MALISON ROGUE — Malison Rogue (review)

MALISON ROGUE — Malison Rogue album cover Album · 2011 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
J-Man
If the early half of the 1980's were your favorite era for heavy metal, the debut effort from Malison Rogue is virtually guaranteed to knock your socks off. Taking influences from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, U.S. power metal, and early prog metal, Malison Rogue has delivered a formula of old school heavy metal that's bound to kick your ass! Even after a single listen, this self-titled debut had me mesmerized (and, of course, headbanging is a must). The instrumental performances are spectacular, the vocal harmonies are irresistible, and the sheer energy that this Swedish quartet possesses is admirable. Old school heavy metal like this has taken a backseat in recent years, but Malison Rogue effectively re-ignites the spark that had been absent from the scene for so long. People who long for the days when wearing tight leather jackets with skulls and pentagrams were commonplace better make sure this fine debut finds a way into their collection!

The music on Malison Rogue draws almost exclusively from 1983-1989 metal. Influences from legends like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden are apparent, and there are also prog metal influences from bands like Queensrÿche and Fates Warning. Tads of power metal are present as well (from bands like Savatage), but it's not a particularly dominant style in Malison Rogue's music. The bottom line is if you like old school heavy metal, Malison Rogue's debut is one of few albums nowadays that is fully worth all of your attention. The album opens up with a "bang" in the form of "Friend or Foe" - an absolutely irresistible metal track with a fantastic chorus and memorable riffs throughout. The album closes on a more progressive note with symphonic keyboards (but not in a cheesy way) and progressive song structure in "Everything Fades". The musicianship is also excellent - it's shocking that this is only their debut album. The talent that these lads possess can blow most veterans away.

The production is crystal-clear, but not over-stressed in any way. The sound is mixed in perfect harmony, and it's safe to conclude that this is the perfect fit for Malison Rogue.

Malison Rogue has really blown me away with their debut, and I am sincerely anxious to hear where they go from here. This album is emotionally moving, heavy, and old school in the truest sense, yet it never feels inconsistent or lacking in fresh ideas. Fans of old school heavy metal with progressive tendencies should be sure to take a look into this top-notch debut. Malison Rogue is well deserving of 4 shiny stars and a warm recommendation from this reviewer. Consider this writer to be in the "extremely impressed" category.
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