Malecoda, The Hordes of Annihilation
Taking their name from the demon commander “Malacoda” of Dante’s Inferno, this New Jersey trio do their damnedest to capture the fury of their namesake and unleash the unholy troops of Hell’s army. Utilizing programmed drumming to back churning riffs and pummeling rhythms, Malecoda tear through this demo EP in just over 13 minutes.
The vocals throughout are deep, guttural and remind me a good deal of Vader’s lead man Piotr Wiwczarek in both his tone and delivery. It matches well with the thick riffs that drive forth the demon legions. Throw in a solid lead here and there and you’ve got yourself a decent demo. It’s just a matter of time before the group finds an appropriate drummer and ditches the sometimes mechanical sounding programming.
Invocation to Extinction
The opening track is just a bit of programming and spoken lyrics to set the appropriate mood and introduce the pummeling death metal to come.
The Hordes of Annihilation
The title track and first real song on the EP opens with mid-tempo firing drum programming and a solid bit of riffing before the guitars come in after the 20 second mark. I’m digging the overall feel of the band’s sound. It’s dark, solid and straight to the gut death metal. The lead at 1:22 fits in with the band’s dark delivery.
The Abominable Sin
“The Abominable Sin” keeps the pace thundering along with a mid-tempo rhythm and chugging guitars. There’s a decent groove flowing through this one that captures and carries the lead vocals well. There’s a solid bit of guitar work just after the one minute mark. I’m digging the no frills, death metal to the back of the skull approach these guys have going with this demo.
Inhuman Suffering
This minute and a half track is just a bit of light guitar work to help break up the pummeling you’ve been taking thus far.
Angel Overthrown
After that brief respite Malecoda hit hard and often with “Angel Overthrown.” This one is a bit heavier and quicker paced with thick, chugging riffs and guitar squeals. The lead just after the one minute mark is pretty sick.
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All in all, this five (three really) song demo EP from New Jersey’s Malecoda is a pretty solid introduction to the band. Beefy, straightforward death metal served on a cold plate of hellish riffs, guttural vocals and a little groove is one way to make a name for your self. Aside from the sometimes mechanical sounding drum programming, this EP has some decent song writing and impressive delivery.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them
Additional Notes:
N/A