What If Better Never Comes? is a striking debut from Bristol’s Mallavora that sits comfortably within the modern metalcore landscape whilst also immediately separating itself from it. The ingredients are familiar on paper, with massive, polished production and chugging riffs, but the album is driven by something far more purposeful than most contemporary metalcore.

The opening Prologue resists any tempation to showcase technical ability, instead opting for a sparse atmosphere with vocalist Jessica Douek exploring Middle Eastern modes with an immediately distinct identity. When Smile arrives, the full force of the band lands with clarity and precision with Douek’s exceptional voice at the centre, moving between vicious, grotesque roars and controlled, operatic passages. What makes Mallavora stand out isn’t just the range, but the character, with a recognisable and expressive voice, and the contrast between her two styles is used to maximum effect, placed back-to-back to heighten both the brutality and the beauty.

The band match her intensity with a sound that feels massive with weighty riffs and drums that carry a noticeable swing that gives the music a strong sense of groove. Rather than relentless mechanical precision, Sam Brownlow’s drumming has a physicality that stomps and breathes, and what elevates What If Better Never Comes? above most metal records is its songwriting. Across the album there’s a clear sense that every decision is guided by what best serves the message, rather than what best showcases technical ability.

That message is often heavy, grappling with themes of physical disability, society’s indifference, and broad political struggles, and the bleak and confrontational subject matter gives the theatricality of the album real weight. The gothic, piano-led ballad Hopeless is reminiscent of Amy Lee, and could feel melodramatic if it weren’t so grounded in genuine emotion. For a debut, the confidence on display from Mallavora is remarkable, with each track feeling considered and distinct.

Mallavora are already operating at the level of far more established names with colossal production, assured songwriting, and fearless performances. While they draw on the building blocks and polish of modern metalcore, the emotional core feels closer to the raw, unfiltered passion of early 2000s nu-metal with everything constructed to serve Jessica Douek’s voice, transforming limitation into release and pushing her screams to thrilling and extraordinary limits.

In a genre that currently feels oversaturated with technically proficient but emotionally flat releases Mallavora stand out from the pack by making you really feel something. Modern metal at its most passionate with individuality, character and purpose.