EP Review: The Malefic Grip – Virtue and Industry (Self Released)

On December 6th, 2024, Bristol’s The Malefic Grip will unleash ‘Virtue and Industry’, a bleak, five-track EP that showcases the duo’s most realised attempt at blending the gritty intensity of sludge metal, industrial minimalism and the dark and humorous cynicism of post-punk and noise rock.

It’s been a while since we’ve checked in on The Malefic Grip. Having been thoroughly impressed by their 2021 album, Yesterday’s Problems, Today, it’s a joy to find them still pissed off, brimming with rage and ready to vent on this new EP.

However, this is a more evolved sounding band who have clearly found their comfort zone. A turbulent place that offers up a cacophony of garish industrial sounds blended with filthy sludge heaviness and the chaos of noise rock. It is delightfully unlistenable at times, with The Malefic Grip showcasing so much creativity over its five tracks.

Uncompromising and impactful, A Nice Guy is an intro made up of sinister effects and a sobering conversation about violence. It sets the scene for what follows, which just so happens to be the moody and ugly industrialism of Death by a Thousand Cunts. A track that, once again, finds The Malefic Grip wearing their heart on their sleeve when it comes to criticism of those with power, and delivered with the kind of intensity that conjures up a word like ‘seething’.

Unnatural Selection is next, and the discomfort felt so far is further enhanced by this sludgy anxiety-ridden effort. The structure of this track is so clever, the heavy shifts are impactful, and the varied vocal styles are immense. Not just the best track on the album, but one of The Malefic Grip’s best tracks overall.

Though there is no ignoring the brilliance of Blank Masses either, a track that descends into heavy disharmony as it goes on. Before this fabulous EP wraps up with the horror-laden and gloomy atmosphere of The Swarming. A track that has one of the weirdest moments of the entire EP, but that’s a moment worth exploring spoiler-free, save to say… it’s oddly cinematic.

The Malefic Grip delight in making the listener feel on edge, and this EP creates a constant feeling of tension. It’s a wild blend of ideas, and that will mean it polarises, but if you’re willing to open your mind and experience something that challenges, you’ll be glad you gave this EP a listen.

The Malefic Grip – Virtue and Industry Track Listing:

1. A Nice Guy
2. Death By a Thousand Cunts
3. Unnatural Selection
4. Blank Masses
5. The Swarming

Links

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