something that has taken me years to try and recover from.
Niklas was grabbing members of the audience with his arms in a chokehold of sorts leaving a trail of blood behind. At one point, he allowed audience members to rub up and down his bloodied arms. The members of the audience seemed to take this as an honor of sorts. They had giant smiles on their faces as they played in Niklas’ blood. I didn’t understand how I seemed to be the only one utterly disgusted and sick from watching all of this happen.
As if that wasn’t enough, at one point Niklas grabbed a female that was standing in the front row and slammed her face into his crotch. I’m not a gung-ho feminist in any way shape or form but this made me irate. This blatant display of sexism made me want to get up on that stage and punch Niklas square in the face. The worst part of this? The woman encouraged the act as she wrapped her arms around his legs to get even closer to his crotch. Again, I’m no feminist but I have far more self-respect than to let a man do that to me. If anyone tried to do that to me they wouldn’t succeed in anything other than broken bones and bruises.
Throughout the set Niklas would grab drinks from people in the crowd, have a sip without permission, and then give them back. All I could think was, thank God I drove tonight so I wasn’t drinking and if he tried to that to me I would have splashed the remaining drink right in this prick’s face. He also seemed to have a habit of grabbing people’s phones if they were out so I avoided taking my phone out of my bag except to grab a couple pictures.
At one point, Niklas jumped into the crowd to slow dance with the woman who was standing directly in front of me during an instrumental portion of a song. I stumbled backwards to avoid getting his blood all over the front of me. I tried to blend into the small group of guys that was behind me but it didn’t work as I fumbled with my footing. My eyes met Nicklas’ and my hands instantly formed a fist. I realized that I was the only female near the stage that he had yet to get his nasty, blood soaked hands on. I was ready.
I’m not one to fight. Sure, I know how to throw a punch and throw it well but it’s a skill I pride myself on never having to use. Last night was the closest I have ever gotten to throwing a punch at a concert. I can deal with people being obnoxious in the pit and I can deal with the drunk chick spilling her drink all over me. Hell, I can deal with someone puking on me feet… I won’t throw a punch. Last night, after witnessing everything that had gone down with Niklas I about lost my cool. My fists were clenched and as soon as he was within arms length it took every ounce of me to resist throwing that first punch.
After the set, Niklas took off his shirt only to reveal a giant Reichsadler (fancy word for the Nazi eagle emblem) tattoo (minus the swastika). I wanted to throw up. I quickly pulled my sleeve down on my sweater to hide my star of David tattoo. I felt threatened. Was this really happening? How did I find myself here?
I wanted to cry. I wanted to curl up into a ball in the corner and just cry. I wanted to rush out the door but at this point I was too scared to really do much of anything. I had already posted something online about my opinion of this band but that was before I saw the tattoos. What if someone had seen my post… were they going to follow me to the car? I know the door guy, but he was too busy to walk me to my car at that moment.
I stood there. Stunned. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen. I couldn’t believe I stood there through the whole set. I couldn’t believe anything. I felt like I was having a nightmare… I was stuck in a horror movie dream only this was real life.
The show went on. Origin played and they sounded great. Same with Belphegor with their scary face paint, incense, and everything else but I didn’t pay attention. I had been super excited to see both Origin and Belphegor but after witnessing Shining, I really just wanted to go home and cry.
I should have done my research before the show last night. Feel free to google “Niklas “Ghoul” Kvarforth” for yourself but be warned that what I just described to you is really nothing new for this guy.
Dear Belphegor, Origin, and Abigail Williams– Shame on you for letting this band tour with you. I have lost all respect for you guys because you didn’t take a stand against Niklas’ behavior and let him continue on this tour.
Dear Triple Rock Social Club– I love your building and your staff but shame on you for not stopping the show. I have put so much trust into you guys and you blew it last night.
Dear Swordlord (the promoter)– Thank you for bringing such amazing international bands to Minneapolis but shame on you for not screening them first.
I go to a concert damn near every night. I’ve seen hundreds of international black metal bands and, sure, they’re creepy and give me nightmares but I have never felt unsafe at one of their shows.
I was scared for my safety last night.
