An amalgam of melody and metal

SHUN has an amalgam of power and melody in the form of Dismantle, their latest album. Each song bleeds seamlessly into the next, even when the transitions feel otherwise disjointed. That’s all part of the band’s allure — their songs each offer a unique sound, all coming together to form an album that leaves listeners wanting more.

“Drawing Names” offers a melancholy quality with plenty of distortion to add a layer of grit to the otherwise melodic track. Powerful vocals are perfectly in tune with a catchy drum beat that never works to overpower the rest of the song, each musician working in tandem. 

As the album unfurls, “Storms” sets out with a slow beat, the occasional discordant note keeping listeners on their collective toes, unsure of the track’s direction. Is it a power ballad? Will a blast of energy come seething from the speakers at any moment? It’s obvious that SHUN is flexing its more sensitive — yet powerful — muscles, but it all works. The vocals are never so overwhelming that the rest of the instrumentals lose out, but demand attention nonetheless. 

“NRNS” is a total shock to the system, its fast-paced beat coming in strong following the relatively subdued “Storms.” It’s a fun track with a catchy tune with the occasional off-note, the band’s seemingly signature guitar move. This intentional discordant sound is playful and keeps things interesting, even though the album already has something for everyone to appreciate.

But SHUN isn’t done yet. “You’re the Sea” kicks things off with a series of high-pitched notes and guitar riffs akin to human growling, the tone moody and dark. There are subtle nods to ’90s powerhouses such as Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Seether, and more, but do so in a way that allows SHUN to still retain its unique sense of musical style. 

The entire album is filled with songs that challenge what defines a band. For some, it’s a signature sound. For others, it’s the lack of permanence in any one genre, and SHUN tackles this perfectly, refusing to conform to any one specific music style — for good reason. They’re talented and have plenty to offer, as evidenced on Dismantle. The only question is what they have in store next for listeners to appreciate and enjoy.