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SHAI HULUD
Reach Beyond The Sun

Metal Blade (2013)
Rating: 9/10

Shai Hulud is in some ways a remnant from one of music’s most creative periods. The 1990s found the DIY ethic of punk rock and hardcore in full swing, and fans were creating their own labels. Revelation Records was one of the best labels to come out of this endeavour, and brought the world the sound of Shai Hulud.

From the beginning the American band oozed the honesty, integrity and power that were the trademarks of hardcore, while adding a twist of noise, a bit of melodic guitar work, and a lot of passion. Shai Hulud hit the scene like a war cry with their Snapcase meets Fugazi sound.

Much has changed for Shai Hulud over the years. A constant string of member changes have altered the landscape of the band, yet each release continues to show improvement, culminating with the band’s best outing to date, Reach Beyond The Sun.

The aforementioned line-up changes resulted in Shai Hulud entering the studio without a vocalist for this latest album, so former singer and current New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert handled vocals in the studio, as well as production duties. This was an incredible decision, as not only do the vocals sound fantastic, but the production is stellar. Very few hardcore albums are produced in a way that allows both the grit and the shine to come through in the final mix. Reach Beyond The Sun achieves that goal, being both slick and gritty.

The title track is a masterpiece of pummeling rhythms and sparkling, swirling lead guitar. Gilbert’s hardcore scream is supported by gang vocals that sound huge, turning the track into a hardcore anthem. The production enhances the dynamic songs Shai Hulud has created for this release.

The best thing about Reach Beyond The Sun is that it’s everything a Shai Hulud fan loves about the band. ‘A Human Failing’ is drenched with the mix of honesty and misanthropy that is a trademark of the lyrical style created by Matt Fox (guitar) and Matt Fletcher (bass).

‘Medicine To The Dead’ presents shifting rhythms and a grim sense of humour, opening with a cry of “My kingdom for a conversation!” The end of this song shifts from a hardcore wall of noise to a driving, chanting anthem. ‘The Mean Spirits, Breathing’ shows how Shai Hulud walks the line between hardcore and metal, matching hardcore worthy of Ringworm with guitar fluidity and melody more associated with metal.

Reach Beyond The Sun never strays far from the standard Shai Hulud formula, but when the formula is this good, not much improvement is needed. I am reminded of the statement from Anthrax’s ‘Strap It On’ (from 2003’s We’ve Come For You All): “I change by staying the same”. This is what Shai Hulud offers on this release. The dominant traits of the band’s style are mixed with impeccable production, and the result is a powerful album.

Reach Beyond The Sun is the kick in the pants hardcore needs. Lyrically, Shai Hulud takes on adversity, destroying all obstacles with determination, intelligence, and the musical equivalent of a military charge. Shai Hulud has left me wanting more with this release, and I don’t think it’s too early to proclaim this one hardcore album of the year.

Jim McDonald

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