Last Friday, Exchange was host to a landmark moment for rising alternative metal band Mallavora. The band were there to celebrate the release of their debut full-length album, “What If Better Never Comes?”, with a special one-off performance of the record in full and in order, an experience that fans are unlikely to witness again.
Outside the venue stood a large handcrafted display of the band’s logo. People arrived early to sit and socialize with one another creating early anticipation before a single note was played. It was clear this was more than just any other gig and something special. There was a genuine sense of community surrounding the show, something that has become central to Mallavora’s identity. The band has made accessibility and inclusivity a core part of their ethos, committing to headline only the most accessible venues available to them wherever possible. Walking through Exchange, it was impossible not to notice the effort that had gone into making the evening welcoming for everyone. Free glasses were available for photosensitive fans, and the band also brought low-frequency LED tube lighting aimed to reduce light intensity. For some artists this might feel like going above and beyond, but for Mallavora it simply is standard practice, and honestly, more bands should be paying attention.
Opening the night were Bristol locals DYE, made up of vocalist Amy Lewis, guitarists Tom Fish and Oscar Liddiard, bassist Joe Pavey, and drummer Kieran Toft. They wasted no time in making an impression. From the moment they stepped on stage, thunderous guitars filled the room with crushing force. Cutting cleanly through the noise was Amy Lewis’ raw and ferocious vocal performance, pouring pure rage into every lyric. What stood out most about DYE was their confidence. They knew exactly what they wanted to deliver, which was a sound to fully encapsulate the senses. They were consistent in doing so throughout their entire set and never once backed down.
A particular highlight came during “Herd”, where the band locked into a crushing mid-tempo groove that quickly became hypnotic. Before long, most of the room seemed to be moving in unison, heads banging almost involuntarily as the riff took hold.
They closed their set with a breakdown that became increasingly absurd and brilliant with every repetition, slowing it down over and over again while toying with the audience as to when the song would finally end. By the time they walked off stage, it genuinely felt like nobody wanted them to stop playing.
Next came Manchester’s Pavé, who brought a completely different energy to the evening. Blending elements of rock, metal, and pop, the band delivered a set bursting with electrifying energy. Consisting of Vocalist Alanya-Jade, Kevin Peate on guitar, Meg Gale on bass, and Ben Pursehouse on drums the band is already experienced in commanding crowds thanks to a recent appearance at Takedown Festival and also supporting Grey Daze on their UK tour, Pavé knew exactly how to ignite the room. It did not take long before the crowd split apart for mosh pits, waves of people crashing into one another as the band powered through their set.
One of the standout moments came with their recently released song, “If It Hurts”. The track leaned into a more pop-infused sound without fully abandoning the heavier instrumentation. Huge guitars and pounding drums still remained, but it was vocalist Alanya-Jade who stole the spotlight, effortlessly delivering harmonic high notes with dreamlike vocals. Catchy and emotionally charged, it easily became one of the night’s most memorable songs.
By the time Mallavora were ready to take the stage, the room was packed and filled with anticipation. Guitarist Larry Sobieraj, bassist Ellis James, and drummer Sam Brownlow quietly took to the stage first to begin “Prologue”, the album’s slow-burning opener. Brooding tension gradually filled the venue as they began to play their instruments. Then came one of the evening’s most memorable moments. Halfway through the song, vocalist Jessica Douek’s voice could be heard echoing from somewhere off stage. Confused fans began searching for the source before realising she was actually standing behind them, gracefully weaving through the crowd while vocalising the melody, eventually stepping onto the stage beside her bandmates.
The transition into “Smile” was seamless and explosive. All the tension built during the opener suddenly erupted into chaos as pounding drums, crushing guitars, and vicious guttural vocals consumed the room. It was an immediate reminder of just how dynamic Mallavora can be. The crowd responded instantly, shuffling forward with nonstop movement, headbanging and echoing lyrics back at the band.
That relentless energy continued through “Waste” and “Lilith & Esther”, with Mallavora barely giving the audience a moment to breathe. Yet the band also understood exactly when to shift the mood. During “Hopeless”, the pace slowed dramatically as a piano was brought onto the stage, allowing Jessica Douek’s remarkable vocal range to fully take centre stage. It created a very emotional moment and gave fans the opportunity to connect with the music on a deeper level. Looking around the room during these quieter moments was genuinely striking. The admiration between the band and their fans was unmistakable. Mallavora have built far more than just an audience, they have cultivated a real sense of belonging, and nowhere was that more visible than inside Exchange that night.
Although the band performed the album in its entirety, the crowd still demanded more. Mere seconds after they left the stage, chants erupted across the venue calling them back out. Thankfully, Mallavora obliged, returning for two final songs to close out the evening.
Overall, this felt like far more than an album release show. It was a celebration of everything Mallavora has built so far, the music, the community, and the safe and welcoming environment they continue to champion. If this performance proved anything, it is that the band is only just getting started.
With an upcoming performance supporting RØRY, a headline show at Proteus Creation Space in Basingstoke later this month, and an appearance on the Courtyard Stage at Download Festival, Mallavora’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
