Shai Hulud are one of my favorite bands, so to say I was both curious and excited about their new release, Misanthropy Pure, would be a huge understatement. Their third full-length marks their Metal Blade Records debut, as well as the first appearance of vocalist Matt Ian Mazzali, whose raspy screams fit the band's signature sound well. While I don't think he lives up to the ferocity of Chad Gilbert (vocalist from 1996-1998), he out-powers Geert Van Der Velde (vocalist from 1999-2004). The new album can be described 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 disc kicks off with "Venomspreader," which begins with a few seconds of desolate notes before exploding into a fast-paced verse. It reminds one of classic Hulud, and one also cannot help but notice the rather slick production thanks to Greg Thomas and guitarist Matt Fox. This disc has a surprisingly clean sound, which seems odd at first, but is very fitting once you become accustomed to it. Their technical moments really shine as a result.
The title track is, as the lyrics state, "a plea to vindicate intolerance." Once again, the lyrics are intelligent and thought-provoking, something we don't see too often in the hardcore genre. Then again, the same could be said about the music itself. The disc also contains "Set Your Body Ablaze," which any Hulud fan will recognize as a new 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 it is more like a treat for old fans; the song has never sounded so precise or heavy. Other standout tracks include "Be Winged" and "To Bear the Brunt of Many Blades."
There's something for everyone on Misanthropy Pure. It's melodic, heavy, technical, fast, smart, driven hardcore metal. Most importantly, it does not disappoint after a long five-year wait, which says a lot. While most early metalcore favorites have changed their sound over the years (Poison the Well, Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, et. al), Shai Hulud are still a force to be reckoned with.
