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Tipping their hats to everyone from Monuments, Karnivool, TesseracT, Tool, Periphery, and Alice In Chains, Malum Sky unleash a hefty sound that has been widely acclaimed for its formidable musicianship and alluring craftsmanship. The band have recently revealed their explosive new video single, Eye Above. Formed in 2014 and hailing from Cardiff, Malum Sky soon set about releasing their self-titled debut EP in the Summer of 2015. Due to the success of the EP and persistent live shows throughout their regional area, the alt metallers soon amassed an army of dedicated followers throughout South Wales. Regrettably, just as the band were on the cusp of breaking out to a national audience, their original vocalist, Abraham, left the group. Buoyed by the response from the EP and live performances, the band regrouped and set about finding a suitable replacement. Ben Honebone stepped up to fill the void, and throughout 2016, the quintet burrowed away in the rehearsal room, ready to return with a modified sound that has a distinctly harder, edgier tilt. Check out Eye Above below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talked about their new release, new music and more!
How has the video for Eye Above gone so far?
It’s been fantastic, our fan base, and our peers all seem impressed! It was a little nerve racking, releasing something after a long gap, but everyone is definitely on board with the new sound. The audience already seem to know the words to the song! People also seem to be responding to the video, which is great because it’s pretty dark and gritty stuff and it’s not the glossy performance video that we could have made if we’d wanted to.
Can you tell us anything about the single and video?
This is our first release with Ben on vocals, the first time we’ve recorded and produced the music ourselves, and our first ever music video! So lots of firsts with this one!! The freedom to do things our own way has been very rewarding, and allowed us time to be more creative. We definitely prefer doing it this way. We also produced the music video ourselves, shooting most of the footage in our rehearsal space, that was a lot of fun and there were a few aching necks the following day! We wanted the video to reflect the subject matter of the song as well as introducing people to the band. The title ‘Eye Above’ refers to the numerous cameras, drones and satellites that watch the world every day, and also the kind that are used in warfare. The basic idea is that the novel ‘1984’ by George Orwell is less like a work of fiction now and more like a daily reality. War has become more of an abstract which is more and more difficult for us to understand as our thoughts and opinions are manipulated by social media and television. Despite these negative things, ‘Eye Above’ is ultimately a song about hope. Hope that we can use our technology and science to help each other instead of killing each other. Hope that the human race can pull together and create a better future.
Can you tell us anything about the EP due out this year?
The ‘Eye Above’ single is symbolic of the direction we’re heading. The new songs are definitely heavier and more elaborate. That being said, the new material still retains the melodic sound established on our first EP. It’s a natural evolution of the band rather than a change of direction. We recorded and produced ‘Eye Above’ ourselves and we’re doing the same with the EP, so it’s always a learning process and a lot of hard work, and we enjoy every minute of it! The new EP is going to smash your head off and hold you gently, all at the same time!
What’s the alternative scene like in Cardiff?
Fantastic! We love it! We have loads of friends in other bands and we all support each other, it really is like a big family. The scene is still very strong in Cardiff despite a number of great live music venues closing in recent years. There is a healthy and diverse array of bands, styles, and venues, we really are very lucky to have it. Our home is undoubtedly Fuel Rock Bar, the staff and sound crew are superb and the crowd is highly receptive to every band that plays. We’ve had a lot of fun there and acquired an awesome fan base at the same time.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Haha Nice try! If we could work on a new song with anyone it would be ourselves! MALUM SKY!! We are VERY excited to be writing and recording new songs at the moment!
What does it mean to you when you see fans listen to your music?
It means a lot! Sharing with others something that we’ve put so much passion into is a special thing. Seeing audiences react to us and share the same feeling that we have is unlike anything else. Whilst we start by writing the songs for ourselves, following our own journey, once you take the songs to the stage – things change. The songs become the conduits by which we forge a relationship with our audience and go on that journey with them together. Ultimately, music inspires us, if someone else feels that way after listening to our music – then we’re doing our job, right?!
Have you got any live shows lined up this year?
We have several shows coming up in Wales, we’re very active here at home, and we’re also planning a full UK tour for later this year. Perhaps the most exciting show is coming up in 2 weeks – ‘Bloodstock – Metal to the Masses’ Grand Final on June 17th in Fuel Rock Club, Cardiff. We’ve made it through the heats and semi-finals and now it’s time for the final showdown!! Fingers crossed we win the chance to play at Bloodstock Festival this year!
What was your first gig attended as a kid?
Mike:
My first show was embarrassingly enough, Franz Ferdinand when I was 11. I’m sure everyone else has a way cooler answer than this – but whatever, I liked them at the time!
Saki:
The first band I went to see as a child was Jamiroquai in Cardiff International Arena. They blew me away with their brilliant musicianship, stage presence, funky riffs, dance moves, and showmanship! A band I would go see time and time again.
Jon:
The first proper live show I attended was Pearl Jam. My older brother had bought me a ticket for my birthday. My family pretended I had the dentist and had to leave school early! I think I was 13!
Joe:
Both my parents are musicians. Back in the 80’s, it was ok to keep your kids out all night watching mum and dad on stage. I can’t remember where or when was the first gig, but it was definitely one of theirs. Probably Swansea, probably Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd covers.
Ben:
It was either Ned’s Atomic Dustbin at Cardiff University or Little Angles at Newport Centre, I’m not sure which came first! Probably Ned’s, I still have the tickets somewhere! I crowd surfed and tried to get on the stage at the Ned’s gig, but the security stopped me!