Bodyfarm - Malevolence

Bodyfarm made their first impression on Brutalism in 2011 with their self titled EP, and it solidly resonated with fans of both Death Metal and Death n' Roll. Now, just two years after the original release, the group follows up with their first full length debut. Very similar to their EP, the album opens with the chilling piano/ symphonic instrumental before leading into the Death Metal. "The Butcher" is one of the faster, unrelenting technical pieces that feels like it draws on both Death Metal and a little bit of Hardcore (the production of the guitars certainly feels like Deicide but the vocals are not as guttural). The bass work is pleasing it hear for once in Death Metal and adds to the technical versatility of Bodyfarm's musicianship. The following track "Iced" is more in the vein of the meat and potatos of the album- mid paced, chug happy, and full of groove that is still reminiscent of Torture Killer but not as repetitive or basic in the riffs.

Unlike the EP, and to their advantage, Bodyfarm tries to mix things up a bit more. "Demons Of The Cross" is a schizophrenic piece; starts out slow, speeds up, slows down, throws in a few quick solos and there before going into solid chugging, slow, almost doomy riffs. It's not as straightforward to hear, but still enjoyable to see how the band does their best to keep things from sounding generic. The Massacre cover is a nice touch and falls in nicely with Bodyfarm's style, but with the guest vocals from original growler Kam Lee it takes away from Bodyfarm's credit a bit on letting them attempt the track on their own with no guests or help at all. Still, overall 'Malevolence' lives up to its predecessor by mostly sticking to the formula and not trying to deviate too far while tossing in a few surprises. For new listeners, it will appeal to those who like a bit of the mid paced Death/ Black Metal out there, from Grave to even a little bit of older Celtic Frost.

  1. Trapped (intro)
  2. The Butcher
  3. Iced
  4. Sleep Terror
  5. Demons Of The Cross
  6. Charlatan Messiah
  7. Tombstone Crusher
  8. Malevolence
  9. I Am The War
  10. Cryptic Realms (cover Massacre feat. Kam Lee)