Mala Mors – Mindscapes of Madness Review

Mala Mors was born from the shadows of the mastermind “Melkor.” Mala Mors waves together intricate layers of Melodic and Death metal with cruel lyrics. November 9th, 2024 saw the birth of the band’s debut full-length, “Mindscapes of Madness” The album was released through Supergoat Wreck-Whordes / Studios13.

Mala Mors Social Links

Mala Mors, Mindscapes of Madness Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.

The First Three Sins of Mindscapes of Madness

Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Mala Mors and his/their album, Mindscapes of Madness

The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Delivering a mix of melodic and heavy riffs with and fast-paced sections and slower, more atmospheric parts that define the band’s sound. The bass riffs provide a solid foundation for the music. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Features a various range from deep growls to high-pitched screams, adding to the dark and aggressive atmosphere of the band’s music. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into a vast world of thunderous and storm-driven drumming with fast blast beats, double bass patterns, and complex rhythms that drive the intensity of the music.

The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:

Dragged from the depths of a decade-old madness, these songs were reborn in the fevered nights of October 2024

Before we get to the article, we are pleased to present additional reviews of Melkor. Following our initial set of six reviews, we have returned with another six. We already commenced with the first three reviews titled The Rise Of OphiuchusAs Galaxies Merge, Vehemence Abyss, and Eerie Resonance. Now get ready for this “intricate layers of Melodic and Death metal with cruel lyrics.” called Mindscapes of Madness, from Melkor‘s other project entitled Mala Mors. It is important to note that Melkor has introduced something (again) distinctly unique and different, stands apart from his previous endeavours.

As the listener continues their journey with the second piece, Silent Watcher, and the remaining eight pieces. Where the listener will discover a unique and powerful album that delves deep into the shadows of the human mind, exploring the weight of mental illness, an issue that touches us all. Whether you’ve faced it yourself or know someone who has, these songs offer a raw and emotional journey through the struggles many endure in silence.

Mala MorsMindscapes of Madness offers listeners a unique experience, showcasing the previous works and writings of “Melkor.” This artistic endeavour serves as a tantalizing glimpse into a world of creativity that transcends traditional music. Instead of merely delivering sound, it envelops the audience in an intense, theatrical, and avant-garde atmosphere, with each track presenting a distinct narrative. Each release stands apart, providing fresh opportunities for exploration and review. The diversity in lyrical themes, stylistic genres, atmospheric depth, devilmanship and intricate compositions—both instrumental and musical—ensures that no two experiences are alike, each infused with a touch of the devilish fruit of art.

In just thirty-six minutes, Mindscapes of Madness immerses listeners in a rich tapestry of musical artistry. The guitar work by Melkor stands out, skilfully merging aggressive elements with intricate riffs and soaring melodic solos, crafting a vibrant and captivating sound that adds layers to their music. Jeroen‘s drumming is both powerful and dynamic, laying down a robust foundation that fuels the band’s intense energy. His ability to seamlessly transition from rapid-fire blast beats to slower, atmospheric passages enhances the intricate complexity of their compositions.

The vocals, also delivered by Melkor, breathe life into the music and lyrics, offering a compelling mix of harsh growls and melodic singing that creates a striking contrast, enriching the overall ambiance of their tracks. This performance carries a storytelling and theatrical essence. Meanwhile, the bass sections, plays a crucial role, providing a deep, resonant foundation that beautifully complements the intricate guitar work and dynamic drumming. The bass lines are often complex and melodic, infusing the music with depth and richness that elevates their sound.

Simultaneously, the entire arrangement and score emerge from this artistic creation, showcasing a fruit of art devilmanship, that captivates the listener with its cohesive structure. Mala Mors offers the listener’s heart and soul, with a robust framework, intricately woven with musical elements that enhance the overall experience. The composition presents a dynamic tempo that binds the music seamlessly, featuring a blend of varied rhythms and steady moments that keep the listener engaged. Each section flows into the next, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with those who listen.

Mala Mors was dragged from the depths of a decade-old madness, these songs were reborn in the fevered nights of October 2024. Bass, guitars, lyrics, vocals, arrangements, production, mixing, and mastering conjured by Melkor. Jeroen’s relentless drums carve the heartbeat, while Catherine Theodore’s hand carves the cruel words. This album also includes an exclusive e-book, featuring immersive stories behind each song’s lyrics, available in both Portuguese and English. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profound project, where music and storytelling come together to offer something truly extraordinary. [Mala Mors]

For enthusiasts of Melodic Black and Death Metal, Mala Mors is an essential experience that should not be missed. It resonates with the dark, intricate and theatrical atmosphere, reminiscent of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, as well as the early works of Cradle of Filth.

As the album fades in endless emptiness of madness. We want to give a shoutout to Melkor for letting us review his album, Mindscapes of Madness, from his newest project Mala Mors. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.

Play

The Last Three Sins

Let’s discuss the last three sins of Mala Mors and his/their album, Mindscapes of Madness

The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:

Once again, what can I say about “Melkor”? Every release he puts out is a testament to his artistry, and a fruit of art. Whether it’s his devilmanship or his complex compositions—both instrumental and vocal. He consistently impresses. Simultaneously, the cruel words of “Catherine Theodore” are also a fruit of art; her storytelling and lyrical depth breathe life into the music, while Jeroen‘s drum work adds a heart beat to them music, breathing life to the whole music and composition. Furthermore, Melkor elevates it even further with his composition, vocals, and e-book (this, for me, really brings out the lyric theme). The dramatic atmosphere created by both artists introduces something fresh and unique. Listening to Mala Mors is akin to witnessing King Diamond, Clive Barker, Cradle of Filth, Alice Cooper, and Stephen King come together, resulting in the birth of a devilish spawn of evil.

The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:

The artwork is a fruit of art, effectively conveying the horror theme present in both the music and the lyrics.

The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:

Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Mala Mors and his/their album, Mindscapes of Madness. Therefore, this concludes Mala Mors and his/their album, Mindscapes of Madness review.

Members

All guitars, bass, vocals, and lyrics, along with the evocative stories in the accompanying e-book, were crafted and brought to life by Melkor, who also took the helm in production, mixing, and mastering.
The relentless drums, adding thunder to the storm, were played by Jeroen.
The lyrical refinement and poetic touch came under the insightful eye of Catherine Theodore.

Track-Listing

01. Crimson Pulse
02. Silent Watcher
03. Pendulum Man
04. Broken Mirror
05. Hollow Man
06. The Dark Hymn of Sacerdo Magus
07. Room of Mirrors
08. Alchemist’s Curse
09. Hollow House
10. Puppet in the Attic

Mala Mors – Mindscapes of Madness Review