2006 fans
Shihad, a New Zealand metal group formed in Wellington in 1988, began as a trio of drummer Tom Larkin, guitarist‑synthesiser Phil Knight and vocalist‑rhythm guitarist Jon Toogood, later joined by bassist Karl Kippenberger in 1991. Their early recordings, including the 1990 EP Devolve and the single "Down Dance", introduced their aggressive sound. The band released Churn (1993) and Killjoy (1995), the latter earning four New Zealand Music Awards in 1996. Their breakthrough album The General Electric (1999) topped the New Zealand charts and produced the hit single "My Mind’s Sedate". In 2002 the group renamed themselves Pacifier for the U.S. market, releasing Pacifier (2002) before reverting to Shihad in 2004. The 2005 album Love Is the New Hate reached Number 2 in New Zealand, followed by Beautiful Machine (2008) and Ignite (2010), the latter debuting at number one and earning a gold certification. Their ninth studio album FVEY (2014) also hit the top spot, and the 2021 release Old Gods continued their chart presence. Shihad received the Legacy Award at the 2010 New Zealand Music Awards and was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. The band concluded a successful career with a final tour ending in Wellington in March 2025.
