For seasoned readers of Skull Fracturing Metal, Sweden’s
Trial should not be an unfamiliar band. In spite of this, their newest EP, “Malicious
Arts”, is my first experience with the band, and it is now quite clear why they’ve
received as much praise as they have. At their core, Trial is a traditional
heavy metal band that has taken some influence from the darker side of the
genre. Fans of Merycful Fate and King Diamond will appreciate the speedier
riffs that Trial offers, along with the general atmosphere the band manages to
conjure. The biggest difference between these artists is in the vocals. While
Trial’s vocal patterns certainly seem influenced by Mercyful Fate, the singer
is quite a bit different. He does not make extensive use of falsetto, but instead
uses an upper-mid range, melodic voice, with the occasional scream thrown in. Perhaps
the biggest highlight of “Malicious Arts” is the drumming. Both tracks feature
extensive use of triplets on the ride cymbal. Additionally, the drummer does
use double bass in his playing, but only at the most appropriate moments. Trial
also has plenty of extended sections for guitar solos. While nothing flashy, these
solos always improve the atmosphere the band has built in the song. Ultimately,
this EP was a welcome surprise, and despite only being two tracks, it gives a
great impression of this new band out of Sweden. Fans of Mercyful Fate and King
Diamond will love “Malicious Arts”!
Highlights
"To Dust"
Final Rating
4.0/5 or 80%.