I don’t feel right today. I’m irritated and crabby and it’s because my safe haven was ambushed last night.
Fuck you Shining.
Line Up:
Venue: Triple Rock
Sausage Fest Meter- 99 out of 10
Average Age of the Crowd- 26
Crowd Surfers- 0
Stage Divers-0
Moshability- Moderate
Broken Bones- None Noticed
Drunkards Taken Out By Security- None Noticed
Celebrity Sightings-None
Overall Score- 0 out of 10
Show on Deck- Dread Crew of Oddwood
August 27, 2016 at 12:30 am
The woman you talked about being forced into Niklas crotch was me. Also the phone he took was mine. I’ve been friends with him for 2 years. He’s nothing short of kind. Nice way to assume something about someone without trying to get to know them first.
August 27, 2016 at 12:19 pm
You don’t get it, darling. This is MEANT TO BE disturbing. This is no theatrics. Black Metal is a Music for which people have been killing dach other back in a day. It is no ‘safe haven’ to go and identify with some lame makeshift community. It is evil. And I do not mean some imaginary, methaphorical, conventional PC evil. It is evil in flesh and blood.
August 27, 2016 at 12:56 pm
You understand that this is the reaction they were after right? This entire post is validating everything Shining have been trying to achieve for the last 20 years. The purpose of their art is to make people uncomfortable, judging from this review they’re still very effective in doing so.
August 27, 2016 at 2:22 pm
You should no go to REAL Metal shows, Behemoth is a band for posers btw… You have experienced Shinning in itself and this what the band is about, great you felt that. Hail Shinning, Black Metal is NO FUN.
August 27, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Congratulations, you have reacted in exactly the way Kvarforth wanted. Go see Deafheaven if you want to be in a ‘safe space’.
August 27, 2016 at 3:07 pm
You need to get a grip lol. You used to cut yourself, so you understand the nature of the process and the reasons one would do it, but you vehemently condemn those that do it, even when it’s for shock? It’s fucking black metal. Oh he drank someone’s drink? Wow. I’d advise you to stop going to metal concerts because you’re probably going to cry a lot. I’m sorry that you had a bad time but you need to seriously take a look at yourself, your opinions and this post because you sound like a child.
August 27, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Boo hoo. Grow up. Concerts don’t come with trigger warnings.
August 27, 2016 at 4:10 pm
I find it hysterical to read the posts here with people, I assume live in the states, giving a statement about what black metal “is”.
I grew up with it in Norway and have worked within the scene for the last 20 years. Nuff of that.
As said, Niklas is a twisted bastard when he gets on stage. The few times I have met him he has either been a dick or suprisingly decent. However, he wants to provoke the exact reaction you had. I bet it gave him a kick too. Don’t let it dissuade you though. Keep going to shows, but maybe reconsider your “no-research” policy!
August 28, 2016 at 12:36 am
Just because you’re from Norway that doesn’t make you an expert on black metal. There are plenty of Americans who live and breathe black metal. Just because someone is american, that doesn’t mean they immediately don’t know what is and isn’t black metal.
Would you tell Jef Whitehead he doesn’t know what is black metal?
August 29, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Point being made was that most of those that claim subject authority are full of shit. Whatever, it doesn’t matter what black metal was. It has evolved. Shining do their thing, Mayhem does their thing. Like so many other genres it has sub-genres. Some forum hack claiming that black metal is supposed to do something to you is wrong as it claims knowledge of artistic intent. Sure, some bands might follow shining’s example but saying that this is a prerequisite isn’t right. In the same way that playing blast beats through and old tape recorder for that good old “necro” production doesn’t instantly make your music BM.
I don’t know Jef, so I couldn’t possibly comment, but would you tell Ihsahn that what Emperor did back in the day wasn’t black metal as it didn’t purvey a certain type of uncomfortable feeling for the audience?
August 27, 2016 at 4:28 pm
This review made me laugh all morning, my girlfriend actually thought you were trolling to start with. Just quickly; the ‘reichsadler’ was just an eagle, and you were projecting, and you clearly aren’t comfortable with metal (hell even Marilyn Manson used to cut himself onstage). Don’t call for censorship because you can’t hack it, that’s disgusting.
