EP Review: Malevolence – The Other Side (MLVLTD Music)

Malevolence fans will know that their records come few and far between. Emerging onto the scene in 2013 with their debut album ‘Reign of Suffering’, Malevolence quickly developed a reputation as one of the most ferocious bands that UK heavy music had to offer, earning them a cult-like following of die hard fans.

2017’s ‘Self Supremacy’ saw their status catapult from kings of the underground to national representatives of UK metal and hardcore, selling out club shows from mainland Europe to the USA, to South East Asia and Japan.

The 24th of April 2020 will see the release of their latest offering, ‘The Other Side’. With just 3 tracks, Malevolence have made no effort to water down their unique brand of hardcore inspired metal. Taking influence from a wide range of subgenres.

Regardless of their underground success, Malevolence remain firmly independent, handling as much of their operation in-house as they possibly can. From managing themselves to running their own merchandise store and record label, Malevolence wear their independence as a badge of honour. ‘The Other Side’ is due to be released on the band’s own MLVLTD Music, a platform already actively promoting records from their peers and affiliates.

With their trademark aggression, the return of Malevolence is incredibly welcome and although this EP only has three tracks, the amount of hardcore energy expended could fill an album. The smash-mouth and circle pit mayhem of Remain Unbeaten is such a banger, the breakdowns heavy enough to punch a hole in the earth.

Keep Your Distance sees Bryan Garris of Knocked Loose join the fray for an incredibly relevant assault on the senses. As tempting as it might be to lose your shit to this track, hear the words of Malevolence and “stay away from me”.

Finally it’s the title track offering something a bit different as Malevolence deliver a softer (at least at first) and cleaner sounding track. It gets darker and heavier as it goes on but is at odds with what is found elsewhere. Still a banger though.

Malevolence – The Other Side Full Track Listing:

1. Remain Unbeaten
2. Keep Your Distance (ft. Bryan Garris – Knocked Loose)
3. The Other Side

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