Mals Totem

This year, Mals Totem’s eponymous debut EP put them on the map - Deli Magazine

Recent interview done by the editor of Diffuser.fm. - Diffuser.fm

"The Machine combines the ground breaking vocal ability of Dave Vives with crushing guitars, pounding drums, and pulsating bass lines." - Louder Than War

“This band is going to begin making waves for their uniquely large and explosive sound.”
- Indie Bikes and Beer

“I’m staggered by how much I enjoy this debut EP from Mals Totem.”
9/10 - Windswept Edge

“It was hard to pick a favorite from this record, the riffing throughout is just so heavy, the tunes so complete.” - Yeah Uh-Huh

9/10
“Bound to make waves throughout the heavy music world in due time.”
- American Aftermath

“Their single ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place,’ today’s free MP3, burns like a Virginia Slim, slow and steady ’till the last few drags, when a mascara-melting axe solo enters the scene.” - Diffuser.fm

“The best initial release I’ve heard since … well … ever.” - Louder Than War

Local quintet Mals Totem are new to the scene, with only a few releases to their name, but their new in-studio video for “Gargantuan” shows quite clearly that they’re force to be reckoned with. Progressive, but a near-perfect balance of experimental and bared-down, the track showcases the band’s synergy, and ability to lock up rhythmically while frontman Dave Vives leads the charge with his robust vocal style. Mals Totem’s energy is bountiful, but tamed– less the type you would shove recklessly to in a basement, and more the kind you would sit back and observe the way you would a Radiohead or Mars Volta. “Gargantuan” lives up to its title, creating what seems to be a constant crescendo throughout the course of the song. By the end of the fast five minutes, the drums fills, lead shreds, and powerful wails all seem to be focused in their own worlds, but still in a coherently melodic place as a whole. - Allston Pudding

George Massenburg (Journey, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor) called Mals Totem, "an authethentic path to getting big sound. No trickery, no fakery, no bullshit." - Berklee