August 27, 2016 at 4:31 pm
You could have left but you continued to stay. Shining is the real deal.
August 27, 2016 at 6:06 pm
With no research and such sensitivity you’re lucky your didn’t end up at a Goatmoon or Der Sturmer concert.
August 27, 2016 at 6:34 pm
Also, the fact that you liked Abigail Williams is proof enough that you have no idea what you are talking about. A.W. is an embarrassment to N. America.
August 27, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Please stop going to metal shows, and please get off the internet
August 27, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Weak scared people have no place in this genre.
August 27, 2016 at 8:19 pm
You are weak, your bloodline is weak, and you will not survive the winter
August 27, 2016 at 8:32 pm
I hadn’t done any research either, and found Shining to be an extremely entertainingly bizarre and memorable act. From the back of the room, where you stand when you don’t know what to expect. I could see a lot of people at the front row having a blast. Sorry you weren’t one of them.
August 27, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Your article is very biased and borderline slanderous. My wife and I were at this same show and in the front row when Shining performed. Yes, Niklas had a diverse way of interacting with his fans, but he didn’t force anyone to do anything they didn’t want to and those said people were okay with it. Also, the woman who had her head in his crotch was standing near me and willingly did that, she wasn’t “triggered” or offended in any way, but if you were truly paying attention you would have noticed that they were hanging out before and after the show since they’re good friends and consenting adults.
Another fact is that even though he cut his arm up he wasn’t intentionally trying to get blood on people. Even when my wife and I met him, Niklas would only shake our hands with the opposite arm or avoid hugging with his cut up arm. I’d say that shows regard for people rather than what you tried to convey in your article.
Overall there’s a lot of exaggerations of what transpired at the show. The fact that you used “sexism” to describe an interaction between two consenting individuals shows your lack of true knowledge and credibility and therefore only makes your points less compelling.
Sorry, there are no “safe spaces” in metal or in nature.
August 27, 2016 at 9:42 pm
lol claims to love black metal as she parrots a generic band name. This isn’t your safe space no matter the forced head place you create. You were the lone sheep crying over the entertainment before you. Stick to pop punk and tumblr.
August 27, 2016 at 11:58 pm
I like to be surprised at shows, so I understand not researching a band before seeing them. However, there is a certain risk certain genres carry. A hardcore show might bring some serious douchebags that crowd kill the moshpit. A metalcore show might be filled with emo turds that are asking to be crowdkilled. Black metal in its purest form is the complete opposite of “nice”. The genre has a long and storied history of fucking with people’s heads and not giving a damn what kind of psychological trauma is inflicted.
Mayhem’s vocalist Dead would sniff dead ravens before a show. They also often had pig heads on pikes and lots of animal blood. Several of their former members are dead. Masochistic self-harm is seen every now and then (trigger warning: Industrial metal bands tend to do this too – ESPECIALLY if they have a BDSM tilt).
So what Shining did on stage is not unique to them nor did it start with them. Guess what, you had a bad experience, that happens – it happened to me (though it was because of someone in the crowd instead of the band). Did I stop going to shows? No.
On the other hand, nothing can really offend me. I’ve heard racial slurs on stage and didn’t give a fuck. I guess nothing triggers me. I don’t like penises, I certainly wouldn’t put my mouth near a penis, but I found it funny when Horna’s frontman whipped out his peepee and showed everyone his floppy wiener. HAHAHAHA DICKS.
August 28, 2016 at 12:02 am
I think you are over reacting to the bloodletting. This is considered by many as a form of performance art. I myself am a performer and do blood lettings on stage.
I am sorry to hear you had past issues with self harm , but what this musician did was not in the same light. It was part of his show and self expression. There was no physical threat to your person or anyone else, so feeling threatened by this is something I don’t understand. You weren’t physically or verbally attacked. I understand that it clearly was an emotional trigger for you, but his actions were not about you or anyone else.
