Following a sellout UK tour and an EU tour at the end of 2023, Sheffield hardcore band, Malevolence return to the stage for a run of intimate UK shows playing smaller venues than on their previous tour. With support from fellow Sheffield band Rough Justice, and New York hardcore band Pain of Truth, this was a tour not to be missed!
So, let us set the scene: It’s a Monday night; The evening of the first day back to work after the weekend. Usually Monday is a night spent relaxing and bracing yourself for the upcoming week. But not this Monday. This night is different. You have a ticket to see one of the UK’s biggest hardcore bands bring their chaotic energy and aggression to the stage. And now you’re in the venue surrounded by fellow metal heads, waiting in anticipation for tonight’s showcase of musical talent.
Rough Justice are the first band to take to the stage, ready to set the tone for the evening. Having recently released their debut album ‘Faith In Vain’ a month prior, it’s clear that they are here to prove themselves. Playing to a smaller crowd of early comers, Rough Justice waste no time in setting the crowd in motion. Part way through the first song the eager huddle of people opens up and the mosh pit begins to let loose. Rough Justice kept the energy going through a set which leaned heavily on the latest album, proving that they deserved the slot they were given on this tour.
Next up, coming all the way from New York, is Pain of Truth. The band take to the stage with confidence, backed by a hip hop beat; bringing the New York hardcore scene to Liverpool, re-igniting the crowd. Pain of Truth keep the energy high throughout their 11 song set. As the song ‘Actin Up’ started, a sample from the 2011 sci-fi comedy film ‘Paul’ played “I’m on a mission from God,” at which point the crowd chimes in response with “Tell him you failed!” The pit opens up and the anarchy begins once more. As the set comes to a close the circle pit remains in motion until the final chord is played and the band leave the stage.
Last but not least, our headliner for the night: Malevolence. The lights go down and a sound clip of a ring-side announcer begins. One by one the band burst onto the stage, followed by a rapturous applause from the crowd, until finally vocalist Alex Taylor takes to the stage. Opening with the 2022 album title track ‘Malicious Intent,’ it’s clear that the crowd are in for a wild ride.
The first riff roars through the room and the circle pit opens up. The crowd begins surging; bringing chaos and carnage to the floor. Security are kept on their toes as members of the crowd begin to rise and surf overhead. Judging by the looks on the band members’ faces, it’s obvious from the outset that the band enjoy what they do, taking every moment they can to interact with the crowd and entertain the sea of sweaty faces before them.
Mid-set, Malevolence slow things down for a much needed break to play ‘Higher Place;’ a slower-paced ballad led by guitarist Konan Hall on vocals, but no less hard hitting than their heavier tracks. A song the band were originally unsure of has since become a crowd favourite, emitting a powerful punch of emotion, paired with a passionate sing-along chorus.
“It’s been 8 years since we last played Liverpool” Taylor announces, “And you have exceeded our expectations!” The band then throw back to their second album with the title track ‘Self Supremacy’, launching the energy of the room back up.
“I want to see as many of you at the front as possible” shouts Taylor, as the opening riff of ‘Remain Unbeaten’ rings out, followed by a stream of fans rising up over the crowd into the arms of the well-prepared security guards, who did a fantastic job of keeping the crowd safe throughout.
As the set begins to near its end, drummer, Charlie Thorpe, treats the crowd to a drum solo before the band return to the stage to bring the night to a close.
As guitarist Konan Hall strums out the opening chords to the final song ‘Upon Broken Glass’ one thing is clear; Malevolence know how to please a crowd and remain unbeaten as one of the most exciting hardcore metal bands in the UK right now.
Will Robinson
