IX - Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends

Released in 2015 via Season of Mist, IX - Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends represents a pivotal point in the evolution of the Norwegian band Shining. Following their departure from a more traditional black metal sound, the band cemented their reputation as pioneers of 'blackjazz' with this record. The album was born out of a desire to blend the chaotic intensity of extreme metal with the improvisational complexity of jazz and the driving, industrial beats of electronic music, creating a dense, unrelenting sonic architecture that reflects the band’s interest in subverting genre boundaries.

The album's design and conceptual direction were driven by frontman Jørgen Munkeby, who sought to capture a feeling of apocalyptic catharsis through intricate, multi-layered arrangements. Upon its release, the record was noted by critics for its ambitious scope and polished production, standing as a testament to the band’s technical proficiency. It serves as a definitive document of the mid-2010s avant-garde metal scene, characterized by its aggressive saxophone hooks and sophisticated, jarring time signatures that challenged listener expectations.