As far as the tattoos go, seeing a tattoo on someone that may or may not be Nazi related should not feel threatening either. I don’t personally like any kind of racist tattoos and find them unnerving, but each person has a right to tattoo anything they want on their own body. Its freedom of expression. You don’t have to like or agree with it. Feeling threatened and unsafe by viewing a person’s tattoo is absurd. The only time a tattoo would signal danger to another person is if it is gang related. Tattoos are used by gangs to signify their affiliation and loyalty. When the tattoos are seen by a rival gang member, then yes, this is a time to feel unsafe as your life may very well be at risk. Other than that, a tattoo is just a tattoo, nothing to fret about. Again, it wasn’t about you and I bet the singer could have cared less about your tattoo if he saw it which I highly doubt he did as he was busy putting on a show.
August 28, 2016 at 1:28 am
Me, me, me, me. This show wasnt about you, precious flower.
August 28, 2016 at 1:29 am
Never said it was, just wanted to share my experience! Thanks for reading it!!
August 28, 2016 at 2:05 pm
You wouldn’t have liked a GG Allin show. Anything else that I have to say would be interpreted by you as bullying. You saw some messed up stuff at a Black Metal show-how shocking!! Maybe you should consider hanging up your boots and open a Vegan TV repair shop.
August 28, 2016 at 1:52 am
Don’t let these guys bully you too much. Yes, you gave the review Shining is craving. Yes, you probably shouldn’t ever go to another Black Metal show, but I don’t judge you sweetie. I grew up around hardcore punks from back in the days of the Dark Underground. I have seen it all and “all” is not for everyone. So now you know.
August 28, 2016 at 4:07 am
You did the right thing. It doesn’t matter what these douches are saying, you’re in your place to feel bad and uncomfortable on anything that does it to you. Also, this kind of tattoo has nothing to do with freedom of speech. You should keep going to shows and keeping your “non researc” policy as much as you want it to, this “metal blablabla black metal is evil” is super childish and stupid. I’m feeling bad after reading so much nonsense.
August 28, 2016 at 9:19 am
Next time research the bands. I’m sure that’s not the surprise you were after. Also take into consideration. This is first & foremost Black Metal secondly it’s art. You can’t censor art, so complain all you want. They pushed all the buttons they intended to.
August 28, 2016 at 4:09 pm
You have no idea what black metal is our what it is about.
Guess what, kid? Life doesn’t come with trigger warnings and safe spaces. The sooner you learn to actually deal with your issues like an ADULT, the happier you’ll be. I have some bridge plans……SO YOU CAN BUILD A BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT.
I’m sure Belphegor is DEVASTED that they lost your respect. LOL
August 28, 2016 at 4:50 pm
“there is a line between theatrics and complete inappropriateness”
And it’s a duty for every self-respecting black metal band to cross that line and never look back.
August 28, 2016 at 6:49 pm
I’m sorry to hear that the event left you so triggered and diappointed. I understand that you were ill-prepared.. not sure if missing that act all together would have been bennificial or not… life is a learning curve after all. At least you have the opportunity to have your voice heard, unlike so many other people. I do have sympathy for you though, and I hope your recovery is swift
August 28, 2016 at 9:20 pm
I stopped reading at your bullet point that said “I am not naive to international black metal” because you are. This is just my opinion, but before you had the urge to write all this I thunk you should’ve found out about the band and specifically the vocalist. Shining is actually a pretty large black metal band and Niklas’s reputation, as well as most black metal bands in general, are very well known. I’m not saying that your feelings are invalid, I’m just saying that this is nothing new and not at all surprising. Personally, I think shock value is ridiculous but it’s out there… And I think there is an overrated battle to see who can be the most “offensive” or “scary”. It’s corny stuff, much like Marylin Manson.
August 29, 2016 at 1:25 am
While my own band has not had perfect reviews from Langen, i find most of your reactions to be uncalled for. There is no reason why anyone should feel unsafe at any concert. For any reason. To belittle her because of her past and the fact that she was uncomfortable is a shameful act. The music community is supposed to be a family for fucks sake. We all have different tastes in music. But as a performer myself, i can say i would be PISSED to find out anything at one of my shows made someone uncomfortable. And why the f**k is ANYONE ok with getting someone’s blood on them? Wake up people.
August 29, 2016 at 1:29 am
I don’t know who you are (let me know please via Facebook) but thank you so much for this!!!
