IN MALICE'S WAKE - THE PROFOUND DARKNESS

From the very first notes of the opening title track 'The Profound Darkness', the band makes its intent clear: the sound is massive, aggressive, and layered with a complexity that showcases their technical prowess. High velocity meets razor-sharp riffs, driven by a solid rhythm section and furious vocals. The addition of unified gang shouts brings a confrontational, almost defiant energy to the track, reinforcing its modern thrash character. Rather than easing the listener in, it throws them straight into the chaos-sharp, relentless, and impossible to ignore. Great Opener for the album. Leaning firmly into the harsher edge of classic ’80s thrash, "The Profound Darkness" refines its sound with modern precision and a noticeably darker atmosphere. Speed and control remain central, but it’s the added sense of tension and mood that gives the album its bite. This shift is felt across the board-thicker production, heavier guitar work, and tighter, more focused songwriting result in a record that sounds sharper and more aggressive than ever. 'Beyond Death' hits with a direct, riff-driven approach, though its tempo changes slightly ease the initial impact in favor of atmosphere. That intensity snaps back with 'By Tongues of Demons', a venomous, high-energy thrash attack packed with cutting riffs and furious screams. From a production standpoint, the album hits with precision and weight. The mix is clear and well-balanced, giving each instrument its own space while maintaining a dense, powerful overall sound. What truly elevates the record is how the production amplifies the songwriting-subtle details add texture and intensity, turning already strong compositions into something far more immersive and punishing. There’s a real sense of force behind every moment, as if the album is constantly pushing forward. Guitars carry the aggression, as vocals and rhythm bind the sound into a focused, hard-hitting unit.

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'Upon My Flesh' surges forward with razor-sharp precision, mixing technical finesse with gripping, hook-laden riffs. The pace is relentless—drums hammer with near-manic intensity, while the vocals tear through the mix with raw, unfiltered fury. That aggression spills straight into 'The Great Purifier', which doubles down on the attack. Angrier and more confrontational, it layers more complex vocal patterns over a barrage of riffs and agile lead work, giving the track a sharper, more dangerous edge. 'Away From The Light' carries that momentum further, but adds depth-pulling in subtle influences from adjacent styles and weaving in atmospheric passages that briefly open the sound before dragging it back into the storm. Ending on a powerful high, 'The Darkness Below Us' stands as a final showcase of inspired, outstanding thrash metal. The track unfolds with a soaring melodic solo and subtle synth textures before erupting into a rush of raw, high-speed aggression. From there, it shifts into groovier, more atmospheric territory without losing momentum. Fueled by passionate vocal delivery and strong melodic writing, the song balances intensity and nuance with confidence, making it one of the most compelling highlights on the album.

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"The Profound Darkness" is a focused and consistently intense thrash metal record that showcases IN MALICE’S WAKE at their most refined and confident. While it doesn’t radically reinvent their sound, the album impresses through strong songwriting, sharp execution, and a compelling sense of atmosphere that deepens its impact. A solid, well-crafted release that confirms the band’s continued strength in the modern thrash scene.

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SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY