Malevolence’s Where Only the Truth Is Spoken feels like a band doubling down on their strengths while inadvertently softening some of their edge. The album is tighter, cleaner, and more disciplined than Malicious Intent, yet that precision sometimes comes at the expense of raw excitement. If Malicious Intent was a flawed but fiery step forward—a snapshot of a band finding its footing—this record feels like the same band settling a bit too comfortably into its own sound. It’s technically impressive and sonically polished, but rarely surprising.
From the opening track, “Blood to the Leech,” it’s clear Malevolence have honed their craft. The fast, technical riffs and confident drumming immediately showcase a band locked in on their execution. The production is crisp, the performances tight, and every instrument occupies its space with precision. Yet, in chasing this controlled sound, some of the unpredictable energy that made their earlier work compelling has been smoothed out. Malicious Intent had moments of raw, messy intensity that gave it character; here, everything is sharp, but too safe.
Tracks like “Trenches” and “If It’s All the Same to You” hit hard, with grooving riffs, powerful bass, and solid drumming that drive home the heaviness Malevolence are known for. Still, there’s a sameness that creeps in early. Riffs are solid but rarely standout, and breakdowns, while heavy, don’t linger in memory. The album maintains the band’s ambition to blend heaviness with melody, but it remains their biggest challenge. Clean vocals feel more natural than on Malicious Intent, yet they still occasionally clash with the instrumentation. “Salt the Wound” is a perfect example: the track opens with a haunting, acoustic post-grunge section that hints at a compelling direction, but the transition into heavier sections feels jarring, rather than complementary. The softer moments reveal a depth to Malevolence that could elevate their music—but they struggle to integrate these dynamics without interrupting the momentum.
The album shines brightest in its most straightforward, unpretentious moments. “Demonstration of Pain” captures the band’s raw intensity without overcomplicating things—a lean, mean, and relentless track that reminds listeners of the band’s power when they focus on the essentials. Unfortunately, these flashes of brilliance are rare. By the latter half of the album, tracks like “Heavens Shake” and “In Spite” begin to blur together, and even guest spots like Randy Blythe can’t add enough spark to break the pattern.
The improvement in production is undeniable. The album sounds massive and balanced, with a rhythm section that hits harder than ever. But production alone can’t replace inspiration. Where Malicious Intent had missteps with personality and raw energy, this record feels composed but less hungry. The band plays like seasoned veterans, but they write like they’re holding something back.
In the broader picture, Where Only the Truth Is Spoken represents a technical and stylistic progression, but a step back in excitement and unpredictability. The precision and polish are impressive, but the emotional spark that once set Malevolence apart is diminished. The truth here is clear and controlled—but missing its pulse. Malevolence have the tools and skill to craft something truly great; they just need to recapture the dangerous, unpredictable energy that made their earlier work so compelling. This album proves they can play harder and cleaner—but not necessarily better. It’s powerful in the moment, yet it fades quickly, leaving listeners wishing for the hungry, dangerous fire that once burned through their music.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Counterfeit
Demonstration Of Pain