MALEVOLENT CREATION – “INVIDIOUS DOMINION”
MASSACRE RECORDS (2010)

Metal Church - The Present Wasteland
Death Metal is a genre that enjoyed some relative commercial success during the early 90s; fell into obscurity and come back stronger than ever these last few years. Throughout this long and arduous ride there were a number of bands that managed to make a name for themselves (Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse) and others whose career was, rightfully so, short and unimpressive. There is, however, a third category which includes bands that have been consistently releasing good solid albums but, for some strange reason, never managed to become as popular as they truly deserve. One such band is the Buffalo-based quintet Malevolent Creation – an outfit that is soon to release its eleventh studio album entitled “Invidious Dominion”.

If you have been following the band’s career as closely as I have done these last twenty years you will be well aware of the fact that Phil Fasciana’s (guitar) outfits owes as much to Thrash as it does to Death Metal when it comes to acquiring its unique style. That being said, you should be pleased to know that even though “Invidious Dominion” follows a musical direction similar to that of its predecessors, there are many elements in the way the songs are structured as well as with regards the overall production which will bring strong associations and perhaps even comparisons with albums like “The Ten Commandments” (1991) and “Retribution”. That, for those uninitiated, translates to massive/fat guitar riffs, rhythmical drumming and Slayer-sounding guitar solos, all in abundance. Good stuff? You bet!

Most bands aim for a fast good impression nowadays, a strategy that, to be perfectly honest, was also followed by Malevolent Creation in past albums. This time round, however, something strange has happened: though compositions such as the fast and furious “United Hate” and “Conflict Finalized” who open the album will impress those who like their Death Metal to run at a fast pace, this album really comes alive half way through its duration, when songs with a galloping tempo such as “Compulsive Facebreaker” take over. Having survived this three minute onslaught, I became exposed to another furious composition with a catchy rhythmical refrain namely “Leadspitter”, only to become mesmerised by the rhythmical mid-tempo monster with an equally addictive refrain, entitled “Target Rich Environment”. “Antagonised” and “Born Again Hard” are quite impressive compositions, both betraying admiration towards the likes of Slayer, whereas the beautiful rhythmical tempo of “Corruptor” must take full responsibility for any problems caused to your neck through excessive head banging. A much fitting ending is provided by the same-titled “Invidious Dominion” – a song that truly represents all that this band stands for in terms of attitude and musical approach.

Malevolent Creation is one of those bands, whose music I managed to relate to quite easily in the past and that continues to be the case with “Invidious Dominion” and its eleven compositions. By keeping things simple and focusing on their future while taking examples from their glorious past, Phil Fasciana and co have managed to record an album that I have found great pleasure in listening to. Is this the album that will help Malevolent Creation to compete for acceptance, alongside top line acts such as Cannibal Corpse? Probably not, however, twenty or so years down the line, this is fairly unimportant! Classic Death Metal rarely sounds this good nowadays!

John Stefanis

Rating: ****1/2 (4.5/5.0)

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