Malice

The Profile

Malice are an American heavy metal band from Oregon known for Judas Priest–styled riffing, sharp twin guitars, and soaring vocals. They broke out in the 80s with In the Beginning... and License to Kill, appeared on Metal Massacre, and later returned to issue New Breed of Godz.

Origin: Oregon, USA. Early exposure on Metal Massacre (tracks: Captive of Light, Kick You Down). Albums: In the Beginning... (1985, Atlantic), License to Kill (Atlantic); EP: Crazy in the Night (1989, Metal Blade). Worked with Max Norman (production) and Bob Ludwig (mastering). Toured with Slayer in Europe. Guests on Chain Gang Woman include Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Jamie St. James, and Tommy Thayer. Featured in the Vice Versa soundtrack, with Paul Sabu singing on the title track version noted in the review.

Two reviews chart Malice’s Judas Priest–styled heavy metal: a fervent 5/5 celebration of License to Kill and a respectful look at the 1989 EP Crazy in the Night. Highlights include sharp twin-guitar work, James Neal’s piercing vocals, and big-name production by Max Norman and Bob Ludwig. The band’s 80s rise, rocky tour with Slayer, and later reformation are noted. Key cuts and guest features get plenty of love.