August 29, 2016 at 6:47 am
“The music community is supposed to be a family for fucks sake.”
No it isn’t. It’s a collection of people who have a similar taste in music, which may result in, but does not guarantee, a similar view on life, the system, philosophy, … I choose my own family, and a lot them come from that music and/or black metal scene, but I wouldn’t touch the biggest part of those scenes with a 10 foot pole.
August 29, 2016 at 2:49 pm
“Manic Guitat”, the adrenaline and nerves from NOT feeling safe when you go to a show is a part of the experience of some genres. Said genres, of which black metal is one, shouldn’t have to create a neutered version of the experience because a few dainty flowers want to feel safe and can’t be arsed to do five minutes of research to figure out what they’re getting into.
August 29, 2016 at 3:48 pm
First, sorry you had such a shitty experience!
Simply put, you can like what you like, but if you start exposing people to your not-fake blood show… There are laws on the books about what is supposed to happen when someone is exposed to bloodborne pathogens (in MN and elsewhere). if your show HAS to have blood in it, first of all, good luck keeping your singer going the entire tour, second, you better have a waiver at the door for people to sign saying they’re cool getting some rando’s blood on them, possibly in their eyes/ears/mouth – up to and including infection from said blood (FUCKING BARF!).
Get your heads out of your asses.
If you see some asshat ‘performing’ by getting his blood all over the crowd – get security involved, if they don’t or wont do anything calling the cops/an ambulance would be an appropriate next step – then contact the venues management/owner.
Maybe the promoter/owners/management of the club were ignorant that this would be happening, but they should have been prepared for it when it did happen. Which,seeing as the show wasn’t shut down the moment this dudes blood hit a crowd member, they haven’t a clue.
Having a team or portion of your staff trained in appropriate bloodborne pathogen exposure and response, and you know, first aid, at a venue where moshing occurs, would be good for your business and your fans.
August 29, 2016 at 4:45 pm
This is the perfect example of why black metal was better before the internet. No involvement of people that do not belong in that scene. And that may sound like the ultimate true/evil blablabla bullshit, but it’s the truth. People like Missie Langen and B-Rock who want to censor the things we do from the outside: we don’t need you, stop making our world safer.
August 29, 2016 at 7:41 pm
It’s metal. It’s been making people uncomfortable since its inception. That’s one of the things it’s supposed to do, and without that element existing many of us would find it less stimulating. I’m really sorry about all the hate you’re getting right now but extreme metal culture is pretty protective of the purity of its art and your review reflects a massive ignorance of that, so you should liken it to poking a wild animal with a stick. I’m always saddened when I hear about the baggage some people have to carry from their traumas and I have my own-having that shit triggered sucks, so I know what it’s like and I do feel for you but…You should consider finding some new “safe spaces”, and work through your trauma with a professional mental health provider instead of going to certain genres of extreme metal shows for awhile. You’ll be welcomed back with open arms when your psyche is strong enough to handle it. Metal musicians thinking about who they might offend or make uncomfortable and putting limits on their art based on that is an utterly laughable idea, dear. So is metal bands using that to decide who to take on tour with them. That’s just metal.
August 30, 2016 at 4:20 am
As an active member of the Finnish Black metal community, I can reveal to you that the lyrics aren’t a joke. Members of most bands that aren’t openly national socialistic black metal are either friends of members of bands who are, or otherwise fully embrace those bands as a part of our subculture. There are many theistic satanists, that is, Satan worshipers, and most of the rest are satanists or believe in the ancient Nordic religions. The chaos, hatred and intolerance is not a gimmick.
If you are looking for a safe space, look elsewhere. This subculture is not for you.
August 30, 2016 at 8:33 am
[THIS IS NOT A HATE COMMENT]
To the writer:
Hello, I’m a fellow concert reviewer and would like to talk to you about your experience and share some thoughts and advice. I was looking for an email address but couldn’t find one. How do I contact you via email?
August 30, 2016 at 10:22 am
Girlattherockshows@gmail.com
August 30, 2016 at 11:16 am
[THIS IS A HATE COMMENT]
Black Metal should be disturbing.
Black Metal should be not for pussies.
Black Metal is NOT a safe space.
