Members
Select a *shels band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
*shels is a transatlantic post-rock and post-metal collective originating from California. Founded in 2003 by Mehdi Safa, following the dissolution of his previous band Mahumodo, shels is characterized by its expansive, cinematic soundscapes that blend elements of **post-rock, sludge metal, and instrumental post-rock. The group initially gained attention with their debut EP *Wingsfortheirsmiles and further established their reputation with full-length albums like Sea of the Dying Dhow and Plains of the Purple Buffalo. While the lineup has evolved, Mehdi Safa remains the driving force behind the band's creative vision.
How to Sound Like *shels
To capture the sonorous depth of *shels, musicians should focus on creating a balance between heavy, distorted layers and atmospheric, ethereal textures. Their sound is both aggressive and melodic, often relying on dynamic shifts and intricate arrangements. Achieving this requires a blend of high-gain amplifiers for the heavier sections and ambient effects like reverb and delay to build the expansive soundscapes. Layered guitar parts contribute to the lush, immersive quality of their music, while the rhythm section underpins this with a powerful yet fluid foundation. By combining crushing riffs with delicate, melodic passages, musicians can approximate the evocative contrast that defines *shels' music.
