We have a Spanish five piece band known as MALKEDA and they began their musical journey all the way back in 2002, now just over 20 years ago, as they formed, they were not too shy in releasing their demo in 2003 titled ETERNA CONDENA. So this was merely a stepping stone for the band as they went on to release what was to be their debut album titled MOMENTOS IMPUNTUALES in 2007 which I can safely say left me with such positive vibes, everything about it really put the band’s aura out there and so they were not slowing down anytime soon. After a limited edition EP titled EN INTIMO was released, the band were back in the studio going back to preparing their second studio album, which was titled UN DIA SIN AYER in 2012 just 10 years since their formation.

The band come from the province of Pontevedra (Galicia) in the Northwest of Spain specifically and it is safe to say they have left me such a great impression, from listening to their previous albums from their debut album in 2007 to their 2016 album which was titled CUMULONIMBO. There are certainly elements of alternative metal,  as well as “low tunings, mid-tempos, heavy rhythms, strong contrasts between verses and choruses accompanied by a voice that intersperses heart-rending and emotional melodies, lyrics with which the public will feel identified”. The band as a whole unit have matured over the years in terms of their sound as it has its own identity, so a number of years has passed since their third album.

The band are led by vocalist CHECHO VAZQUEZ who has such a suitable voice for the style the band portrays, speaking in their native language of Spanish, with two guitarists on board who are GUILLE LAVIA and ISIDRO OTERO, as well as bassist ADRIAN COSTAL and drummer MIGUEL GONZALEZ, the band are here to stay after two decades of being together. Now it is time to have a look at their fourth studio album which is self-titled as it has been released since June earlier this year, starting with “Almohadas En El Hielo” as we hear snippets of guitar riffs and drums, but then a sudden outburst of guitars, drums and bass guitar before vocals jump into the mix as the drums pull back briefly. Vocals become more dominant and then a more melodic tone of vocals sings beautifully, the drums and guitars provide so much warmth and distortion of what alternative metal should sound like.

The middle section where drums pound those skins, as guitars bring the noise to a higher level as the singer comes back in once more as the drums do compliment the vocals very well. So into the next track we go which is “D.E.P” which has a similar enough sound from the previous track, but with some real hardcore thrashing drums and alternative metal style guitars with a warm bass tone. The vocals move a bit more quicker and there are some really cool guitar riffs and sliding movements too by the sounds of it, some vibrato notes most likely. Some serious bass tones compiled with cymbals and guitar riffs which really can make your mind explode, as we hear thuds of the snare, some vocal whispers and so much more sonically.

Nevertheless into the next track we go with “Despiertame” as the third track has thrown us an industrial styled backdrop of drums, guitars and vocals come in softly like faded notes but just about audible. Vocals are more prominent in the next section as drums and snippets of guitar are present but guitars ramp up the volume for the main chorus section as vocals have a lot of sustained notes, the vocalist allowing his words to be heard coherently and concisely. Guitar has some solo work in there too as well as supporting vocals and drums in those main sections where noise is as loud as it can be. “Que Asco Das!” has a very attacking intro with bullet like shots of the snare drum, guitars in motion as well as vocals approaching very closely.

Vocals really scream from the rooftops as much as they can, bass and guitars giving drums that encouragement it needs to propel itself in the main section as we can still hear some industrial rock and hardcore metal combinations. This is also a short enough track but it really hits the nail on the head so to speak, as a build up can be heard with drums as well as guitars and vocals all going full on beast mode for mass hysteria. “Ya Nada Vale” has a real cutting edge drum intro again, almost filtered and processed in some way with some reverb as well as the vocals having a knock on delay on some words but not constant, for me I can also hear some elements of nu metal like KORN and DEFTONES. The dynamics and vast mixing as well as sonic effects makes this track one of my favourites.

“Sin Futuro” has a real techno rock intro but the almighty alternative metal tone in guitar and drums are back in the mix, vocals are there this time have a more hard rock but some elements of grunge or doom metal perhaps. Hard school of hard knocks when it comes to the drums really brings those sound levels on the verge of distortion and well not exceeding the breaking point as there is compression so the separate instruments like guitars and vocals especially are on balance. Then there is a short gap or pause but drums as well as vocals quietly speaking before the noise is brought back once more before the repeat of the section where vocals are calmer and clearer. “Octubre” has so much bass and depth in the tonality, the variety of various influences as well as dynamics and the arrangement of the track is so creative and original for sure just a pleasure to listen to this track in particular.

There is a real thrilling and tension filled track as there are various transitions, the guitars and vocals really become so flexible in terms of their tone and mood, the atmosphere is simply sinister as far as the bass or lower frequencies of the track do. So another pretty short track and straight into the next track we go, which is “Mi Sitio” as we hear grunge rock guitar unwinding itself, as we hear vocals and drums coming into the picture. Drums are so clear and right in your face as well as finding the path when the lead guitar becomes somewhat distorted, as we hear a vocal build up with drums into bombastic blasts of alternative rock ‘n’ roll.“ELIPSE” has a distant guitar riff revolving in the background, as we hear drums stepping in along with the other instruments as this final track has a more atmospheric rock vibe, it is very much a great way for the album to close out on. We have heard so much variety in this album with the band mixing elements of rap vocals, heavy metal guitars as well as some grunge based riffs and vocals which are spoken in Spanish so always nice to hear a metal band speak their native language. All in all a very good and impressive album full of character, persona and gives a great account of what the band can do, so check them out I can highly recommend them if you’re into heavy rock or metal.