Review: “The Profound Darkness” by In Malice’s Wake

For damn near twenty five years Australian Blackened Death Thrash masters In Malice’s Wake have been soothsayers who have warned of the downfall of humanity and possibility  Armageddon. Their fifth studio album “The Profound Darkness” takes that narrative one step further, as an exploration of the darkness that awaits us all beyond the grave and the journey through the various forms that the great unknown may take. Mixed by Chris Themelco (Escarion, Naugrim, Flaming Wrekage) at Monolith Studio in Melbourne, Australia and mastered by Thomas Plec Johannson (Scar Symmetry, Mayhem, Soilwork) at Panic Room Mastering in Skovde, Sweden it seems death is only the beginning…

There is a lot to be said for consistency and having been able to maintain the same line up in drummer Mark Farrugia, lead guitarist Leigh Bartley, bassist Karl Watterson alongside vocalist and guitarist Shaun Farrugia for the past three albums has gone a long way to making that possible. The chemistry the quartet have when it comes writing and performing is second to none and this album is very much a testament to that. In terms of scale and stature, opening track and title cut “The Profound Darkness” is of the same gargantuan proportions as “Imperium” by Machine Head. A swirling dark atmosphere created by devilish riffs and thunderous percussion sets the tone before the band double down like a rabid dog. Classic old school adrenalized Thrash riffs fly in all directions as bursts of blast beats provide the covering fire, the quartet warning of otherworldly evil as they do so.

The lyrical narrative continues into “Beyond Death“, a track with a bombastic bass line and a Death Metal pomp and circumstance before the tempos shift like the Sahara desert sands as the cold winds blow. Shaun Farrugia’s vocals are as venomous as they’ve ever been, some of his parts having been bolstered by what sounds like layering that has been designed to give the impression of gang chants. That works incredibly well, as does the contrast between his shriller voice and death growled one, the guitars offering up flavours of Exodus, Morbid Angel and Testament in the process.

“By Tongues of Demons” has a tasteful technical solo that acts as a lightning rod for the powerful rhythms, the quartet the metaphorical equivalent of a prize fighter in their prime. Somehow, against all the odds, they’ve managed to refine what they did their last album, 2020’s “The Blindness Of Faith” and six long years further down the road deliver something just as fearfully addictive. Instead of mellowing out or maturing like a fine wine, the quartet have become bitter and wrathful, pouring scorn on those who would dare doubt their abilities. An older, wiser and more aggressive record that has more potential to make you bleed than a box full of sharp objects, this one capturing their live energy like lightening in a bottle. The bloodcurdling roar of Shaun Farrugia at the start of “The Last Song” is nothing short of venomous, the towering inferno of intense riffs that follows a wall of noise that burns like wire.

The frantic and frenetic soloing on “Numb to Paradise” elevates the record the a whole new realm of existence, the bitter black thoughts of the lyrical narrative an acceptance that the promise of a perfect life no longer brings any kind of warmth. That level of profound emotional exhaustion and disillusionment is something that will resonate with anyone who has suffered from a lasting depression and against the sonic storm of razor sharp riffs with a sinister undertone, its a match made in heaven… or should that be hell?

As an album this one has a fantastic flow “Upon My Flesh” a lethal dose of Australian hatred wrapped in classy Death Thrash. Mark Farrugia’s intricate and punishing drum patterns are sublime, the musicianship throughout incredibly tight on this monument to misanthrope. There is no doubt that some of the haunting melodic touches on the bands previous record have been lost to the winds of plague as the band have taken a more aggressive sonic approach but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“The Great Purifier” goes straight for the jugular, the lead work from Leigh Bartley sending chills down the spine. A shorter, sharper and more intense experience, this one is a stand out statement piece that hits harder than the steel fist of RoboCop, the restless and relentless nature of the beast continuing into the perpetual darkness of “Away from the Light“. Double kicks and seismic grooves make that one shine like gold in the pale moon light, the grand finale that is “The Darkness Below Us” ensuring that the album is the cliche all killer, no filler. Staccato riff breaks allow the bass line from Karl Watterson to bleed out into the space between them, the pummelling percussion an artillery shelling that is impossible to escape. Oh and that eerie final moment? A tornado of souls that is goose bump worthy [9/10]

Track Listing

1. The Profound Darkness
2. Beyond Death
3. By Tongues of Demons
4. The Last Song
5. Numb to Paradise
6. Upon My Flesh
7. The Great Purifier
8. Away from the Light
9. The Darkness Below Us
“The Profound Darkness” by In Malice’s Wake is out 1st May 2026