SHADE - The Exploitation Tapes (EP Review)

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

Links 

LinkTree | BandCamp

Shade - Under Distant Suns (EP Review)

Release Date: February 14th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Under Distant Suns - Track Listing:

1.Ashes 03:16

2.Reach 03:49

3.Quicksand 04:53

4.Too Soon 05:34

5.Reef 06:20

Members

Ahmed Ben Ayed - Guitar

Wahid Walter Rehouma - Bass

Mehdi Beltaief - Vocals

Aziz El Ghoul - Drums/Vocals

Mehdi Haouet - Guitar/Vocals

Review

Under Distant Suns is the debut EP from Tunisian Desert/Stoner Rockers Shade and is quite an explosive record with the band demonstrating a wide range of sounds from the Stoner scene. Moving from normal instrumental passages to a heavier metallic approach with a scorched Desert theme which transforms into classic Grunge movements. The melodies are superb with a “GROOVE” based focus which draws upon bands such as KYUSS and ALICE IN CHAINS in places.

I haven’t had much exposure to the North African underground scene but Shade sounds like a Californian Desert/Stoner Rock band with the music they have written for Under DIstant Suns. Though, there’s enough Tunisian flavour for Shade to add their own creative identity into their music especially with the Psychedelic parts of the EP.

With a harsh Desert/Fuzz Rock soundscape becoming quite Space Rock orientated throughout the EP especially on tracks such as Ashes and Reach. The music does have quite a “THUGGISH” and “METALLIC” appeal which allows Shade to move between the cracks of the “ROCK” and “METAL” scenes their music ultimately delivers.

The band has three vocalists in their ranks with Mehdi Beltaief being the main vocalist where he shows a “GRUNGE” influence to his vocals. He’s joined by Aziz El Ghoul (Drums) and Mehdi Haouet (Vocals) on different parts of the EP who all provide excellent support when called upon. This is where the band feel influenced by the likes of Planet Of Zeus and CLUTCH as the EP becomes dominated by a Blues Rock theme on tracks such as Quicksand.

The final two tracks Too Soon and Reef explores the sounds heard on the earlier stages of the EP with certain Post-Stoner melodies showing another different side to Shade. This allows Shade to end Under Distant Sun superbly well. With superb production values throughout the EP. I’m hoping there’s a lot more great Stoner Rock/Metal bands to discover from the North African scene. As Shade have delivered the goods with Under Distant Suns.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

You can read more about this band with their recent Introduce Yourselves article which the band kindly submitted.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

https://www.instagram.com/shade.band.off/
https://weareshade.bandcmp.com/album/under-distant-suns
https://www.facebook.com/weareshade

Introduce Yourselves: SHADE

What is the name of your band? 

Shade

What is the genre of music that you play? 

Stoner Rock

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

Shade is a stoner rock band from Tunisia. It started in 2005 when members were in n High School/college and during a time when most of the local scene was playing extreme metal. 

Shade played live extensively for 4 years and then stopped. And now the band is back again, older but not wiser, and decided to release its first EP.

What can people expect from your music? 

A massive stoner inspiration with lots of other genres of rock. We try to keep you on your feet, guessing where the next song will go.

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band? 

Too Soon (single)

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://www.instagram.com/shade.band.off/
https://weareshade.bandcmp.com/album/under-distant-suns
https://www.facebook.com/weareshade