My homeland of Italy has given many wonderful contributions to the world, there's me of course, but also pizza, art, expresso, wine, opera, and now a modern electronic hard rock band, MALEDIA. With the release of their sixth studio album "Phobia" in May of 2022, this trio delivers a nine-track meaningful album dealing with emotions and sensations that we all can relate to in our daily life's. There is a lot of electronics and synthesizers that help create a modern yet aggressive soundscape. They have some heavy riffs mixed with incredible bold, rapid and machine gun drumming. The songs all represent how to face and overcome difficulties and phobias. The band are inspired by ASKING ALEXANDRIA, IN FLAMES and BRING ME THE HORIZON, I couldn't help but think of Chris Jericho's band FOZZY on most of the songs.

The album starts like a "spoiler alert" with heavy dose of electronics so you know what to expect the on the rest of the album. "Wrong Way" hits with a heavy rocking riff, nice clean vocals, and harmonies with almost a "pop" feel. Second up is "Infection" very multi-changing tempo with a modern fuzzy fusion sound, intense drumbeats and almost a dance beat vibe. Sharp, intense vocals that relate passionately to the love story of "Eyes Collision". A good solid rocker in "I Feel it" with some beefy riffs and solid, thundering drum backing. My favorite song on the album is "Ready" raw, awesome vocals that truly manifest a beautifully written song. This is one of those rare songs where you close your eyes and immerse yourself in the lyrics. A little departure from the norm on "Defenceless" with guest vocalist Dave Shadow, brings a much heavier and pounding sound that almost flirts with death metal. We end with the most interesting and obscure song "Reborn", a slower tempo with almost rap-like talking over a bold drum beat that empowers the song. Not a big fan of this one.

Some heavy riffing meets electro sounds meets catchy melodies meets melodic vibes. Seems like a melting pot of different sounds, and it is, but MALEDIA was able to blend that altogether like the right wine with pasta. The vocals of Dani were a perfect companion to the music, and the drumming beats and rhythms of Mechanix were some of the best I've heard in quite a while, "ben fatto" (well done in Italian). I am definitely a sucker for creative and engaging lyrics, and this album was top shelf. Each song had a relevant and inspirational message. Bravo, my fellow Pasians.