Review BODYFARM ‘Malicious Ecstasy’

‘Malicious Ecstasy’ is the newest full-length album Dutch death metal icons Bodyfarm have added to their discography. Just before embarking on a tour with Pestilence, the four-piece from The Netherlands launched a record that features four new deadly musical strikes while five live recordings complete the album.

The new songs are reflecting 100% the blasting Bodyfarm trademarks. It starts with the furious ‘Retaliate’ which is a raging oldschool metal song that doesn’t take any prisoners. The journey continues with the ‘Previtin’ and ‘Onward Doomsday’. Both mirror brutal oldschool metal and there is the risk of severe neckpain due to headbanging.

The real highlight on this release though is entitled ‘Gates of Malignancy’. The song is significantly slower than the other three tracks. It is a sinister atmosphere the songs spreads and the level of diabolic heaviness is strengthen be the slower pace and the hammering rhythm.

The live songs have been recorded on March 14^th, 2023 in Kammiena12, Krakow Poland and the first song is ‘Dreadlord’. What is covered are the first four Bodyfarm releases – from the debut album (‘Charlatan Messiah’ to the latest release (‘The Swamp’). The quality of the recording is powerful and echoes the live atmosphere. It finds the right mix between harsh and raw sounds in good quality.

Although being announced as a full-length album ’Malicious Ecstasy’ is more of an EP with additional live songs. Fans will probably appreciate this blend and the ones, having never heard of Bodyfarm, do have a good chance to catch up. The dutch death metal machine is rolling again.