Even though I’ve anxiously waited the past five years for the return of Shai Hulud, I could never have imagined that it would be this good. Misanthropy Pure is full of everything that made us all love the former incarnations of Shai Hulud; heavy crushing guitar riffs, dizzying tempo shifts, and intricate melodies that always seem surprising considering the brutal nature of what surrounds them.

I loved Shai Hulud’s 2003 album That Within Blood Ill-Tempered especially the underlying melodicism of that album and Geert Van Der Velde’s vocals. It tempered Hulud’s brutality with something a little easier on the ears. That said, new vocalist Matt Mazzali fits the “new” Shai Hulud and their tougher more aggressive tone perfectly as well. Less melodic but more powerful than Geert, Mazzali’s delivery is more reminiscent of onetime vocalist Chad Gilbert (now of New Found Glory).

While it might just sound like the same old song and dance for Matt Fox and company, remember that Shai Hulud were innovators way before anyone thought of imitating them. With Misanthropy Pure‘s frenzied blast of metalcore Shai Hulud once again proves they are among the best; technical, heavy, smart, and brutal but somehow just a little melodic as well. You will not be disappointed, guaranteed.

MP3 | Shai Hulud – Misanthropy Pure Misanthropy Pure
MP3 | Shai Hulud – We Who Finish Last Misanthropy Pure

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