Drudging through a vast sonic landscape perfectly encapsulating a smorgasbord of unmitigated sorrow, anger, grief and disappointment, in relation to society’s failure to admit to its disabling influences; the Bristolian alternative metallers Mallavora, have created a passionate multi-pronged attack of tenderised pleadings and wounded imagery, vying for validation in a world that ceases to dignify its peoples hardship, with their magnificently produced debut album What If Better Never Comes?
In recent years, Mallavora have garnered great acclaim and respect among the heavy music community, after their debut at Download Festival in 2024, a headline tour of the UK including coveted support spots for bands such as TheCityIsOurs and Skindred. Main stage performances at 2000 Trees, Alyx Holcombe’s Mantra showcase and Noizzefest 2025; yet all the while, their advocacy and allyship with the disabled community has always stood firm, they’re vulnerabilities routinely on full display for a fanbase utterly entranced by their connectivity and care for one another, and it is precisely the lived experiences of physical limitations and historical political neglect, that is woven deep into the fabric of this fascinatingly cathartic record.
Kicking things off with arguably their most confronting single to date, ‘Smile’ is an explosive rebuke of societal injustices, as well as making it clear, that although last year was the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act, we’ve still got a long way to go to in order achieve true equality. The introductory single to this era is a powerhouse of informed rage, emboldened by both vocalist Jess Douek and guitarist Larry Sobieraj’s experience of long term conditions.
