EP Review: Malacoda – Crawling Chaos (Self Released)

Malacoda’s brand new EP will be released on April 2nd 2021 and is titled ‘Crawling Chaos’. It is the band’s first new release since 2018’s Restless Dreams and is a return to the band’s more cinematic and gothic roots as heard on Ritualis Aeterna (2016) as well as a deeper exploration of melodic vocal hooks as heard on their self-titled debut (2014).

This is a very cinematic EP. Shilling the grandiosity you might expect from a top shelf symphonic metal band but filtering it through a goth-metal sieve instead. That combination, cinematic style with gothic metal, is very appealing. Especially when it’s given such clean clarity as is the case with the four tracks that appear here.

The darkened tone of the opening title track, a powerful chorus and the sense of cold gothic grandeur, makes for a very listenable start. The duelling vocals are well worth pointing out here. It’s then followed by an even more ‘symphonic’ sounding effort in Deadlights. The thumping orchestration alongside the frenetically played guitars brings a ton of heat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq7n71msTbk

From the Depths is the EPs heaviest effort and sees Malacoda go for a more aggressive tone to the guitars and drums. While the vocals have a ton more growl here and there. The addition of guest James Delbridge adding even more layers to an already layered track. Followed by the finale of The Harsh Law, where the pointed and jagged rhythm makes this feel all the more sharper. The selling point being the chorus which is smooth and rich to the ears.

There’s a lot to love with what Malacoda are doing. They’re nailing many different aspects and making them all work well together. This is strong gothic metal.

Malacoda – Crawling Chaos Full Track Listing:

1. Crawling Chaos
2. Deadlights
3. From the Depths (feat. James Delbridge)
4, The Harsh Law

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