Emerging from a self-proclaimed hibernation, SHAI HULUD set their sights on destroying what we know about ‘metalcore’, with their own unique fuse of hardcore and melodic elements producing an album of eleven incredible tracks of aggression. When asked about being labelled metalcore, founding member and guitarist Matt Fox said “Taking the term literally, and breaking it apart, yes, we definitely are a true example of “metalcore,” a hybrid of hardcore and metal”, something which really comes across throughout the album in its entirety.

The steady remorseless pound of riff after riff after riff, coupled with the gang vocals that have become commonplace in so much of the new output available today (but with added aspects of attitude that are seldom heard) makes the entire album one of animal aggression, appealing to the basic instincts of the listener. The title track ‘Reach Beyond the Sun’ is the third on the album and seeks to reaffirm the hardcore credentials that SHAI HULUD hold close to the centre of their music and from where they clearly build everything they stand for.

‘To Suffer Fools’ is a song that brings the hardcore roots of SHAI HULUD to the forefront – the lyrics are built to be bellowed by a rampant audience. Containing bouncy rhythms and an elbow-throwing riff, compounded with the fact that it does so over just 1:43 minutes of attitude ridden sound explosion is an achievement very rarely seen with less experienced acts.

This is an album that will continue to reward the listener time and again, as the complexities of Matt Fox’s guitar playing are aplenty and bountiful. This is a consistent album with the power and weight of a freight train. It builds song upon song as the album progresses.

SHAI HULUD will be on tour with PROPAGHANDI in April as part of the Failed States European Tour and Baltimore feminist band WAR ON WOMEN. In the UK only they will also be joined by Canadian Hardcore group COMEBACK KID.

Out Now!

Jim