Country: Australia
Genre: Groove / Thrash Metal
For fans of: Testament, Bloodkill, Evile
Review
In Malice’s Wake return with The Profound Darkness, an album that strikes with heavy, dark and revelatory groove‑thrash. The band has built a sound that combines massive riffs, relentless downpicking, thunderous drums and a production that gives real depth and weight to every hit.
The guitars of Shaun Farrugia and Leigh Onics move in absolute sync, creating a doom‑laden thrash atmosphere that recalls the darkest side of Testament and Evile. The riffs are tight, aggressive and full of technical precision, while the rhythmic foundation of Luke “Karl” and Mark De Vattimo keeps the album in a permanent state of attack.
Vocally, Shaun spits bile, rage and dark intensity, with a snappy, sharp delivery that fits the album’s revelatory style perfectly. Thematically, the album dives into psychic darkness, demonic forces and inner decay, something reinforced by the aggressive, almost ceremonial atmosphere of the compositions.
The Profound Darkness consists of nine tracks with no trace of filler. Every song is a small assault: fast, heavy, with an attitude that leaves no room to breathe. If we must single out two, then “The Profound Darkness” and “By Tongues of Demons” clearly show what makes the band so effective in 2026 — dark groove, thrash momentum and riffs that melt you.
In Malice’s Wake deliver an album that flays ears, breaks necks and confirms their dominance in modern groove‑thrash.
Line‑up
Shaun Farrugia – Vocals & Guitar Leigh Onics – Guitar Luke “Karl” – Bass Mark De Vattimo – Drums
Tracklist
- The Profound Darkness
- Beyond Death
- By Tongues of Demons
- The Last Song
- Numb to Paradise
- Upon My Flesh
- The Great Purifier
- Away from the Light
- The Darkness Below Us
