Hello! We are Mallavora, and these are our top influences in alternative music (in no particular order). Without these bands, Mallavora would not exist today in the way that it does. These are bands that we have a lot of love for, so hopefully, it gives an insight into the sort of artists that have inspired us to do what we do.
Check them out below…
Spiritbox
Spiritbox personify everything that is exciting about modern metal music at the moment. The songwriting is perfectly crafted, the riffs are crushing and the production is mind-blowing. We were lucky enough to watch their debut UK performance at Download Festival on the Avalanche Stage a couple of years ago. It was such an incredible moment, and the fact that we are playing the same stage this year is absolutely crazy to us.
Skindred
Everyone in Mallavora has loved Skindred’s music for many years. Their performance at 2000trees Festival last year is a cherished memory for us, as we had just celebrated our first ever festival performance opening the NEU stage earlier that day. It’s impossible for anyone to watch Skindred perform live and not enjoy themselves – their groove is just so infectious. When we found out that their guitarist Mikey Demus had asked to produce our 2024 EP with Marshall Records, we were over the moon. We have so much respect for Mikey and what he has achieved in guitar music through his songwriting and producing over his career. His feedback and advice for our songs was absolute gold dust and most importantly, he was such a laugh to be around. Big up Mikey!!
While She Sleeps
Sleeps are such an inspirational band for us. Not only are they incredibly talented songwriters and have infectious energy when performing live, but their ethos and strategy towards being a metal band has shown the way for everyone that follows them. Even down to details such as their stage design and the way this reflects their identity as a band, we regularly find ourselves studying what they have done and thinking how we can apply it to our own project.
Rage Against the Machine
RATM proved that speaking truth to power is an important part of alternative music. Their legacy of activism inspired many artists including ourselves that music and songwriting can be a conduit for positive societal change. They never shy away from saying what they want in their music, which we have huge respect for. This was undeniably a massive influence for our vocalist Jess when she started using our music to discuss disability, chronic illness and accessibility in live music.
Nova Twins
It would be difficult to argue that Nova Twins aren’t the most exciting alternative music act in the UK at the moment. Watching them on the Apex Stage at Download Festival last year felt historic, to see a band we’ve seen in front of 150 people not too long ago play in front of tens of thousands at Download. Their sonic innovation, for example Georgia’s creative use of bass sounds is a huge influence for us, particularly our bassist Ellis who is constantly experimenting with new ways to get different sounds out of his bass rig. When we signed to Marshall Records earlier this year, we were so excited to become label mates with this incredible band.
Loathe
Arguably the most proficient songwriters in the British metal scene today, Loathe’s “I Let It In And It Took Everything” album of 2020 has made a lasting impact on every member of Mallavora. This album inspired us to make sure we are writing music that reflects feelings and themes that are important to us, rather than second guessing what our audience might want. This has had a profound impact on our songwriting and a result we are creating the best music we have ever written in our career.
Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge have always been a strong influence on our guitarist Larry’s approach to writing music. We were lucky enough to watch them perform at the Royal Albert Hall in 2017 with the Parallax Orchestra, which is one of the best things we’ve ever seen.
Calva Louise
Calva Louise are a constant reminder to every other band in the alternative scene that they need to up their game. These are the most hardworking musicians you’ll ever meet – they create blockbuster quality music videos and unforgettable live performances, all totally DIY. We are constantly in awe of their creativity, songwriting and ruthless determination. They are an inspiration to everyone in our band, so the fact that we are opened for them in Birmingham earlier this year was an honour!
System of a Down
Many people who listen to our music or watch our live shows are quick to point out the SOAD influences are all over our music. Their approach to songwriting has had a huge impact on us, and they were also trailblazers in their use of metal music for awareness raising and activism, so we all owe them massive respect for that.
Bring Me The Horizon
Sempiternal is a top 10 album for everyone in Mallavora, and probably a lot of other people as well. It’s an absolute masterpiece. Today, BMTH are leading the way for the entire alternative scene, showing us that British alternative acts can and should headline major UK festivals and sell out arenas. Watching them headline Download Festival last year was a really inspiring moment for us, because it showed us that it is possible for a band that started out as an underground Deathcore outfit to end up right at the top of the industry.
Thanks so much for checking out Mallavora’s top influences!
