Release Date: June 14th, 2024
FFO (For Fans Of): Killswitch Engage, Tom Macdonald, Slayer
Home town: St. Louis, MO
Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Malus Dextra emerged in 2017 when guitarist Justin Ruesch (formerly of D-Railed/Brutal Harmony) joined forces with vocalist Wayne Allison (formerly of A Strand of Fate/Victims of Life). Their mission was to craft music that transcended the constraints of genre and subgenres. While deeply rooted in metal, their sound resonates with a diverse audience – from fans of Killswitch Engage and Slayer to Tom MacDonald and Adam Calhoun.
The duo entered Encapsulated Studios to produce their debut self-titled album, which was released on October 31, 2017. The album gained traction through tours in the Midwest and upper East Coast during 2018. Following this, Malus Dextra released their second full-length album, “The Gate,” on October 31, 2020, which was supported by extensive Midwest tours.
In 2021, they released two simultaneous EPs: “Bangin Bionic Beats,” a 6-track collection of reimagined tracks from their previous albums remixed by John McLucas of McLucas Studios (CA), and “A Somber Moment,” a 6-track acoustic EP showcasing a softer side of the band, recorded at Encapsulated Studios with producer/engineer Gabe Usery.
The year 2022 marked the creation of their third full-length album, “III,” their fifth studio release. The album was launched in parts, with “Part 1” released in November 2022 through WormHoleDeath Records. The lead single from the album, “Tomorrow,” debuted on March 25, 2022, followed by the second single “Pit” later that year.
As of May 2024, Malus Dextra is gearing up for the release of “Malus Dextra III Part-2,” with the first single “Feed the Beast” set to drop on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Malus Dextra’s music often delves into themes of personal and societal struggle, resilience, and defiance. Their lyrics, rich with imagery and emotion, challenge the status quo and inspire listeners to fight for personal freedom and authenticity. Tracks like “Feed the Beast” capture this spirit with lines like:
“Feed the beast / A worthy sacrifice / A living breathing expendable Christ / Tow the lines to sell the souls of them / Pay your pipers their flesh is your gold.”
Their sound is a powerful blend of aggression and melody, creating a cathartic experience for their audience. With influences ranging from the raw energy of Slayer to the socio-political commentary of Tom MacDonald, Malus Dextra stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire change and forge connections.
In a world where conformity often overshadows individuality, Malus Dextra’s message is clear: “We must determine our own fate.” Their journey is far from over, and as they continue to create and evolve, their music will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who listen.
“Feed the Beast” will be featured this weekend on Liberty Crack Radio starting Friday!
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