Wow I can't believe no one has reviewed this great album yet. For just over two decades Necromantia has been churning out quality black metal with an uncanny occult feel. IV: Malice is just another day at the office for the Greek squad. This album is a bit different though, not in a bad way it's just they have made a more...I guess accessible album.
Immediately when you pop Malice in your hit with a powerful heavy riff that reminds you of Celtic Frost. The Blair Witch Cult keeps this riff going for a bit before pummeling you with blast beats before the song ends. Did I mention that Necromantia doesn't use guitars? That's right, what your hearing is actually an 8 string bass right up front in your face. Innovation has always been a part of Necromantia's sound.
The distortion on the 8 string is a little harsher than on previous recordings. Trust me you won't know the difference, the bass sounds just like a regular 6 string guitar. Everything production wise on Malice is crystal clear and kinda modern sounding. I was taken back by this honestly, I was expecting a murky sound. I feel that a lot of the atmosphere is lost with this pristine production job, and that is a shame.
The songs are of great quality, at times reminding us of bands like Mercyful Fate and Hellhammer. There are some riffs that sound like they would fit on Venom's Possessed album. The vocals of Magus Wampyr Daolith are a traditional Helenic black metal rasp comparable to Varathron and early Rotting Christ. There are atmospheric aids such as, piano, clean bass guitar, and backing keys. Necromantia has a very unique sound, which reminds me a little of Mortuary Drape.
The song writing is very varied and well done. Take for instance the song Those Who Never Sleep, that song pounds you into the dirt for the most part, but then in the final minutes of the song a mournful and haunting piano piece is played. It is a nice contrast to the aggressive beginning. Although the best songs in my opinion are towards the end, mainly Invictus and Circle of Burned Doves, the whole album is consistent.
Now I mentioned above that this album is more accessible, and what I mean by that is on past Necromantia albums there were ambient passages and narrative vocals on certain songs. Mainly I'm talking about The Vampiric Rituals through Ancient Pride. A lot of people I know see these tracks as filler but I like them. That's what makes Necromantia such a unique listen. So naturally the omission of these mood setting songs is a little discouraging.
I also hate the cover artwork on the re-release. I know I don't bitch about cover art a lot but the new design sucks. The first cover was perfect!, I never understood why bands changed the art work on re-releases. The same styled artwork has been used on Crossing the Fiery Path, Ancient Pride, and Scarlet Evil, Witching Black and it all sucks!
So while this may not touch the atmospheric points of albums like Crossing the Fiery Path or Vampiric Rituals it is solid. Actually this is the album I would show people who don't know Necromantia's distinct style because it isn't as heady as earlier albums. It still is undeniably Necromantia, just a more refined sound. Great job on this one guys!
Sample:
Necromantia - IV: Malice (Full Album)
