*shels

The Profile

*shels are a British post-rock/post-metal collective led by Mehdi Safa, emerging from members of Mahumodo, Eden Maine, and Fireapple Red. After two early EPs, they debuted with Sea of the Dying Dhow (2007) and followed with Plains of the Purple Buffalo (2011), noted for cinematic scope, choral vocals, and melodic clarity.

Debut album: Sea of the Dying Dhow (2007); second album: Plains of the Purple Buffalo (2011); earlier EPs: Wingsfortheirsmiles and Laurentian's Atoll; led by Mehdi Safa; style blends post-rock, post-metal, and folk-tinged atmospheres; British origin.

Reviews praise *shels for blending post-rock and metal with folk-tinted, cinematic atmospheres. Sea of the Dying Dhow (2007) is hailed as a powerful debut with conceptual unity and striking contrasts. Plains of the Purple Buffalo (2011) is celebrated for sunny, expansive moods, choral vocals, and disarming melodic simplicity. References include GY!BE, Isis, Mogwai and even Tool. Overall verdict: ambitious, emotive, and memorable.