The newest album by Atlanta, Georgia blackened/death metal band Malefic, Impermanence, definitely has a lot to like about it. It releases February 13, 2026.  The musicianship above all else elevates this band above some of its predecessors. It has a very familiar sound but has its own unique touches to never feel derivative of bands of similar type. The riffs are loud and aggressive and you can feel the anger penetrating through the growls. The drumming and blast beats are also something to take note. The guitar solos and tremolo picking are definitely present as well. This record fires on all cylinders with how heavy it is; from the intense vocals which are really impressive, to the aggressive way the guitars puncture through each and every song, it's definitely a treat. You can tell some of the black metal influences from the sounds of the vocals.

The opening track Blood of the Throne opens with fast blistering riffs before the scratchy, screamed vocals kick in. The frenetic drumming comes in soon after and everything comes together nice. It's a fast and furious track brimming with rage, Aaron spitting venom in his lyrics. It's also impressive that the vocalist of this band is the drummer as well; he's definitely impressive at doing both of those things at the same exact time. The guitar solo in this song is absolutely excellent, closing out the track in the highest note possible. A standout track on this album, Idiocracy, I particularly love because it begins with a nice rhythm between the riffs and the drums which is almost danceable, before the cacophony of other sounds takes over the demon vocals resurface. I also love some of the samples scattered throughout this track as well, layered beneath the roaring guitars and pulse pounding drums. It Haunts, the closing track on this album, is an aggressive wall of sound from the very opening of the song. Heavy, layered riffs and strong crushing drums pierce the listener followed by the intense growls of the vocalist. There's also a very haunting quality of the song as well. The quick paced kick drum is also super impressive in the background of the song. Perhaps the best track on the record, Disembodiment, begins with lightly strummed guitars and some symbol taps, creating a haunting, dream-like atmosphere to the song. Then, in a large swell of sound, the drums and riffs get louder, the sounds of the lightly strummed guitar persistent in the background. The vocals here are the most impressive from any song on the album.

Overall, this death metal album is very good. It has every element of a great album from the drumming to the riffs to the vocals. The energy this band has is unmatched and as I listened through it, I imagine bodies being thrown around in a mosh pit. I couldn't recommend this album more.