(Metal Blade/Stomp)

Well if it isn’t the comeback kid!

When there is only one original member left in the band, a new release usually reeks of a quick and final cash-in, but the injection of new blood and ideas can only be seen in a positive light when considering Shai Hulud’s latest release. Misanthropy Pure sees one of metalcore’s favourite sons rising like the proverbial phoenix with a whole fistful of flames, riffs and anger.  It’s not often the term metalcore masterpiece is bandied around, however with a combination of unbelievably creative riffs, exceptional production and an undeniable sincerity behind every song, it is well warranted this time. From opener Venomspreader, which runs the gamut from straight-up hardcore to tech, to In The Mind And Marrow, which combines metalcore riffs with pop-punk sensibilities, to Four Earths, an unholy amalgamation of As I Lay Dying and Machinehead, Misanthropy Pure is mind-blowingly technical, brutal and catchy all at once. Taking all this into account, Shai Hulud are most definitely not dead, and if anything have blown the competition out of the water with an album that has the potential to be the best of the year.

****˝

PATRICK PERRIER

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