MAL – Come To Light (2023)
Beginning as a group of guys coming together to create music for their own amusement, MAL was initially “just for kicks”. Skip ahead and the US-based rock trio is turning heads across the globe. Bringing something fresh but familiar, Kristopher Jung (vocals and guitar), Peter Hollywood (bass) and Brendan Reynolds (drums) blend old-school and modern-day rock in an edgy sound. Kevin Drake (former guitarist of 30 Seconds To Mars) remarked that MAL meets the need for “pure, raw rock and roll” with a “…sound so robust and melodic…this band has more to offer than most four, five, or even six-piece bands.” The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Come To Light’.
Inspired by the likes of Jane’s Addiction, Deftones, Pink Floyd, Chemical Brothers, David Bowie, Queens of the Strong Age, and Sex Pistols, MAL has a bit of a diverse taste from which to draw influence. Following the well-received single ‘Ritual’, ‘Come To Light’ is their second single after a six (or so) year break in releasing music – according to Spotify. As with ‘Ritual’, ‘Come To Light’ retains MAL’s distinctive metal meets hard rock sound. Hitting you straight between the eyes with the heaviness and hard-hitting tone of ‘Come To Light’, MAL intoxicates listeners with powerful aggression.
One element I find interesting in MAL’s melodies is how each instrument comes together in a harmonic whole while retaining an individual prominence throughout the track. Pounding drums match distorted guitars slathered with rich, bold vocals. Moreover, while there is an “in your face” attitude to ‘Come To Light’ brimming with gritty strength, a vulnerability lingers in the single. Brash but flowing, vulnerable but empowering, spirited but soothing, MAL capture human essence in their evocative new song.
“’Come To Light’ is a middle finger to judgement, dehumanisation and intolerance. It’s an uplifting soundtrack for those who need faith in themselves and their own beautiful nature. It’s an anti-gaslighting anthem and a prayer to trust one’s self no matter how far against the grain.” – MAL on ‘Come To Light’
For more from MAL, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
