Sometimes when a reviewer wants to try something different from their comfort zone and come across a band that they believe have created a sound that will simply conquer, the chance the reviewer took was justified. This happened to me when I recently reviewed Demo 1 by Swedish band Malakhim with three songs that just blew me away. I predict a dark and prosperous future for this band who like to keep things as secret as possible and just let the songs do the talking. Musically, I felt that there were influences from Dissection and Watain in their sound but Malakhim have created their own identity to give something new to the listener. I caught up with vocalist “E” on what Malakhim means to him and the band.
Can you give our readers an insight into the band, its formation and the message that Malakhim is trying to convey to its listeners?
Malakhim was formed in 2014 by five friends. The original intent was quite simple, to serve as a creative outlet.
Releasing and sending out your first demo on the first day is some feat. You must have a lot of self satisfaction with this achievement. What was the idea behind releasing the demo in tape format?
We wanted to do a physical release of the demo as a “closing of the circle”. The tape format seemed like a natural way to go about it as it’s always been like that.
How often are the band able to get together to rehearse and record material?
We used to rehearse on a weekly basis, but it varies a lot depending on personal life.
Who would you say are your musical influences?
Too many to mention, we don’t really consciously think of any influences like that. Bands that inspire me at least would be Mayhem (De Mysteriis), Dissection, Bathory, Mercyful Fate, Katharsis… I guess those bands will have some form of influence.
Your vocals are one of the many highlights on the demo with that unique singing style. There are the black metal vocals with some death metal influences and then there is the cleaner singing, especially on opening track “A Thousand Burning Worlds”. Is this something that is going to be a trademark to the Malakhim sound?
Thanks. The vocal parts are just as much of an instrument as any other, and I don’t see myself changing this, so yes.
Was everyone involved in the creation of the songs or are there core members who write all the music?
Everyone is involved and contributes.
The interest in Malakhim after this first demo has led you to releasing it for the first time on CD and 12” formats through Iron Bonehead Productions. How did this collaboration come about?
He heard the demo and liked it, we spoke a bit about a possible collaboration and when the time came for us to decide on where to go with the band the choice felt natural. We had some interest from a few other very respectable labels so we had to discuss our options for some time before making the decision.
How has the relationship been with Iron Bonehead Productions been so far?
Very good.
The sound of Demo 1 was raw, atmospheric and created an aura of mystique about it. Are you happy with the sound that you achieved at Wolf’s Lair and is this where you see future recordings happening?
Yes.
What are the ambitions for the band to tour live in 2018 and are there plans already in place?
With only a three-track demo under the belt the available material is maybe a bit too short to give any respectable live performance. Once we have enough material rehearsed we’ll be making some live plans.
What is next for Malakhim? Are there thoughts of an EP or album or is it too soon to say?
We’re writing material for a second EP/demo already, and if things go as planned we will be recording this in early 2018.
Obviously, Malakhim serve the Dark Lord. What does he mean to you as an individual and as a band?
To me this represents Satan – and as a band it’s important that choosing to play black metal you’ve agreed to walk a certain path. Black metal is an art that pushes the boundaries and goes against the norms and ideals of mainstream culture. As such it can be said to serve a darker intent – touching on topics of sinister, devilish or otherwise satanic content. I’ll clarify by saying I don’t refer to the biblical horned apparition when mentioning Satan either, but rather an essence of the adversarial and destructive.
To me this represents change. Brutal, unloving, uncaring change that will break and challenge you and see you fall and fail several times. And in doing so it will refine and improve you as well.
There is an attempt to keep the members of Malakhim secret. What is your reason behind this?
It’s a rather poor attempt to be honest, we’re not trying actively to keep it a secret, but we rather figured it was of no consequence to the demo itself. The collective decision was to let the music and presentation speak for itself without involving the whole “who’s who” in the mix. I think there’s already some information on Metal Archives about some members, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say the information is entirely accurate.
Do you have any last message for our readers here at Moshville Times?
The end will come for us all.
