Shihad – Old Gods
(Warner Music NZ)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
Having followed Shihad since the release of their first album ‘Churn’, it has been fascinating to observe the evolution of what must be New Zealand’s most beloved band. It’s also difficult to fathom that it has been a whole seven years since the release of their last album ‘FVEY’. But as the old adage says, good things come to those who wait. Shihad’s tenth album was indeed worth the wait, and it is exceptionally good. In fact, it may be their best body of work to date.
During the album’s recording process Producer Adam Spark (Birds of Tokyo) commented that Shihad’s tenth album was “heavier than fuck”, which is no mean feat given that ‘FVEY’ featured some heavy tracks and killer riffs. While there are some faint echoes of ‘FVEY’ and Jaz Coleman in a couple of tracks, such as first single ‘Tear Down Those Names’ and title track ‘Old Gods’, this is not in any way indicative of Shihad churning out a cookie-cutter album.
‘Old Gods’ sees the four-piece step things up another level. This is an album fuelled by frustration over a world predominantly run by privileged white men, both in the past and the present. Front man Jon Toogood’s perspective has significantly shifted since converting to Islam, marrying wife Dana, who is Sudanese, and having two children. Along with the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, Toogood has not viewed the world in the same way he once did. Suffice to say that this change in worldview is writ large in the lyrics of ‘Old Gods’, which effectively calls out the aforementioned privileged white men, while simultaneously giving a voice to our shared experiences and frustrations of the here and now.
Needless to say, the highlights on the album are many. ‘Little Demons’ should be played extremely loud and on repeat, and the soaring guitars, beats and heavy bass line of ‘Just Like You’ are perfection. Third single ‘Feel The Fire’ is somewhat more laid back and ‘radio friendly’ (think ‘Home Again’). Written by Toogood in response to his experience of enduring the pandemic, he wonders when that ‘fire’ will again be felt, as many of us are currently pondering. Incidentally, it is also one of Toogood’s favourite Shihad tracks of all time, and quite rightly so. ‘The Wreckage’ concludes the album on a high, high note that is classic Shihad circa early 1990s (the guitars bring back memories of ‘The Happy Meal’) and it is absolute bliss.
‘Old Gods’, at least in part, is a call to action of sorts. Yes, there are mammoth guitars, huge riffs, bass lines that will pulsate through your very core, and beats that will render any listener virtually unable to remain still. Yet the lyrical content sees Toogood arguably delve deeper than ever before, and ‘Old Gods’ just might be the most inspiring album Shihad have produced to date. This is the work of a band that exudes confidence, moxie, and are truly at the top of their game. ‘Old Gods’ shows no signs whatsoever of Shihad slowing down any time soon.
Shihad will be touring the new album late November/early December, and there is no doubt whatsoever that hearing these tracks live is going to be an unmissable experience. So let’s kick covid in the ass and get ready to rock!!
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