Shihad Vinyl Records Australia

Shihad are a New Zealand rock band formed in Wellington in 1988, renowned for their powerful live performances, heavy guitar riffs and distinctive blend of alternative rock, hard rock and industrial influences. Led by vocalist and guitarist Jon Toogood, alongside Tom Larkin, Phil Knight and Karl Kippenberger, the band became one of New Zealand's most successful and influential rock acts. From their early metal-inspired recordings to their melodic alternative rock anthems, Shihad developed a sound combining raw energy, memorable hooks and socially conscious songwriting, earning a devoted following throughout Australia and New Zealand.

At Heathen Records, we stock a growing selection of Shihad vinyl records in Australia, including classic albums and releases from across their extensive catalogue. Whether you're rediscovering their influential 1990s recordings or exploring their later material, browse Shihad LPs available on vinyl from our independent Australian record store.

Shihad's catalogue includes their groundbreaking debut Churn, the heavier Killjoy, their self-titled breakthrough, The General Electric, Pacifier, Love Is the New Hate and Old Gods. Songs including Home Again, My Mind's Sedate, The General Electric, Run, Comfort Me and Think You're So Free showcase their evolution from aggressive alternative metal to melodic, anthemic rock. Their recordings capture decades of musical experimentation and remain important additions to Australian and New Zealand rock vinyl collections.

Essential Shihad Albums on Vinyl

Churn (1993) – Shihad's debut studio album introduced their uncompromising sound, combining alternative metal, industrial rock and intricate rhythmic arrangements. Produced by Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke, the record captures the band's early intensity through distorted guitars, powerful drumming and dark atmospheric textures. Tracks including Factory, Derail and Stations demonstrate their aggressive musical approach and experimental influences. Its raw production and relentless energy established Shihad as an exciting force in New Zealand's emerging alternative rock scene and laid the foundations for their later success.

Shihad (1996) – Often referred to as the Fish Album because of its distinctive cover artwork, Shihad's self-titled third studio album marked an important transition towards a more melodic alternative rock sound. Featuring the enduring anthem Home Again, alongside La La Land and A Day Away, the record balances heavy guitar-driven arrangements with accessible melodies and emotionally direct songwriting. Its combination of powerful riffs, dynamic rhythms and memorable choruses helped broaden the band's audience throughout Australia and New Zealand. The album remains one of Shihad's most recognisable releases and an essential part of their catalogue.

The General Electric (1999) – Widely regarded as one of Shihad's defining albums, The General Electric showcases the band's ability to combine alternative rock intensity with polished production and anthemic songwriting. Featuring My Mind's Sedate, The General Electric and Wait and See, the record delivers powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms and memorable vocal performances. Produced by Garth Richardson, the album captures the energy of Shihad's live performances while exploring more expansive arrangements and melodic textures. Its commercial success and enduring popularity established the band as a major force in Australasian rock music.

Pacifier (2002) – Released during the period when Shihad temporarily adopted the name Pacifier, this album explores a more polished and melodic alternative rock direction. Featuring Run, Comfort Me and Bullitproof, the record combines driving guitars, atmospheric production and emotionally expressive songwriting. Recorded with an international audience in mind, the album reflects the band's experimentation with contemporary rock production while retaining their characteristic intensity. Its memorable singles and expansive arrangements make it a significant chapter in Shihad's musical evolution.

Old Gods (2021) – Shihad's tenth studio album represents a powerful return to their heavier roots, combining aggressive guitar riffs, industrial influences and politically charged songwriting. Featuring Tear Down Those Names and Little Demons, the record explores themes of inequality, racism, identity and social division. Its uncompromising sound recalls the intensity of the band's early recordings while incorporating the experience and musical confidence developed over three decades. Old Gods demonstrates Shihad's continuing relevance and their ability to create urgent, confrontational rock music without sacrificing their distinctive identity.

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All records are packed carefully and shipped quickly from our independent Australian record store. Heathen Records specialises in collectible vinyl, rare pressings, and new releases with fast shipping across Australia.