Release Date: January 23rd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
The Exploitation Tapes - Tracklisting
1.The Exploitation Tapes 01:15
2.S.G.K. 03:37
3.Surge 03:37
4.Bloodbath Boogie 04:00
5.What the River Took 04:56
6.Forbidden Snack 04:39
Members
Ahmed Ben Ayed - Guitar
Wahid Walter Rehouma - Bass
Mehdi Beltaief - Vocals
Aziz El Ghoul - Drums/Vocals
Mehdi Haouet - Guitar/Vocals
Review
The Exploitation Tapes is the latest release from Stoner Metallers SHADE who have introduced a novel concept for this EP. As they blend themes and soundbytes that take influence from the world of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and Grindhouse cinema for imaginary films for each individual track. It’s a quite a cool record with SHADE adapting a sleazy and stripped back element to the record especially with how the EP sounds and plays out.
The tracks are quite PUNK ROCK driven with sometimes a seedy vibe holding everything together especially when SHADE play music with a subtle “NO FUCKS GIVEN” attitude which allows areas of Fuzz, Alt Rock and Grunge to suddenly appear especially within the opening tracks of The Exploitation Tapes, S.G.K. and Surge. The main vocals are provided by Mehdi Beltaief and he takes influence from mostly the Americana, Punk, Fuzz and Grunge musical scenes. There’s an OUTLAW and DESERT aspect to the vocals littered throughout the EP.
This is quite similar and vastly different to SHADE’s acclaimed 2025 debut release Distant Suns. The record is dominated by SHADE’s love for “B” movies and all the mythology that comes with that genre of cinema with the music being constantly refreshing and highly energetic in places. You can easily tap into the creative themes that SHADE delivers for each track especially on the second half part of the EP which is where I had the most enjoyment on tracks such as Bloodbath Boogie, What The River Took and Forbidden Snack.
The Exploitation Tapes is a short, concise and action packed release that doesn’t outstay its welcome. I wish there were a couple more tracks as the EP suddenly ends when things are becoming more interesting. However, it’s best to leave the audience wanting more and SHADE ultimately deliver on that front.
If you've ever wondered what a QUENTIN TARANTINO or ROBERT RODRIGUEZ film would sound like with an underground Stoner Rock soundtrack then this is the closest you're ever likely to get.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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