Grand Band Slam Fairfield County 2011:  Best Metal

Arcane Malevolence ¿ Best Metal.

Best Metal: Arcane Malevolence

In an corner of the state where metal bands are myriad, Arcane Malevolence stands out for the precise, technical prowess of its musicians, the ambition of its progressive, complex arrangements and its sheer power and heaviness. Also, of course, for its members' professed pursuit of "the couth," that elusive element that combats uncouthness, no matter what the band's menacing sound suggests. "The couth is strong these days," bassist Johnny Pluckman assures us via e-mail. "It's almost inversely proportional to the economy, actually."