Malice (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon; later Los Angeles, California , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums |
Malice is a heavy metal band from the United States, established in 1981. They gained recognition through their contribution to the inaugural Metal Massacre compilation and by releasing two albums under Atlantic Records. Their sound, influenced by European metal, often invited comparisons to Judas Priest.
Biography
Formed in Portland, Oregon during the early 1980s, Malice began when Jay Reynolds, formerly guitarist for The Ravers, put together the original members: vocalist James Neal, bassist Matt McCourt, drummer Deen Castronovo, and guitarist Kip Doran. Reynolds later moved to Los Angeles with guitarist Mick Zane to create a fresh metal group. After their demo attracted attention from Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records, Neal, bassist Mark Behn, and drummer Pete Laufman joined the ensemble in Los Angeles.
Two of their demo songs, "Captive of Light" and "Kick You Down," appeared on Metal Massacre I, alongside artists like Metallica and Ratt. Malice's first performance in Los Angeles took place in November 1982 at the Troubadour, where they headlined with Metallica as the opening act. Early in 1984, they also supported Armored Saint, who had recently signed with a major label.
During the recording of demos with producer Michael Wagener, drummer Cliff Carothers replaced Pete Laufman. This period sparked significant interest from record companies, culminating in a contract with Atlantic Records in mid-1984. Their debut album, In The Beginning...'’, released in 1985, featured tracks produced by both Wagener and Ashley Howe.
Their sophomore album, License to Kill (1987), produced by Max Norman, included backing vocals from Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, as well as contributions from members of Black 'n Blue. Malice toured alongside prominent acts such as Alice Cooper, W.A.S.P., and Motörhead, and also supported Slayer during their 1987 European "Reign In Pain" tour. However, due to hostile receptions from audiences in Germany, Malice was compelled to exit the tour early.
In late 1987, Jay Reynolds departed to join Megadeth and was succeeded by Jeff Young within months. Additionally, vocalist James Neal was replaced by Mark Weitz before the band dissolved towards the end of 1988.
The 1988 film Vice Versa featured Malice performing "Crazy In The Night". In 1989, Metal Blade released the Crazy In The Night EP containing three tracks recorded with Neal and vocals by producer Paul Sabu.
Following Malice’s breakup, Jay Reynolds formed War Party alongside former Megadeth drummer Chuck Behler. Mick Zane and Mark Behn collaborated with Pete Holmes and vocalist Mark Isom to create Monster; their only album was released in Europe (1995) and later in the U.S. (1997).
In 1999, EastWest Japan reissued both In The Beginning... and License to Kill on CD; these were followed by U.S. reissues from Wounded Bird in 2004.
Jay Reynolds became part of a reformed lineup of Metal Church in 2004, contributing to two albums before leaving in 2008.
Malice announced a reunion tour in 2006 but canceled several European dates the next year. They performed selected shows across the U.S. with vocalist Brian Allen before returning to Europe for Keep It True XIV festival in April 2011 featuring new frontman James Rivera.
In 2008, Retrospect Records released The Rare and Unreleased, compiling early demos along with the Crazy In The Night EP.
By late 2011, Malice signed with Germany’s SPV/Steamhammer label; Robert Cardenas from Agent Steel joined as live bassist. Their comeback album New Breed of Godz, released in May 2012, contained four new compositions alongside re-recorded tracks from prior releases.
Guitarist Mick Zane passed away from brain cancer on December 23, 2016.
The band issued the album Rockin' with You in 2020.
Members
Current
- Jay Reynolds – Guitar (1981–1988, 2006–2016)
- Pete Holmes – Drums (2006–2016)
- James Rivera – Vocals (2010–2016)
- Robert Cardenas – Bass (2011–2016)
Former members
- Mick Zane – Guitar (1984–1988, 2006–2016; deceased 2016)
- James Neal – Vocals (1981–1987)
- Kip Doran – Guitar (1981–1984)
- Deen Castronovo – Drums (1981–1982)
- Mike Zaputil – Bass (1981)
- Matt McCourt – Bass (1981–1982)
- Mark Behn – Bass (1981–1988, 2006–2011)
- Pete Laufman – Drums (1982)
- Cliff Carothers – Drums (1982–1988)
- Mark Weitz – Vocals (1987–1988)
Discography
- Metal Massacre – 1982
- In the Beginning... – 1985
- License to Kill – 1987
- Crazy in the Night (EP) – 1989
- The Rare and Unreleased – 2008
- New Breed of Godz – 2012
- Rockin with You – 2020