Drown In Malice: When Chaos Turns into Energy and Modern Metalcore

Our chief editor Marko managed to interview Drown In Malice, a band that represents modern metalcore while fearlessly combining raw intensity, technical precision, and a wide spectrum of musical influences. Their music grows from the roots of the early 2000s hardcore and metalcore scene, yet over time the band has developed its own distinctive sound — far more diverse and daring than simple genre labels.

Their music can be described as an intense mix of energy, atmosphere, and technical sophistication. Drown In Malice seamlessly blend aggressive breakdowns, more complex compositions, melodic passages, and emotional moments. The result is a sound that feels dynamic and unpredictable while still maintaining a strong and coherent identity.

"Our music is like today's world — chaos, pressure, and a constant flood of negativity people absorb every day. But at the same time, there's also space to stop, reflect, and focus on the things we can actually influence," the band explains about their philosophy.

This balance between inner unrest and the search for peace is deeply present throughout Drown In Malice's music. Their songs are not just explosions of aggression, but also spaces for introspection and emotional processing. Their music works both as an outlet and as a form of communication.

The members draw inspiration from an exceptionally wide range of artists. Among their key influences are August Burns Red, Heaven Shall Burn, Bullet for My Valentine, Slipknot, Parkway Drive, Tool, and Opeth. Each member brings a different musical background, naturally shaping the diversity of their sound.

The band's songwriting process has no fixed formula. Some songs are written almost entirely by one of the guitarists or the bassist — especially the more technically demanding ones — before being refined during rehearsals. Others emerge more organically from riffs and jam sessions. Regardless of how a track begins, the lyrical side always remains in the hands of the vocalist, who shapes the final identity of each song.

They consider "Ein Museum aus Stahl" to be the song that best represents their musical world, as it contains all the defining elements of their sound — heavy and softer moments, clean and distorted passages, dynamics, and atmosphere. However, they regard "Amnesie & Hysterie" as their personal peak, even describing it as their "magnum opus."

Live performances are one of the most important aspects of the band's existence. Drown In Malice see concerts not just as musical presentations, but as intense moments of connection between the band, the audience, and the music itself. When the crowd absorbs their energy and sends it back, it creates the kind of experience that reminds them why they stand on stage in the first place.

One of their strongest live memories was performing at a small festival on a farm in Geneva, where, according to the band, the atmosphere was truly exceptional. Another major experience was filming their first music video on a professional movie set.

The band is currently working on new material, and according to them, they have a massive collection of riffs and ideas ready to develop. The upcoming songs are expected to move within a similar space as their current work — ranging from technically complex compositions to simpler yet highly energetic tracks. However, they hint that the next material will likely lean once again toward a more intricate and progressive direction.

At the same time, Drown In Malice are not planning any radical changes to their identity. They are satisfied with what they currently create but remain open to experimentation and new musical directions. For them, continuous growth — both technically and compositionally — is essential.

Looking toward the future, the band remains pragmatic yet ambitious. Their goal is to play more shows, reach a wider audience, and explore new festival opportunities. They already have their first festival experiences behind them, and larger stages along with new live challenges feel like the natural next step.

Drown In Malice ultimately represent a band that combines technical discipline, emotional intensity, and the energy of modern metalcore without the need to compromise.