Malevolence Release ‘World of Warcraft’ Anthem ‘Twelve To Zero’

Los Angeles, CA – In a unique collaboration bridging the worlds of heavy metal and fantasy gaming, UK-based metal band Malevolence has released “Twelve To Zero,” an official anthem inspired by the massively popular online role-playing game World of Warcraft. The track, born from a challenge issued by Blizzard Entertainment, the game’s developer, arrives ahead of the highly anticipated Midnight expansion, set to launch on March 2nd. This isn’t just a promotional tie-in; it’s a testament to the band’s genuine connection to the game, sparked by a custom-made guitar gifted to guitarist Konan Hall.

The story began last summer when Hall received a one-of-a-kind Jackson guitar, meticulously crafted to reflect his in-game World of Warcraft character – a dwarf paladin. He debuted the instrument during a surprise set at the Download Festival in the UK, stating, “World of Warcraft and music are two of my favourite things,” and adding that playing the guitar would evoke memories of “the hours I spent in the taverns of Azeroth.” Guitar World detailed the intricate design of the instrument, highlighting its connection to Hall’s digital avatar.

From Azeroth to the Studio: A 12-Hour Challenge

Following the Download Festival performance, Blizzard presented Malevolence with an ambitious challenge: compose a song in just 12 hours that would encapsulate the scale and tension of the upcoming Midnight expansion. The result is “Twelve To Zero,” described in a press release as “a crushing, cinematic track that mirrors the urgency and high-stakes drama of the expansion’s storyline.” The band embraced the constraints, viewing them as a creative catalyst. “It’s cool to have the challenge to write a song in 12 hours,” vocalist Alex Taylor explained. “It allowed us to get creative and have fun without the pressure of it being on an album. I think it sits outside of what people would expect to hear from us as well.”

The Midnight expansion promises significant additions to the World of Warcraft universe, including the long-awaited introduction of player housing, a novel campaign storyline, and four expansive new areas for players to explore. The game, first released in 2004, continues to be a dominant force in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) genre, boasting millions of active subscribers worldwide. The collaboration with Malevolence is a strategic move by Blizzard to tap into a different audience and generate excitement for the new content.

A History of Creative Freedom and Legal Hurdles

Although the World of Warcraft collaboration represents a high-profile partnership, Malevolence’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Last year, the band was compelled to remove the music video for their song “Salt The Wound” after facing legal threats from The National Trust. The dispute stemmed from the video being filmed on National Trust property without prior permission. As reported by NME, the band wryly commented on the situation, stating, “Apparently pretending to play the guitar for a couple of hours on a public path that thousands of tourists walk up every single day is a criminal offence worth pursuing.”

Despite this setback, Malevolence has continued to release new music, recently surprising fans with the single “Silhouette” earlier this February. The band’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, both musically and creatively, is a defining characteristic of their approach. This willingness is evident in their embrace of the World of Warcraft project, a departure from their usual album-focused perform.

The Intersection of Gaming and Metal

The collaboration between Malevolence and Blizzard highlights a growing trend of cross-promotion between the gaming and music industries. Many artists are now actively engaging with video games, either through in-game performances, soundtrack contributions, or, as in this case, dedicated anthems. This synergy allows both industries to reach new audiences and create unique experiences for fans. The appeal is clear: both gaming and metal cultivate passionate, dedicated communities.

World of Warcraft, in particular, has a long history of incorporating music into its gameplay, and marketing. The game’s iconic soundtrack, composed by Jason Hayes and others, has become instantly recognizable to millions of players. The addition of “Twelve To Zero” further solidifies the game’s commitment to providing an immersive and engaging audio experience. The song’s cinematic quality and heavy instrumentation are designed to evoke the epic scale and dramatic tension of the Midnight expansion.

Here’s the official music video for “Twelve To Zero”:

Looking Ahead: The Midnight Expansion and Beyond

The release of “Twelve To Zero” serves as a powerful prelude to the launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight on March 2nd. Players can anticipate a wealth of new content, including the ability to personalize their own homes, embark on a compelling new campaign, and explore the uncharted territories of the Azj-Kahet zone, the Ohn’ahran Plains, the Isle of Dorn, and the Emerald Dream. The expansion aims to revitalize the game and attract both veteran players and newcomers alike.

For Malevolence, the collaboration with Blizzard represents a unique opportunity to expand their fanbase and showcase their musical prowess to a wider audience. The band’s willingness to embrace unconventional projects and overcome creative challenges positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. Their continued output of new music, coupled with their innovative collaborations, suggests a bright future for the UK-based metal titans.

In related news, the creator of the critically acclaimed role-playing game Kingdom Reach: Deliverance, Daniel Vávra, recently stepped down as head of Warhorse Studios to focus on a movie adaptation of the game. NME reported on the move, signaling a new chapter for both Vávra and the studio.

The World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion launches on March 2nd, and fans can expect further updates and announcements from Blizzard in the coming weeks. Malevolence continues to tour and record new material, with details available on their official website. The intersection of gaming and music continues to evolve, and collaborations like this one demonstrate the potential for exciting and innovative partnerships.

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