“Extinct” is the fourth overall album of Switzerland's rising black metal malfeitors MALPHAS. MALPHAS have been working their way through the underground for several years now and with "Extinct" they are raising the stakes even further. "Extinct" enters a new journey into more chaotic and wild fields and unleashes the band's full hate against the world. With more thrashy influences and riffs, the album neither looses the band's classic style, nor does the melancholic and softer parts get lost. It is a fury hammer of Swedish inspired black metal, of ups and downs, of melancholy and chaos, ready to smash every listeners ears. This is the most versatile album of the band so far and expresses a general death-wish to all.”

The album has nine songs, and “Psychomachia” is first. It’s a short, fast song, that combines the raw power and darkness of Black Metal with aggressive Thrash Metal riffs. The energy is radiant, and furious. “Trenches” begins with clean guitars, and some harrowing darkness. You can feel the tension in the air, until the main riff comes slamming in with a commanding power. It’s hard to know which is more vital…the tortured vocals, or the powerful riffs. “Majestic Moon” is another that begins with clean guitars, and this time, they have a melancholy sound to them, as you can imagine the mysteries that the moon holds in the night sky. There are even some lovely piano notes in this serenade.

“Consumed” is low and deep rager that keeps a simple but effective riff throughout the song. The mid-tempo pacing suggests some solemn tones, and the vocals explore from sharp bites to long teeth-sinkers. “Gamygyn” is much faster and more aggressive, and so far, the play between these two styles is well done. Nine songs of straight rage would be more than one could bear. “Butcher’s Broom” is another song with a good deal of rage. Harsh vocals combine with a tight, skillful riff and blast beat drumming in a frightening method. I don’t know who Butcher is, but I am staying the hell away from his broom. There is also some nice harmonized leads.

“Armada Christi” begins with more solemn, clean tones, but segues into a real rager afterwards. The energy is like a ball of fire ready to explode, and it begs you to get out of the way. “Astral Dissonance” closes the album. It also begins with clean tones, but turns dark, like the black skies of storms looming overhead. The deluge that follows meets brief reprieves, but like all good storms, it never goes away. Overall, this was a solidly pleasing album that combined traditional Black Metal chaos with some thrashy riffs, and even some surprises. It is pure enough for those FMOBM fans, and also adventurous for those who seek a little more.