Album Review: Malevolence - Where Only The Truth Is Spoken
Reviewed by Tim Finch
Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last five years, you should be very familiar with the name Malevolence. The band are quite literally the hottest property on the metal scene right now, and have been for some time. Their popularity highlighted by three performances at Bloodstock Festival in four years and this past weekend making an appearance at Download Festival in the “secret” slot.
The week following that secret set see’s the Sheffield noise mongers return with album number four, ‘Where Only The Truth Is Spoken’ via their own MLVLTD label, with distro handled by Nuclear Blast. An album recorded in California at Dave Grohls infamous Studio 606.
It’s an album that is rooted deep in the bands organic metalcore sound, harsh, brash and ferociously aggressive. A sound that will have their loyal fanbase wetting themselves in anticipation of what comes next.
But, this album also demonstrates a band maturing, developing their sound and pushing the envelope, however they do it in a way that will not un-nerve the currents fans, whilst also opening the door for a tidal wave more.
‘Salt The Wound’ is the biggest step outside of the comfort zone taking on an almost ballad like presence. Akin to the Pantera “ballads” of old, it sees Alex stretch his vocal abilities whilst incorporating a few viscous break downs along the way.
Elsewhere on the album ‘Trenches’ takes the listener down a darker path, slower in pace than usual yet keeping the knife edge sharp undertone alive. ‘All The Same To You’ has an almost radio friendly feel, a track bound to open them up to a new audience, whilst ‘In Spite’, which features Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, is an out and out rager.
Whilst many bands falter on their fourth album, Malevolence have shone. They’ve taken their beloved style and shaped it into a beast that remains savage whilst allowing themselves to open up to a new listener base. ‘Where Only The Truth Is Spoken’ will be Malevolence’s biggest album to date and it’s only a matter of time before they take this into the arenas.
