Malice

Malice is an American heavy metal band active from the early 1980s, noted for the albums In the Beginning... and License to Kill and for early appearances on the Metal Massacre compilation.

Origin: Oregon (as reported in reviews). Key members mentioned in reviews: James Neal (vocals), Mick Zane (guitar), Jay Reynolds (guitar), Cliff Carothers (drums), Mark Behn (bass). License To Kill was produced/mastered with involvement from Max Norman and Bob Ludwig and released on Atlantic Records. The band contributed "Captive Of Light" and "Kick You Down" to the 1983 Metal Massacre compilation. A European tour with Slayer is reported as having been disastrous and contributed to the band's decline; some Italian dates were cancelled. Guest contributors on the License To Kill sessions (backing vocals) are reported as Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Jamie St. James and Tommy Thayer. The song "Christine" is noted as inspired by Stephen King's novel. Reviews report a later reformation without James Neal and mention expectations of a new album (as stated in a review).

DeBaser reviews celebrate Malice as a US heavy metal band whose 1980s work — notably License To Kill — is praised for killer riffs, Halford-style vocals and strong production. Reviews note early promise from Metal Massacre appearances and a career hindered by a troubled tour and lineup issues. Crazy In The Night EP is described as a worthwhile collectible from the period.

For:Fans of 1980s heavy metal, Judas Priest-style melodic metal and collectors of classic metal releases.