Having risen to the top of the heavy metal food chain with 2022’s Malicious Intent. Steel City apex predators Malevolence have returned from the studio with their fourth full length dose of whiplash, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken. A no frills barrage of high octane riffs and bowel churning breakdowns that will no doubt fuel circle pits for years to come.
For those that have been fortunate enough to bear witness to a Malevolence show over the last fifteen years. Or, have picked up one of their albums. Only to be teleported back to a simpler time when the power of the riff triumphed over all. The DNA that runs through their latest record should be very familiar. As it’s the same uncompromising formula that propelled bands like Killswitch Engage to the forefront of the scene.
The album’s opening track, Blood To The Leech, is a perfect example of that same blueprint that came to define the early 00’s. With a ferocious opening salvo of cascading riffs from guitarists Konan Hall and Josh Baines. Topped off with plenty of grit and venom from vocalist Alex Taylor. It ticks all the boxes to be an absolute crowd killer. Need an excuse to get in the circle pit? Don’t worry, Wilkie Robinsons cheeky blast beats during the bridge have got your back. Looking to body bang your way into a spinal injury? Blood To The Leech’s staccato chorus and Fibonacci-esque sequence of ever spiralling breakdowns will see you quickly to the chiropractor.
The NWOAHM isn’t the only influence the five piece demolition crew from Sheffield are happy to wear on their sleeve however. As is evident with Where Only The Truth Is Spoken’s follow up track, Trenches. Which is rooted firmly in the hardcore end of the musical spectrum. Opening with a warcry of “Everybody’s always looking for a handout. Who the fuck are you? Never fucking heard of you” from Alex Taylor and a stank face inducing verse.
While all of these elements have been part of Malevolence’s magic trick bag for well over a decade. One thing that does seem to have evolved is their approach to song structure. Which appears to have matured somewhat. We can’t say if this is the result of the miles they’ve put under their belts touring together. Or possibly the guiding hand of Grammy award winning producer Josh Tilbur. Who’s laundry list of credits includes the likes of Trivium, Gojira and Lamb of God. Yet they have definitely moved away from the slightly more chaotic structure that they used to have.
While there was something to be said for their style of slightly less measured mayhem. The more traditional verse, chorus, bridge structure. Followed by a breakdown that makes you grit your teeth and hold on for dear life actually enhances bigger moments in tracks like If It’s All The Same To You and Counterfeit. The latter of which is certain to be a favourite for mosh pit veterans. Especially when it finds its way into Malevolence’s setlists on a regular basis.
Another track that seems destined for a spot in the bands live arsenal is Salt The Wound. Which serves very well as a spiritual successor to Higher Place. As well as giving a welcome reprise and chance to breath around the albums midway point. The accompanying music video may have put them on the National Trust’s most wanted list. However, it’s clear the song was written with a live audience and the ebb and flow of a well structured set in mind.
As if the influence of bands like Lamb of God on Malevolences sound wasn’t clear enough. There’s a guest appearance from Randy Blythe himself tucked away in the albums second half too. Which will definitely conjuer up flashbacks to Sacrament for the well versed listeners out there. As well as leaving Konan Hall with some big shoes to fill on backing vocals once the track in question, In Spite, inevitably finds its way out onto the road. Knowing Hall though he probably relishes the challenge and we can’t imagine a more perfect collaboration. With Blythes seething delivery sitting perfectly atop to maelstrom.
Speaking of perfection. The records final track, With Dirt From My Grave brings Where Only The Truth Is Spoken to an incredibly fitting end. Not only is it one of the albums most furious moments. Which is saying something given the outright ruthless agression displayed across it’s forty minute runtime. For those that have been following Malevolence since their early days though. The closing lyrics of “It keeps growing with the more you take away, I built a mountain with the dirt from my grave” really hammers home the path Malevolence have walked over the years. Going from touring in the back seats of their friends car with amplifiers balanced on their laps. To running their own record label and tearing the roof off venues across the world. Summing up their journey magnificently in a single line.
Make no mistake, for those that were not fans of Malevolence prior to it’s release. Where Only The Truth Is Spoken does not reinvent the wheel. They have however added some polish to the tried and true formula that has brought them to where they are today. As well as delivering a fresh batch of brutally heavy tracks for the already initiated. Making it a headbangers ball that’s more than worthy of your time if you’ve enjoyed the bands prior releases.
Where Only The Truth Is Spoken is set for release on digital streaming platforms and a variety of physical formats on June 20th and is available to pre-order/pre-save now. For more information on the band, inlcuding their upcoming shows in London and Manchester this November you can head over to their official website. To stay up to date on all things Malevolence, including any forthcoming announcements, go ahead and give them a follow on social media.
