Malice - License To Kill (1987)

Artist: Malice

Release Title: License To Kill

Release Type: Full Length Album

Release Year: 1987

Artist Genre: Heavy Metal

Artist Origin: U.S.A.
My Rating: 79%

Track Listing:
1. Sinister Double 2. License To Kill 3. Against The Empire 4. Vigilante 5. Chain Gang Woman 6. Christine 7. Murder 8. Breathin' Down Your Neck 9. Circle Of Fire
Total playing time 39:14

Malice were a heavy but fun outfit who emerged from LA in the 80's. They first appeared on the first metal massacre album compilation released on Metal Blade alongside Metallica in 1982, with a cut called "Kick You Down". It was a rather standard number and the band never realised their full potential until the mid 80's when they released 2 albums. First with their debut album "In The Beginning" which was a brilliant slab of Judas Priest worship. 2 years later they followed it up with this album. This is another nifty album which bows at the altars of "Screaming For Vengeance" and "Defenders Of The Faith". It's just so loveably simple, catchy and riffy 80's metal. So much so it could probably even raise a smile from the most devout, low brow black metal fanatic.

The production is the main difference between this album and their debut album. It's far more clear and punchy and whilst the songs don't scale the dizzy heights of EPIC that "Godz Of Thunder" and "Hellrider" do on their debut album, all of them tend to be of the same lofty quality and there's no filler like there is on the debut album. The real highlights include "Chain Gang Woman", "Sinister Double", the title track and the more laid back "Vigiliante". Ear candy for fans of early 80's Priest and simple and catchy 80's metal.