Album Review: Arankai – The Shape of Blue (Hopeless Records)

Alternative metal artist Arankai returns with the next chapter in his ambitious three-album series, ‘The Shape of Blue’. Whereas 2025’s ‘A Portrait of Red’ drew from personal reflection, The Shape of Blue widens its perspective to the experience of others. It is out on October 30th, 2026, via Hopeless Records.

Showcasing a wider and more explorative side to his alt metal sound, The Shape of Blue is what we get when artistic ability meets an undeniable desire to experiment and push boundaries. Arankai is an immense talent and on this new album, he finds a whole new level to explore. Focusing on brighter melodies, energetic hip-hop infusions, intense metal swings, and anthemic explosions of alternative passion.

There is so much to enjoy, especially when you start to dig into the detail, and it is impressively varied. With Helter Skelter unveiling the album in a brash flurry of genre-defying sounds (helped by buffalo_farm) and showcasing just how exciting his modern metal side can be with the wild, but infectious, I Hope it Hurts. The chorus of the latter is a bit of a singalong. However, for me, the first part of the album is all about Disobey. A lyrically strong effort with some vitriolic vocals, culminating in the most destructive of breakdowns. I dig it.

I also dig the likes of Sick & Sweet, which has an old-school nu feel and delivers tons of energy. Playing God, which has Arankai crafting more emotive sounding melodies and the kind of chorus that you’d expect to hear on the radio. Even these intense flareups of heaviness can’t hide the track’s accessible nature. Something that extends into Let Down, although I think the vocals are a lot more heated here, and the chorus has a more epic stance.

This explorative side of Arankai doesn’t always produce solid gold though and if there’s one track that I found lacks a spark, it’s TEMPER. The melodic/metal formula is a little stale here, and the chorus doesn’t wow. Thankfully, it’s a brief lull as Choke brings forth a ton of dynamic drama, rocked up power, and a sensational sounding chorus.

The range on offer is one of the most impressive things about that the record, but that extends way beyond the music and vocals, although the scale on offer can’t be understated. Lyrically, the tone of tracks, the feelings they conjure, Arankai’s expressive nature, and more, keep it really compelling right up to the end. An end that comes courtesy of the overwhelming Convince Me, the melody laced Have Faith, and the experimental, effects-driven title track.

It’s not the strongest of finales but all those who have made it this far will come away satisfied. Arankai has taken big strides forward, sounding more comfortable, confident, and capable of being an alternative metal great. Here’s to the next, and final, part of this trilogy.

Arankai – The Shape of Blue Track Listing:

1. Helter Skelter (feat. buffalo_farm)
2. I Hope It Hurts
3. Disobey
4. Sick & Sweet
5. Playing God
6. Let Down
7. TEMPER
8. Choke
9. Convince Me
10. Have Faith
11. The Shape Of Blue

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