If investing in bands were a thing, Lake Malice would be a no-brainer for any savvy backer. This dynamic duo—fronted by the magnetic Alice Guala and powered by the riff wizardry of guitarist/producer Blake Cornwall—is the alt-metal scene’s equivalent of a rocket stock: explosive, unpredictable, and thrilling to watch rise.
Lake Malice has been setting the UK ablaze with their blistering live shows and a sound that blurs the lines between hyperpop and metal, earning them a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim since their inception in 2021. With influences ranging from Japanese anime to personal trauma, they’ve created a sonic cocktail that’s both emotionally raw and sonically sharp, drawing comparisons to heavyweights like Bring Me The Horizon and Poppy.
This last couple of years have been nothing short of meteoric for the Brighton-based pair. Nominated for two Heavy Music Awards—“Best UK Breakthrough Artist” and “Best Breakthrough Live Artist”—and championed by tastemakers like BBC Radio 1, Kerrang!, and Metal Hammer, Lake Malice is riding a wave of well-earned buzz.
The band’s triumphant return to Bristol, their first since a headline set at Rough Trade in March, capped off a grueling 23-date European tour with Blackout Problems. You’d expect a bit of wear and tear after 45 relentless days, but that’s not how Lake Malice rolls. With unofficial third member Emily Ainger hammering out precision beats, Blake twisting through his now-signature acrobatics, and Alice shredding through clean melodies and raw screams alike, this was a band operating at full throttle.
Their eight-song set was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Fans were treated to live staples from their 2023 debut EP Post-Genesis, as well as singles “Magic Square” and “Eternal December.” But the highlight? A sneak peek at “Nobody Wants To Be You,” an unreleased gem that hints at a massive year ahead.
In a post-show chat, Alice confirmed what fans are already whispering: 2025 is going to be huge. With Slam Dunk already locked in and talk of a debut album later in the year, Lake Malice is gearing up for an even bigger leap. If their genre-bending, high-energy approach continues to evolve, there’s no doubt they’ll be defining the alternative music landscape for years to come.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
