Malevolent is a cinematic/symphonic Metal band hailing from Belgium/Spain. For fans of epic movie-like orchestration, astonishing female vocals, and deep death grunts. The band presents its first self-titled EP in alliance with Necktwister on 21/12/2023.
The Malevolent EP is produced by Joost VandenBroek, known from his work with bands like Powerwolf, Epica and Blind Guardian. The crazy talented Spanish singer Celica Soldreamis the lead vocalist in this band. The EP will also feature guest vocals from Mark Jansen, composer, guitar player and singer in Epica. On 11/11/23, the band revealed its first video for the song ‘Gaze’.
Malevolent is the brainchild of Belgium/French, experienced composer/musician, Nikolaas Van Riet (44). Trying to merge the early days of symphonic and gothic metal, which were the sounds he grew up with, with a new modern, heavily cinematic inspired sound that is pleasing a younger generation. Nikolaas used to be the singer & composer and guitar player in melodic metal band Keltgar (Uxicon records).
Lead singer Celica Soldream is an very experienced Spanish vocalist with a Celtic inspired sound, with eastern influences. She is the voice behind the popular Celtic/Medieval vocal libraries ERA II CELTIA and HEROICA. Celica can also be heard on World of Warcraft Warbringers: Azshara and Disney's trailer of ‘Beauty and the beast’. She is also teaching at a music academy in Madrid.
The combination of these two musical minds, backed by prof studio musicians and a top notch producer, that understands the intricacies of symphonic metal, is the magic formula behind Malevolent. The lyrics and theme of the first EP evolve around a post-apocalyptic malevolent world.
Gaze starts with chants in Roman (or at least I think). The symphonic sound creates a special vibe. When the guitars and drums jump in it all sounds like crafted in a very professional way. Celica Soldream has clearly a very pure and powerful voice! It’s clear she can do everything with her voice!
Ways opens with guitars and drum before taking down the tempo and give the lead to the storytelling. Slowly the tempo goes up and the sound gets more and more filled. The Symphonic touch gives it a warmer sound and shows that this band has a lot of potential!
Light starts slowly and builds up, even getting some strong vocal support done by Mark Jansen. The guitar play is smashing it with the perfect sound and her vocals are just heavenly (strong)! You get the feeling something magical is happening and I understand why she got into Disney and World of Warcraft!
Creations gets again the vocal help from Mark Jansen, lifting the song to a higher level. This song tells us also that if something would happen to Epica, Mark can always join this one and make them as big as Epica! It’s a powerful and epical track! This song is already the last regular track on the EP (and what a blast), but some will get the encore:
The Awakening is a great symphonic metal track that could have been the opening track of this EP (starting with the title). Here again we hear Mark’s voice.
I’m sure the future looks bright for this band, starting with the great help of some friends! Looking forward to get feedback about their gigs and hearing more songs!
