Before Streaming, There Was Shun—And They Were Worth Searching For.
In the saturated landscape of late-’90s and early-2000s alternative-rock, Shun was a name whispered more than shouted—a band that quietly carved its place in the hearts of those lucky enough to stumble upon their deeply affecting sound.
Founded in 1997 in the Southeastern United States and evolving somewhere in the corner between bands like Circa Survive, Dredg, Oceansize, Deftones / Team Sleep or Day One Symphony, Rishloo and Sans Seraph (regarding these last 3, if you know… well you know), Shun emerged not with bombast but with a haunting sincerity that set them apart from the era’s louder peers.
Now, with the long-awaited digital release of their previously hard-to-find recordings—including the 2001 cult (yes it is) EP ‘Michael in Reign’—a new generation has the chance to experience their sonic legacy.
Blending introspective lyricism with emotionally charged guitar work and moments of explosive post-hardcore intensity, Shun bridged the gap between the crushing weight of nu-metal and the atmospheric depth of bands like Dredg and Deftones. Their sound was never easily categorized—too melodic to be metal, too heavy to be indie rock—but it was always unmistakably theirs.
Their journey began with a demo recorded in Nashville in 1998, followed by slow-burning buzz within the underground rock scene. Songs like “Glass to Sand” and “Second Voice” showcased a rare command of mood and texture, with vocalist Billy White’s aching delivery at the center. Grit met grace in tracks such as “Closure” and “Sell Them Dreams,” balancing vulnerability with fury in a way that foreshadowed the emotional complexity of modern post-rock and post-metal.
‘Michael in Reign’, released in 2001, was a critical and fan favorite, praised for its stunning emotional clarity and intricate arrangements. Though the EP wasn’t a major-label production, it resonated deeply with listeners—selling out quickly through word-of-mouth, live shows, and a passionate online community that included features on early internet platforms like mp3.com and the cult-favorite Pimp Rock Palace.
More than two decades later, these recordings have lost none of their power. Reissued digitally in 2025, Shun’s early catalog—including ‘Promising’ (1998), ‘Michael in Reign’ (2001), and their ‘Industry Demo’ (2002)—is finally available on streaming platforms. This long-overdue arrival comes amid renewed interest in the band, stirred partly by confusion with another act of the same name from North Carolina.
But make no mistake: this Shun is the original article—an emotionally devastating, genre-defying act that once eluded the mainstream and is now ready to claim its rightful place in the alt-rock canon.
If you’ve never heard them, now is the time. Listen, feel, and let it take hold.
A New Chapter Begins: Shun Returns with “Earth (Intro)”
After more than 20 years of silence, Shun is back—not just with a reissue, but with brand-new material. The Nashville-based nü-metal/alternative rock band has just released “Earth (Intro)”, the first new track from their forthcoming project, and a song with deep roots in their live history.
“For those who saw us live back in the day, this song might feel familiar. It was always the opening for our set at every show, setting the tone for what was to come. We felt it was only right to begin this new chapter the same way.” (Billy White, vocalist)
“Earth” explores themes of reconciliation and emotional resilience, speaking directly to the inner struggle between despair and hope. White describes it as “about finding a way to hold on to hope and push through when life feels overwhelming”—a fitting message from a band that has weathered its own storms of life, distance, and time.
In a heartfelt update posted to social media, White revealed that instead of waiting to finish a full-length album, the band will release songs one by one—acknowledging the challenge of balancing creative work with family and life. “At this point in our lives, just finishing and releasing each song feels like a big victory,” he wrote. “It feels incredible to be creating again.”
“Earth (Intro)” is now available on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms, marking a powerful and poetic return for a band whose music continues to resonate across generations. And if this track is any indication, Shun’s next chapter may be its most emotionally profound yet.
