Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Shihad: Beautiful Machine (2012)

Film Lens

Shihad: Beautiful Machine
Shihad: Beautiful Machine covers the history of the New Zealand band Shihad, tracing their evolution from the 1990s punk metal scene in Wellington to their experiences in Berlin. The film details significant events such as the tragic overdose of their manager and the band's struggle with fame and industry pressures. It also addresses the controversial name change they underwent in America, providing insight into the band's conflicts and triumphs over the years. The documentary serves as an all-access pass to Shihad's journey, offering a candid look at the band's internal and external battles. It captures the essence of their music and the impact they have had on New Zealand rock, while questioning what went wrong in their pursuit of success. The film presents a comprehensive narrative that combines personal stories with the broader context of the music industry.

Why Watch

  • •See Shihad's rise from Wellington's punk scene.
  • •Find out about their manager's tragic overdose.
  • •Meet the band during their wild Berlin days.

Did You Know

•Shihad has been active for over 20 years, starting in the 1990s.
•The band experienced a tragic event with the overdose of their manager.
•Their album The General Electric had an international impact.
•Shihad changed their name in America due to legal issues.

Perfect For

New Zealand rock musicPunk metal historyMusic industry stories