Tides of Virtue – Malevolance

Releasedate: 31-05-2010; Label: Transcend Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

After about two years since their founding the British band Tides of Virtue releases their debut album. It is called “Malevolance” and it is out now.

The album kicks in heavier than expected, instrumentally, but also when the vocals get introduced there might be a bit frowning considering what you hear. Deep growls remain their strength throughout the whole album, with a more melodic instrumental backing. The aggressive side of this music is an interesting mix versus the melodic side, you somehow expected the vocals to be lighter. After a few songs you’ll get into their vibe and pick it up easier. When isolating yourself from the vocals that somehow can be dominating, you get introduced to a varied riffing. Variation is something that keeps this album going until the end. In the vocal style there is not much of it so it is clearly the instrumentals which save it from getting boring. With the more predictable elements in their sound, a blastbeat, basslines that aren’t provocative yet backing up the guys have at least something that fits into the scene. “Malevolance” stands out with the guitars and their combination of melodic and aggressive sounds. An interesting album that seems to be quite a subject of taste. If you have a chance to try it out, it might be the best to do so, especially if you are into the death metal sounds combined with core elements.

Line Up:
Louis Thurgood – Vocals
James Otero – Guitar
Paul Lawford – Guitar
Oliver Reece – Bass

Tracklist: 01. Fields of Solitude 02. No Coming Back 03. Emperors 04. The Pain Continues 05. Malevolence 06. Felo De Se 07. Destruction of the Fortress 08. Fabric of Destiny 09. Burning Away Our Consciousness 10. The Ferryman

Links:
Tides of Virtue MySpace