Review Summary: “Entities” is a decent debut from Malefice which is relatively mixed in it’s influences and output.
Malefice are a band formed in Reading, UK in 2003, but according to their myspace (and various press releases) have only gotten their act together over the last 12 months.
"Entities" is the first output from the band and it shows potential.
The band seem to be aiming for the main metal audience. However this does not prevent them from deviating into more generic metal core-esque chugging riffs. However I don’t think it is overused, and for the main part adds the sound.
The band has one vocalist; Dale Butler, and for the most part his vocals are pretty generic - Heavy growls/shouts/ the only major variation comes in the form of guest vocals as shown on “Dreams Without Courage” which features Justin Hill of Sikth fame.
Musically the band relies mainly on traditional metalcore and melodic death stylings, however they do try to add some changes to the mix with the two instrumental tracks Empirical Proof parts I and II. However there are a few tracks which are left sounding very similar such as "History Repeats" and "Horizon Burns".
There aren't many major lead sections on the album which suggests that the band's two guitarists are either playing down their abilities or simply conforming to the current media interests. I believe it to be the latter, due to the aforementioned factors.
Rhythm wise the drums and bass are pretty standard. Copious amounts of double bass are used, and as usual the bass is rarely heard, if at all. However both elements are clearly competent and add to the overal band sound.
Which leads on to the production of the album. Overall the albums sound is crisp and clear, which may be expected due to the fact that it was produced by the aforementioned Justin Hill and Justin Weller of Sikth. The main focus is on the guitars and vocals. The vocals are given a substantial amount of presence, but the bass is barely audible, as mentioned above.
Overall “Entities” is a decent debut from Malefice which is relatively mixed in it’s influences and output. However the album hints at the band’s possible strong future, providing they take more notice of their heavier influences, and prevent themselves from becoming grouped in with the current metalcore trend.
As A Final note, I have seen the band live supporting the Black Dahlia Murder and can definitely attest to the quality of their live performance, which will hopefully influence the band’s second album.
Recommended Tracks:
-Dream Without Courage
-Risen Through The Ashes
-Empirical Proof Parts I & II
