Metal Monarchy
ALBUM REVIEW: SHAI HULUD 'MISANTHROPY PURE'
Shai Hulud are one of my favorite bands, so to say that I was both curious and excited about their brand-new full-length, Misanthropy Pure, would be a huge understatement. I would describe Misanthropy Pure as controlled aggression - a fine cross between the band's two previous full-lengths, 1997's Hearts Once Nourished with Hope and Compassion and 2003's That Within Blood Ill-Tempered.
The new LP - the band's first in five years - marks the debut of new vocalist Matt Ian Mazzali, whose raspy screams fit the band's trademark sound well. While I don't think that he lives up to the ferocity of original vocalist Chad Gilbert (1996-1998), he definitely out-powers Geert Van Der Velde (1999-2004).
The disc kicks off with "Venomspreader," which begins with a few seconds of desolate notes before exploding into a fast-paced verse. It's hard not to notice the slick production by Greg Thomas and guitarist Matt Fox. The album has a surprisingly clean sound, which seems odd at first but is very fitting after you get used to it. The band's technical moments really shine as a result.
The title track is, as the lyrics state, "a plea to vindicate intolerance." As with previous Shai Hulud releases, the lyrics are intelligent and thought-provoking - something we don't often see in the hardcore scene anymore. The disc also contains "Set Your Body Ablaze," which any Hulud fan will recognize as a re-recorded version of a song from A Whole New Level of Sickness, their 2000 split with Another Victim. Some may call this an obvious and unoriginal rehash, but I see it as a treat for old fans. I've never heard the song sound so precise or so heavy. Some new standout tracks include "Be Winged" and "To Bear the Brunt of Many Blades."
There's something for everyone on Misanthopy Pure. It's melodic, heavy, technical, fast, smart, driven, metal and hardcore. Most importantly, it did not disappoint after a five-year wait for new material. That says a lot for the band. While most early metalcore favorites have changed their sound over the years - Poison the Well, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge to name a few - Shai Hulud are still a force to be reckoned with.
Best Track: "Be Winged"
The new LP - the band's first in five years - marks the debut of new vocalist Matt Ian Mazzali, whose raspy screams fit the band's trademark sound well. While I don't think that he lives up to the ferocity of original vocalist Chad Gilbert (1996-1998), he definitely out-powers Geert Van Der Velde (1999-2004).
The disc kicks off with "Venomspreader," which begins with a few seconds of desolate notes before exploding into a fast-paced verse. It's hard not to notice the slick production by Greg Thomas and guitarist Matt Fox. The album has a surprisingly clean sound, which seems odd at first but is very fitting after you get used to it. The band's technical moments really shine as a result.
The title track is, as the lyrics state, "a plea to vindicate intolerance." As with previous Shai Hulud releases, the lyrics are intelligent and thought-provoking - something we don't often see in the hardcore scene anymore. The disc also contains "Set Your Body Ablaze," which any Hulud fan will recognize as a re-recorded version of a song from A Whole New Level of Sickness, their 2000 split with Another Victim. Some may call this an obvious and unoriginal rehash, but I see it as a treat for old fans. I've never heard the song sound so precise or so heavy. Some new standout tracks include "Be Winged" and "To Bear the Brunt of Many Blades."
There's something for everyone on Misanthopy Pure. It's melodic, heavy, technical, fast, smart, driven, metal and hardcore. Most importantly, it did not disappoint after a five-year wait for new material. That says a lot for the band. While most early metalcore favorites have changed their sound over the years - Poison the Well, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge to name a few - Shai Hulud are still a force to be reckoned with.
Best Track: "Be Winged"
I agree 100%. Anyone who dislikes this album did not give it a chance. You can't enjoy metallic hardcore and not like this album. Assholes.
Chyea I went out and bought it after I read this review aand I totally agree, it's one of the most amazing albums I've ever bought.