Live Review : Malevolence + Pain Of Truth + Rough Justice @ O2 Academy, Liverpool on February 12th 2024

Despite releasing their debut album, “Reign of Suffering”, almost 11 years ago, Malevolence have been on something of a meteoric rise over the past couple of years. I was first made aware of them during the 2021 Download Pilot event, in which they were positioned as one of the first couple of bands on the opening day of the event. For me, this was one of those sets that go down in Download Folklore. Malevolence and their trademark dose of sheer brutality provided the perfect antidote for those 10,000 lucky souls in attendance, who had been devoid of any form of live music for the best part of 18 months.

Live Review : Malevolence + Sylosis + Guilt Trip + Justice For The Damned @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on November 8th 2023

When Bloodstock Svengali Vicki Hungerford decreed that Malevolence would be bestowed a coveted special guest slot at next year's festival, there were many of us who were sceptical about the leap of faith that she was taking. After all, it was only yesterday that the Sheffield upstarts were cavorting about at the lower echelons of the Sophie stage.

Live Review : Trivium + Heaven Shall Burn + Malevolence @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester on January 14th 2023

It seems bizarre to say this about a band that has been around for over two decades and has 10 albums to their name, but there is a distinct impression after all these years that Trivium are still having to prove their worth. That great white hope tag that they had thrust upon them in the early noughties has proven to be one hell of an albatross and at the point where they should be settling comfortably into the status of elder statesman, they are still having to dispel the naysayers.

Live Review : Architects + Malevolence + Sleep Token @ First Direct Arena, Leeds on May 2nd 2022

It’s time for ROCKFLESH to hit another arena, and this time myself and Ryan (complete with escort to and from the photopit) have the pleasure of scooting across to Leeds for a May Bank Holiday Monday treat! Armed with my 2 pints cup of cider I make my way into the standing area for openers Malevolence. I’ve noticed loads of their tees in the crowd, so it’s no surprise then that there’s a great buzz about the place, and a soon to be vicious pit opens up before the band have even made it on stage.

Live Review : Download Pilot @ Donington Park on June 18-20th 2021

Ok lets cut to the chase, last weekend’s Download Pilot (or Diddy Download as every bugger and their aunt are calling it) was probably the most pleasant experience I have had in the eighteen years I have been making an annual pilgrimage to Donington Park. Let’s put all the emotion aside of this being the first one back and concentrate on what worked, which frankly was its size.