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According to the band's biography Malicious Damage have been at it for many years, at least originally forming in 1987. But why haven't you heard of them before, faithful reader? Because after 1991 they took an extended hiatus, that's why. Any number of reasons including lineup instability can be claimed responsible, though they blame "our global society." That aside, the band describe their mix of Death, Thrash, and more (Hardcore and Industrial?) as a "full frontal audio assault" and that is not totally out of the question, if it is not perhaps completely descriptive.
As to the music, where shall we begin? "Flesh of God" is the first song and it barrels out of the speakers with a heavy Death/Thrash Metal vibe. It's a decent opener that might serve as a notice of intent as to what's next, but... it doesn't really do that. To address what's next let me just say that "Eighty-five Percent" is a change-up pitch. It is not purely Industrial in the sense of, say, Skinny Puppy, but it is definitely similar to Skrew or Monster Voodoo Machine in the mid- to late 90s, a sound I rather enjoyed. The bulk of the EP stays within or hovers around this style/sound. The bass-heavy riffs are loud, crunchy, and groovy with some quality leads thrown in for good measure. The vocals vary from Thrash to Death to Hardcore to that Skrew/MVM sound. The drumming does not sound organic at all on much of the album and has to be an electronic drum kit if not an actual drum machine. This is somewhat distracting and does detract from the overall effect, but only if you focus on it, which I did. The penultimate "Unrighteous Path" stomps right out of the box as a mainly Death Metal number with Hardcore gang-shouted verses, pounding riffs, squealing leads, and a Machine Head-by-way-of-Testament vibe. It is easily the best track on this record. The final song opens with a Heavy Metal rendition of John Carpenter's infamous Halloween theme, which is very cool. VERY COOL.
"Scorched Earth Policy" is a strong EP that hints at a lot more. This self-released effort was written and recorded in a 6 week period and if that is the case, watch out, folks. This band could (finally) be abusing your ear drums in a major way in the near future. Ft. Lauderdale, FL people likely already know. According to mainman and fellow Tony, Mr. Tomaselli, "a full length c.d. should be ready, hopefully, by the end of the year." Keep your fingers crossed. Briefly I'd say this is for Ministry fans who also like Death Metal. Or maybe vice versa. And yes, more organic sounding drums would be a major improvement.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Flesh Of God |
| 2. Eighty-Five Percent |
| 3. Salvation (In A Dying World) |
| 4. Unrighteous Path |
| 5. Stillborn Nation |
: 17.43
| Buy other Malicious Damage albums |
