The Greek Metal scene seems to be huge, because after a time when only extreme Metal acts as VARATHRON, NECROMANTIA, ROTTING CHRIST seemed to exist, more and more bands on melodic trenches are appearing with good releases. One of them is the beginner MALLEVS, who comes with its first full-length, “The Hammer”. As usual for many bands todays, the quintet focuses its musical efforts on an Old School Metal formula (in their case, traditional Heavy Metal). It’s obvious that it’s not a sin to make references to JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and other acts that used aggressiveness shaped by excellent melodies inherited from 70s’ Hard Rock and refined technical outfit on their musical work, and always filled with energy.

It’s good, they have a very good set of ideas, but they need to mature their music a bit more (just a bit, please). For now, to hear this album is a very good experience for the ears. Anastasios Karapapazoglou is the one who took care of the recording, mixing and mastering, and the idea seems to be: something organic, yet defined, near the models used on albums as “Screamin’ for Vengeance” and “Killers”. It’s very good result, with the use of organic instrumental tunes, but it could be better (it’s not bad at all, but it demands more in such aspect). And the artwork of Anastasia Liogka for the cover is really impressive.

After the instrumental “Flash of Rebellion” (used as intro for the album), the fans will deal with excellent songs as “Fire and Blade” (a simple technical approach with energy and fine melodies, similar to MERCYFUL FATE on its first EP), “Barricade of Steel” (excellent bass playing and a solid rhythmic conduction from the drums), “Revenge Comes Riding”, “Black Abyss” (where some elements on the guitar riffs reminds something from Greek Black Metal, maybe something that easily could be labeled as ‘Greek Metal DNA’), “The Hammer” (very good backing vocals and vocals can be heard on this one along with Hard Rock touches on the guitars), “Hydra of Lerna” (a slow and climatic song with very good vocals, but the high pitched screams can be better in the future), “Astral Plains”, and “Lonely Dancer”. And they depict a band that has a huge potential to become a titan in the scene.

For now, praise MALLEVS’ efforts and welcome the band, and listen to “The Hammer” as these Heavy Metal warriors set their weapons to fight.