Malefice

Malefice were an English heavy metal band from Reading, Berkshire formed in 2003. They disbanded on March 21st, 2017.

This article is about the band. For the evil magic, see Maleficium (sorcery). For the Pentagram Chile album, see The Malefice.

Malefice
Dale Butler (left, 2010)
Background information
OriginReading, Berkshire, England
GenresThrash metal,[1]
Death metal,[2]
[2]
Metalcore
Years active2003–2017
LabelsAnticulture Records 2007–2008
Metal Blade Records 2008–2012
Transcend Music 2012–
MembersDale Butler
Ben Symons
Andrew Wilson
Tom Hynes
Chris Allan-Whyte
Past membersCraig Fenner
Craig Thomas
Lloyd Griffiths
Alex Vuskans

Band history

They were formed by friends at college (The original members consisted of Dale Butler, Alex Vuskans, Craig Thomas and Craig Fenner) and started to write their songs straight away. Their first major break was to open a four band bill charity gig at the Rivermead Centre in Reading. From then on their fanbase began to grow. Through constant touring around Reading and London, they managed to get a distribution deal for their first EP 'Relentless' through Hangman's joke.

Then in early 2007 they signed to Anticulture Records. They then recorded their debut album 'Entities' under the production team of Dan Weller and Justin Hill of WellerHill at Craig's parents home in South Wales. The album has been highly praised by the British Metal Press . The band recently announced their amicable split from the Anticulture label via their Myspace page.

Since the album's release they have been support for the successful SikTh tour and the latest DevilDriver and God Forbid and have played shows with the likes of Soulfly.

In January 2008, they played a show at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, which was recorded, and is due to be released as the band's first ever DVD.

In June 2008, Malefice opened the second stage of the prestigious Download Festival on the Saturday.

November 2008, Malefice announced through their Myspace page that they had signed a worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records. In February 2009 they released their second album Dawn of Reprisal. On 12 September, they played at Butserfest alongside Go:Audio and We Are the Ocean.

On 26 September 2009, they played in India at the annual cultural fest Rendezvous of IIT Delhi.

In March 2010 the band featured on the BBC TV show "The Bubble". Host David Mitchell (known for his disinterest in all forms of music)[3] jokingly declared them his "favourite band". The following month it was announced that drummer Craig Thomas had left the band, to be replaced by Chris Allan-Whyte.[4] Following this Malefice also played on the Jager stage at Sonisphere UK, playing a 30-minute set on Saturday evening. In 2012 they recorded a song with Everton goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann for the Jägermeister UK "Ice Cold Session", titled Omega and released on 1 February 2012.

In June 2012, the band signed to Transcend Music.

In March 2017, the group disbanded, in order to pursue solo careers.

Band members
Original drummer Craig Thomas (right)

Current members
  • Dale Butler – vocals (2003–2017)
  • Ben Symons – guitar (2003–2017)
  • Tom Hynes – bass (2006–2017)
  • Andrew Wilson – guitar (2011–2017)
  • James Cook – drums (2014–2017)

Former members
  • Lloyd Griffiths – bass (2003–2006)
  • Craig Thomas – drums (2003–2010)
  • Alex Vuskans – guitar(2003–2011)
  • Chris Allan-Whyte – drums (2010–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums and EPs

Promotional videos
  • 2006 - "The Force That You Fear"
  • 2007 - "Risen Through the Ashes"
  • 2009 - "An Architect of Your Demise"
  • 2011 - "Awaken the Tides"
  • 2012 - "Omega" (feat. Marcus Hahnemann)
  • 2013 - "V"
  • 2013 - "Blueprints"
  • 2014 - "Heroes"

References
  1. Prato, Greg. "Dawn of Reprisal review". Allmusic. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  2. Sharpe-Young, Garry. "Malefice". MusicMight. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  3. "Peepshow's Mitchell and Webb let us in on a few secrets". The Mail on Sunday. 5 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  4. Neil (28 April 2010). "MALEFICE announce new drummer". Rock Sins. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  5. Malefice Reveals New Album "Awaken The Tides" Details
  6. MALEFICE REVEAL DETAILS & ARTWORK FOR NEW ALBUM Archived 1 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine
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