Stay away from Black Metal.
September 1, 2016 at 2:30 am
I’ve seen some of the backlash you’ve received because of this post and I just wanted to say that I’m with you. I understand that black metal bands want to be shocking or extreme but cutting yourself on stage and bleeding all over the place is going too far. He’s creating a biohazard, putting hundreds of people at risk of exposure to whatever he’s carrying. As well as glorifying self harm, something that should never, ever been done. The thing that sucks about the metal community is that if something makes you uncomfortable, like someone bleeding on stage or being objectified, people like to label you as a pussy and tell you to get out of the scene. It’s very alienating and perpetuates negative stereotypes about the scene. I’m sorry you experienced that and I’m sorry that you have received so much hate because you were vocal about your negative experience.
September 1, 2016 at 10:32 am
I don’t consider the Shining black metal-shit they are so slow I barely consider them metal-they should not have been on this tour especially placed in the line-up where they were-too slow and boring-I didn’t get to see the cutting-but the cutting of his throat would have been a pleasure to see. I agree about the blood, I don’t want it on me or near me, I don’t know what you have and I don’t want it-that should be Respected-Black Metal or Not. As, far as being upset with Belphegor and Origin about the line-up they have nothing to do with that shit-they are just there to play their gig.–SkullCrusher/Angela
March 23, 2017 at 12:42 pm
1. this article could be made up by Niklas Kvarthforth, who, as usual, tries to get a bit of PR by setting up such ridiculous shit. would be typical for the attention-whoring sissy that he is.
2. if this is real, then you should know that heavier forms of Metal always incorporated an element of danger and violence, ever since Thrash Metal and Death Metal in the later 80s. but especially Black Metal MUST NOT be safe and pleasant. Black Metal must be dangerous, unpredictable, wild and free – and if you can´t take it, you will be victimized. you haven´t even tasted a minimal notion of what could happen to you if you embrace Black Metal and aren´t up to it. the heritage of this artform is arson, murder, suicide, violenece, satanism, devil worship, madness. be warned, much of it isn´t just make-up and growls.
March 23, 2017 at 12:45 pm
(ps: Belphegor and Shining are just “show acts”, so you´re safe there)
March 25, 2017 at 11:55 am
See, you’re mostly talking about Varg and I don’t think he should be the spokesman for anything. He’s a vocal white supremacist who murdered his bandmate over creative differences. The dude will never play music professionally again because he is insane. And again, purposely bleeding on stage is creating a biohazard, as well as glorifying self harm, something EVERYONE, regardless of musical tastes, should be working to prevent. To say an entire genre of music MUST BE violent and dangerous is incredibly selfish and just perpetuates negative stereotypes about the metal scene in general. Personally, I’m tired of people assuming the worst about me because I happen to like some of the same music as people like you. Most metalheads are not violent people, in fact, they’re some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. This attitude of “metal must be violent” just discredits all of us. Plus, people have the right to be uncomfortable with things. What people don’t have the right to do is put other peoples health and safety at risk because they want their band to look extreme in some very limited PR.
March 28, 2017 at 1:48 am
Congrats, Shining is visiting North America again, with title ‘No More Safe Space 2017.’
May 26, 2017 at 10:21 am
I`ll come back, bitch!
June 26, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Shining is a gimmick band and a poor one at that. Their music appeals to the same crowd as Marilyn manson does. Teenage emo kids that find it edgy & “dark” to be blasphemous or morbid. Take one look at the hashtag #Shining or #DSBM on instagram and its mostly teenage girls smiling in selfies while wearing their newly bought Shining shirts. It’s also actually pretty common knowledge that Niklas off stage is a pretty decent guy, which makes the matter worse considering the “image” he puts out on stage. He is not respected by the serious members of the black metal community and is seen as a poor mans GG Allin. When on tour, the other bands just humor him because he is like the annoying little brother that wants to join in.
September 13, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Dont be such a wus!
November 10, 2018 at 12:32 am
I had the dishonor to speak with Niklas from Shining once. All I can say is that he is a fucking psychopath. I hope he dies a slow painful death.
December 13, 2020 at 10:45 am
Hahahahaha!!!