CoC : Malignant Monster - Foul Play : Review

Malignant Monster - _Foul Play_
(Prime Cuts Music, 2005)
by: Quentin Kalis (7.5 out of 10)

_Foul Play_ is the debut album from Aussie quintet Malignant Monster and contains three songs that initially appeared on their demo (which I can only assume have been improved by the re-recording) as well as a cover of Megadeth's "Liar". The fact that Malignant Monster can take one of Megadeth's weaker and more comical moments and transform it into a believably serious song that is actually an improvement on the original suggests that this band has great potential. Alas, this potential is not fulfilled on the actual album, which consists of compelling but not essential thrash merged with a touch of melodeath and backed up with forceful vocals.

Although the album would not get beyond the half hour mark without the help of a cover, the length is alleviated by the inclusion of a promo video for "Old Corpus Delicti" -- which seems to be de rigueur for Prime Cuts. Hopefully other labels will take note!

Not a bad debut, although this work indicates rather than fulfills potential.

Contact: http://www.primecuts.com.au

(article published 22/8/2006)