Love Is the New Hate cover

Love Is the New Hate

Shihad · 2005

39 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses blend with politically charged lyrics, creating a visceral experience of alternative metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    All the Young Fascists — This track stands out with its sharp critique of rising nationalism and societal disillusionment, encapsulating the album's thematic core.
  • →
    Empty Shell — A poignant reflection on vulnerability amidst chaos, this song combines emotional weight with powerful instrumentation, showcasing the band's range.
  • →
    Saddest Song in the World — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track highlights the band's ability to convey deep emotions while maintaining a fierce edge.
  • →
    Shot in the Head — This song exemplifies Shihad's aggressive sound and confrontational lyrics as it tackles themes of mental health and societal pressures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive instrumentation with politically charged lyrics, creating a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to quieter, more introspective moments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cathartic bursts of aggression
  • an intense rallying cry
  • short tracks for quick impact
  • politically charged anthemic energy
  • emotional release through urgency

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking mellow, relaxed vibes
  • prefer longer, immersive pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2005, Shihad was transitioning from their earlier sound towards a more aggressive and politically charged style with 'Love Is the New Hate', marking their sixth studio album. Following the success of 'The General Electric' in 1999, this release aimed to assert their relevance in a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Helmet· Deftones· Stone Sour

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 None of the Above 2:22
  • 2 Empty Shell 3:26
  • 3 Day Will Come 3:11
  • 4 All the Young Fascists 3:10
  • 5 Saddest Song in the World 4:11
  • 6 Big Future 2:04
  • 7 Shot in the Head 3:20
  • 8 Dark Times 4:02
  • 9 Traitor 2:54
  • 10 Stop 2:49
  • 11 Alive 4:03
  • 12 Guts and the Glory 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata