Shihad has been through a tumultuous few years which saw them changing their name several times and pumping out some dark, heavy albums to express their frustrations.

Originally known as Shihad, the band name was seen as too similar to the word 'jihad' which was a dangerous thing in times of terror several years back.

They opted to change their name to Remote which they printed on the backs of several Tshirts, and then finally deciding on Pacifier which was the name of one of their songs.

They released an album self titled Pacifier under this name before changing their name back to Shihad.

"Without a doubt the previous album (Love is the New Hate) was all about that cathartic experience and getting a big chip off our shoulder", Jon Toogood explained.

"It was just a dark period for us and the record was all about getting rid of that anxiety, therefor it was a heavy, dark record."

Beautiful Machine it seems has taken a different turn and pumps out an uplifting vibe.

"Beautiful Machine is all about reaffirming being positive and making ourselves feel good about our music", Toogood said. "It makes me smile when I hear it."

The first single released off the album One Will Hear the Other has fast become a crowd pleaser with its captivating melodies and head-bopping rhythms.

"As soon as the beat kicks in and the melody hits, you see people smiling", Toogood said.

"We always sort of knew there was something powerful and positive about the song".

"It's one of those melodies that makes you feel good, and you don't know how you did it… but you did it".

Beautiful Machine has a new flavour to Shihad's previous releases with the introduction of newer technology to create smoother rhythms on the different tracks.

"We've all got laptops now", Toogood revealed.

"I've been writing heaps on my laptop as well as writing with the band".

Beautiful Machine is being toured around Western Australia in August with gigs in Margaret River, Bunbury and Perth.

CD is in stores now.

Gigs

Aug 28 - Settlers Tavern Margaret River

Aug 29 - Prince of Wales Bunbury

Aug 30 - Capitol Theatre Perth