MALEVOLENT CREATION

The 13th Beast

METAL BLADE Legends of death metal bring the violence back

With only guitarist Phil Fasciana remaining from the original Malevolent Creation line-up following the death of talismanic frontman Brett Hoffman in 2016, fans may be a little nervous about the band’s first album in four years. Those fears are entirely unfounded, of course, as Fasciana is one of the genre’s most consistent composers and The 13th Beast proudly and violently serves up more of the brutal same. As with Cannibal Corpse, MC have always made a virtue of the direct approach, with just enough rhythmic and melodic invention to ensure that songs connect with maximum force. Songs like Agony For The Chosen and The Beast Awakened get to the point fast, wield hooks with great menace and then come to an abrupt, jawshattering halt. A masterful marriage of old-school ethics and new-school sonics, The 13th Beast is aptly named.

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FOR FANS OF: Cannibal Corpse, Monstrosity, Dyscarnate

DOM LAWSON