Band:	Malevolence
Album:	Reign Of Suffering
Style:	Melodic metalcore, Groove thrash metal
Release date:	November 11, 2013
Guest review by:	Ch'ti

01. In The Face Of Death
02. Condemned To Misery
03. Serpents Chokehold
04. Eternal Torment
05. Reign Of Suffering
06. Delusions Of Fear [feat. Matthi]
07. Turn To Stone
08. Wraith

Reign Of Suffering is the metalcore equivalent of a good Bordeaux.

First, I would like to say how Malevolence have been neglected as a band, despite representing some of the best that metalcore has to offer, although this is changing in recent years.

It's quite simple to describe this album: a banger in the world of metalcore. Malevolence managed from their first album to show us the best they have to offer. I could describe this album as "groove metalcore", because they implement many elements of groove, starting with the riffs, which are probably my favorite part of the album, and are also a specialty of the band. There are also the vocals of one of the guitarists, which are quite unique and well used; the choruses are more recognizable thanks to them.

The breakdowns are very classic but not overused; they arrive at the right time and end at the right time. Listeners are not asphyxiated by forced breakdowns just so that they're aware that they're listening to metalcore, lest it be confused with depressive suicidal grindcore or dubstep.

To talk about the album more generally, we are dealing with fairly classic but extremely well crafted metalcore, and with this touch of groove, the result is really nice. Reign Of Suffering is borderline a little short, and I don't say that often but it's the case here; the formula works well enough to not bore me over 38 minutes, and in the end I find myself longing for more. But beware, the album is not revolutionary, it's just well executed.

In any case, with Reign Of Suffering, Malevolence released a real success, one that is truly impressive for a first album. If you want to listen to metalcore while avoiding dung releases, Malevolence is probably one of the best bands to try.