Review: Malefice – “Dawn Of Reprisal”

Band: Malefice
Album: Dawn Of Reprisal
Year: 2009
Label: Metal Blade

Track list:
01. The Midas Effect
02. Abandon Hope
03. An Architect Of Your Demise
04. End Of Days
05. Human Portrait
06. As I Bleed
07. When Embers Ignite
08. Retribution
09. Hatred Justified
10. Sickened

The very first thing that came to my mind after the initial 5 seconds of the record playing was – Lamb Of God! Malefice are definitely influenced by the well-known Richmond band, among others. Thankfully that doesn’t mean that Malefice are copycats, there is definitely a variety of sounds encompassing the entire duration of the record. The problem lies in the way the music is put together.

The production is decidedly consistent but at the same time has formed a sound that many will not be able to recognize, not even after many plays. There is too much of what everyone is playing right now in this record. This is the good and the bad of the metal scene nowadays, a ton of bands sound the same while on the other hand this situation gives the rare gems the opportunity to shine even brighter.

The songs are a combination of fast paced breaking riffs, intense vocals and a few atmospheres to mix it all up. As the album progressed I couldn’t bear but to think if I already heard this song just a few minutes ago. For all I know, I’m missing the subtleties, but it just seems all so predictive and the songs put together by the numbers. I didn’t get the urge to explore the lyrics and get a deeper understanding of what was said, the music was basically just uninspiring.

If you’re looking for background music to headbang to in any occasion, Malefice will certainly do, these guys certainly know how to play metal. However, if you’re into music that offers something genuine, you’ll have to look elsewhere. I hope their next record shows some growing up, with their skills and some good songwriting they can only go up.