MAVIS is probably the most un-metal name you could think of, and it probably conjures images of a slightly eccentric aunty or grandma. Well, it’s time to challenge any preconceived ideas because MAVIS are part of the new breed of metalcore bands who are pushing the genre into new realms of heaviness. Since bursting out of Stuttgart in 2019, the band have been on a mission to produce brutal, emotionally-charged songs, and that’s a remit they’ve fulfilled on their debut long player Grief Is No Ally.
MAVIS formed at the most inopportune time; as the pandemic hit and the world went into hibernation, the band were left in a kind of limbo. But, in the brief period before Covid the few shows MAVIS played created such a buzz that ensured the band wouldn’t be forgotten. Now signed to Arising Empire (the Litmus Test for all that’s good and heavy), the band are ready to take on the world and if there were any doubts to their intentions, they’re blown away by incendiary opener ‘Insight’. After the briefest of introductions the band appear, like a cobra peeling from its coil, and they sink their fangs straight into the listeners neck. Phil Donay’s vocals are visceral and raw, yet they also have an emotional edge and often veer into blackgaze territory. Guitarists Mo Amrein and Manu Weller sculpt huge structures from sound and create glacial sheets that tower over the listener. Factor in drummer Jakob Schulz-Klein ensuring that every beat hits like a punch to the solar plexus and you have a pretty heady mix. Yet, MAVIS aren’t all brute strength and there’s plenty of light to contrast the heavy, whilst some synths are inserted at optimal moments to heighten the emotional aspect.
Personally, I’m looking forward to catching MAVIS live (hopefully) to see how tracks such as ‘Tortured Land’ and ‘Hollow Eyes’ transfer to the live environment. Part of me already knows the answer; those huge choruses seem tailor made for thousands of voices to sing-along, whilst the breakdown sections are sure to instigate plenty of action in the pit and cause a few broken arms and lost teeth. On the flip side, ‘Limerent’ is underpinned with a strong melodic sensibility and could easily crossover into the national charts (and it would be nice to know who the guest vocalist is). It sounds as if MAVIS have used the lockdown time wisely and they’ve crafted these songs to perfection. Take ‘Furry Tongue’ for instance, it’s almost progressive in structure and is comprised of several suites, yet all the parts fit together and, like most mechanical things made in Germany, work with well-oiled precision. In fact, the whole album flows well, taking us to heady heights where the air is rarefied before dropping us down to earth with a bump. By the time we reach closing track ‘Marcescence’ we feel as if the band have taken us on a journey, and while it’s not always easy, it’s always rewarding.
There are new kids on the block who’ve come to claim the metalcore crown, and their name is MAVIS.
- Grief Is No Ally is released via Arising Empire on 15th December 2023.
Track List:
- Insight
- Calypso
- Tortured Land
- Hollow Eyes
- Furry Tongue
- Monsters
- Reflections
- Limerent
- ISOTO
- Closer To The Sun
- Marcescence
