Reviewed by Andy Shaw

First formed in 2004, Polish heavy metal band Malchus return with the release of their first English language album, a record previously released in Polish as 'Dom Zly'. As you would expect from a band with over 10 years' of experience, the musicians are tight and the songwriting shows considerable maturity. 'The Evil House' is a concept album telling the story of a person's spiritual journey dealing with frustration and everyday struggles in life. Opening track "Enemy No. 1" launches at breakneck speed with chugging guitars and the signature growling vocals of Radoslaw Solek. As well as the technical guitar and thundering drum and bass more depth is added through the use of keys, pads and synthesisers which build atmosphere. What impresses most is the tracks' variety. Malchus have avoided sticking with the standard formulaic song structure, building numerous phases into the tracks, each distinctively different yet flowing seamlessly. This is achieved through changes of tempo, dynamics and instrumentation to take the listener on a journey to mirror the spiritual journey of the record. Even the vocals are varied at moments with the ferocious growl making way for an almost spoken word vocal on "Eyes Open". There is plenty going on with this record and you will hear something new on each listen.

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