Malefice

Malefice are a UK heavy metal band from Reading, England, active from 2003 to 2017. They play melodic death metal and are also associated with metalcore, death metal, deathcore and thrash metal. The band forms in Reading, Berkshire, and records for Anticulture Records and Metal Blade.

Line-up

The group’s line-up includes Dale Butler on vocals, Ben Symons and Andrew Wilson on guitars, Tom Hynes on bass, and James Pearly Cook on drums. A later description also names Chris Allan-Whyte and Tom Hynes as the rhythm section.

Albums and recordings

Malefice first appear on a wider UK metal scene with their debut album Entities. They then move to Metal Blade for Dawn Of Reprisal, followed by their third full-length album Awaken The Tides, which is released in 2011 on Metal Blade.

Live activity and touring

The band tours with DevilDriver, Arch Enemy, Sepultura and Anthrax. They play Download Festival twice, perform at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, and headline the IIT Festival in Delhi. Their live performances are described as fast, aggressive and tightly focused on energy.

Style and reputation

Malefice are presented as a band that avoids compromise and keeps its music central to its identity. Their sound is built around dual-guitar work, a heavy rhythm section and Dale Butler’s vocals, with an emphasis on forceful, high-intensity performance.