History
Shai Hulud: A Metalcore Legacy Forged in Flux
Shai Hulud emerged from the Pompano Beach, Florida music scene in 1995, eventually relocating to Poughkeepsie, New York. The band's history is marked by a consistent dedication to their intense metalcore sound, often navigating a landscape of shifting lineups and evolving creative directions.
Early Formation and First Steps
Guitarist Matt Fox and bassist Dave Silber initially formed Shai Hulud. The early lineup featured Damien Moyal on vocals, Jason Lederman on drums, and Oliver Chapoy on guitar. Despite early challenges, including a need to replace their drummer, the band quickly established a presence. A six-song demo led to a signing with Revelation Records, facilitated by Rob Moran of Unbroken. The label initially requested a name change, deeming "Shai Hulud" too difficult to remember, but the band persevered. Their inaugural performance took place on Halloween in 1996.
Navigating Lineup Changes and Debut Release
Following Damien Moyal's departure, 14-year-old Chad Gilbert joined on vocals. Under Revelation Records' subsidiary Crisis Records, Shai Hulud recorded their debut EP, A Profound Hatred of Man, released in February 1997. The EP, despite a minor misspelling on the initial pressing's spine, laid the foundation for the band's enduring legacy.
The Road to Hearts Once Nourished... and Beyond
Chad Gilbert's subsequent move to form the pop-punk band New Found Glory presented challenges, but Shai Hulud pressed on. In August 1997, they began recording their first full-length album, Hearts Once Nourished With Hope And Compassion, which was released that November. The following year and a half saw extensive touring across America with various notable bands. In 1998, they released a split EP with Indecision, The Fall of Every Man. As the band's recognition grew, lineup shifts continued, with Oliver Chapoy departing and being replaced by Matthew Fletcher. The band also contributed a cover of "Fearless Vampire Killers" to the Bad Brains tribute compilation, Never Give In.
Continued Evolution and Studio Work
Further lineup changes saw Steve Kleisath leave the band and Chad Gilbert focus on New Found Glory. Shai Hulud continued with touring drummer Andrew Gormley and temporary vocalist Geert van der Velde. Upon returning to Florida, Dave Silber departed, and Jared Allen joined on bass. This iteration recorded tracks for splits with Another Victim (A Whole New Level of Sickness) and a Metallica tribute (Crush 'Em All Vol. 1), featuring guest drumming from Spikey Goldbach and Steve Kleisath. In 2001, the band relocated to Poughkeepsie, New York, and experienced another drummer change with Chris Cardinal.
That Within Blood Ill-Tempered and a New Direction
In 2002, Jared Allen left, and Matt Fletcher moved to bass. The band recorded their second full-length, That Within Blood Ill-Tempered, released on May 20, 2003. Tony Tintari contributed drums during the recording sessions. Following the album's release and subsequent tours, vocalist Geert van der Velde departed to pursue his solo project, The Black Atlantic, and join Miscreants. Drummer Tony Tintari also left to join Holy Roman Empire. The band announced their intention to continue under a new name, "The Warmth of Red Red Blood," to signify a new chapter.
Return as Shai Hulud and Misanthropy Pure
In early 2006, the band recorded a demo with Eric Dellon on vocals and Brian Go on drums. By March 2006, they decided to revert to the Shai Hulud name. In August 2006, they signed with Metal Blade Records. Their album Misanthropy Pure, featuring Matt Mazzali on vocals and Andrew Gormley on drums, was released on May 27, 2008. The band continued to seek a permanent drummer, with Mike Justain briefly filling the role. Chad Kishick joined as a second guitarist. Shai Hulud also has a related project, Zombie Apocalypse, known for a faster and more chaotic sound.
