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Writer's pictureNoel Mifsud

Atomic Flame: A Flame Igniting the Maltese Heavy Metal Scene

Atomic Flame is a rising force in the heavy metal scene, formed in 2022 amidst the chaos of the global pandemic and the dissolution of previous bands. Born from the collective passion and experience of seasoned musicians, the band features a formidable lineup: Lawrence Baldacchino on drums, Nigel "Noogie" Buttigieg on guitar, Charles Buttigieg on bass, and their newest member, James Galea, taking on lead guitar duties. This lineup, forged from the ashes of their previous musical endeavours, has quickly gained recognition for its raw energy and dedication to the craft.


The band's origins date back to 2021, when Lawrence Baldacchino, an accomplished drummer with a rich history in bands like Fire and 12th Ode, began jamming with Campos Gellel, a talented guitarist known for his work with Angelcrypt and Blind Saviour. With the demise of Noogie’s Crew, Lawrence saw an opportunity to invite Nigel Buttigieg to join the nascent project. Nigel, raised in a household steeped in the history of Malta's rock and metal scene, brought his deep love for music and formidable guitar skills to the table. However, the band was still incomplete, and it wasn’t until Charles Buttigieg, Nigel's father, and a veteran of Malta’s metal scene, joined as bassist in December 2021 that the lineup truly began to take shape. Charles’s lyrical talent became the key to transforming the band’s musical ideas into fully formed songs.


Despite the early momentum, the band faced a major change when Campos Gellel departed in July 2022. This pivotal moment led to the band rebranding as Atomic Flame, marking a fresh start with a clearer identity. The gap left by Campos was quickly filled by Marco Mulé, a Sicilian guitarist with impressive credentials, having toured with major names such as Grave Digger, Lacuna Coil, and Nanowar of Steel during his time with Ricercados and Psycholies. His experience brought a new dimension to the band’s sound, and the reconfigured Atomic Flame was ready to unleash their powerful blend of heavy metal on audiences.


Their live debut came on January 21st, 2023, at The Garage in Zebbug, Malta. The show, performed to a sold-out crowd, was a resounding success and solidified Atomic Flame’s reputation as one of the most exciting new bands on the island. In the months that followed, the band released their first two singles: Innocence Becomes Prey on May 1st, 2023, and Hunter on December 2nd, 2023. Both tracks showcased their dynamic range, from intricate guitar solos to driving rhythms and haunting lyrics, solidifying their position in the metal scene.


Atomic Flame's momentum only grew with each performance. On March 16th, 2023, they opened for Time Lord, a band comprised of members from the legendary Pagan Altar, fronted by Forsaken’s Leo Stivala. The gig garnered rave reviews and further established the band’s reputation. Later that year, on November 11th, they supported the Italian power metal band Scala Mercalli, once again at The Garage, drawing enthusiastic responses from both fans and critics.


As the band continued to evolve, a significant lineup change came in May 2024 when Marco Mulé was replaced by James Galea. James, a guitarist with a long history in the Maltese rock and metal scene, brought a wealth of experience and creativity to the band. From his early days of being inspired by KISS on TV to his extensive work in bands like Purple Haze and Dreamscape, James had developed a deep understanding of melody and song structure. His return to the metal scene, after years away from active performance, has energized Atomic Flame with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.


The individual stories of Atomic Flame's members add depth to the band's narrative. Nigel Buttigieg, for instance, grew up surrounded by music, often accompanying his father, Charles, to rehearsals and gigs. Inspired by his dad’s tales of Malta’s vibrant rock scene in the '80s, Nigel quickly developed a passion for heavy metal. His pivotal moment came when he first heard Black Sabbath’s Paranoid and later Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast, which inspired him to pick up the guitar after initially starting on drums.


Marco Mulé's background as a Sicilian guitarist with experience playing with internationally recognized bands speaks to Atomic Flame’s expanding influence. While his time with the band may have been short-lived, his contributions helped shape the band's early sound and laid the groundwork for future success.


Charles Buttigieg, a veteran of the Maltese music scene since the early 1980s, is another cornerstone of the band. His years of playing with bands like Triton, Valda Cry, and Overdose during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era have given him a deep well of experience to draw from. Despite stepping away from music for a time, Charles returned in 2003 to form EXPLICIT and later joined Noogie’s Crew alongside his son, Nigel. His lyrical contributions to Atomic Flame have been vital in crafting the band’s signature sound.


At the heart of Atomic Flame’s driving force is drummer Lawrence Baldacchino. With a musical career spanning decades, Lawrence’s experience in bands like Necromancer, Rough Rider, and 12th Ode has given him the precision and stamina needed to anchor the band’s powerful sound. His passion for drumming is more than a technical skill—it's a therapeutic practice and a lifelong commitment. Lawrence’s drumming influences span genres, but he credits metal drummer Mike Portnoy as his all-time favourite. His dedication to continuing to perform, even at 65, reflects the same enduring spirit that propels Atomic Flame forward.


From an early age, James Galea's fascination with music was sparked by '70s radio hits, shaping his understanding of melody and rhythm. Though drawn to heavy metal, his diverse musical background influenced his guitar playing. At five, KISS's performance on Solid Gold inspired his passion, leading him to begin guitar lessons at 14. He played in various bands, including Purple Haze and Dreamscape, and contributed to musicals and original rock productions. After a break due to the rise of grunge, James returned to music, eventually rejoining the scene in 2024 with Atomic Flame, ready to create and perform once again.


With several live performances under their belt and enough original material to fill a full-length album, Atomic Flame stands poised to make their mark on the heavy metal world. Their journey, though marked by lineup changes and the challenges of the pandemic, speaks to the resilience and passion of each band member. The fire that drives Atomic Flame is far from burning out; instead, it’s just beginning to blaze brighter than ever.

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