EP Review: Malevolence – The Other Side

Malevolence pack a hell of a lot into just three tracks. Back with their first release since 2017’s Self Supremacy, the Sheffield quintet haven’t quite got enough to muster a full-length just yet, but they make sure every moment they offer up on this EP counts.

Opening up with the bruising Remain Unbeaten, they’re clearly in the mood for a fight, as a brief atmospheric intro gives way to burly riffs that crush everything foolish enough to get in front of them, with a good helping of winning Pantera-esque swagger for good measure.

Keep Your Distance is even gnarlier, having a somewhat sinister air to it as it chugs and stomps along, before Knocked Loose’s Bryan Garris shows up to pit his scream against that of vocalist Alex Taylor. Best, though, is the title-track; a full-blown metal power ballad that kicks off in very melancholy mood before getting huge. Brace for impact when their full-length finally hits.

Verdict: 4/5