Isles Of Lore released online
The day has arrived. Weeping Silence are thrilled to announce that their new album 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘 has now been released via record label ViciSolum Productions. The album is now available on Spotify or in physical Digipak format.
The band are aiming to play the album in its entirety on 12 December when it shall be launched physically during a gig at The Garage.
𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘 is inspired by the timeless allure of Maltese folklore characters, creatures, and legends and exemplifies the current stage in Weeping Silence’s stylistic evolution (best described as Melodic Metal with influences from Progressive and Death Metal). All tracks are now available on Spotify, but for the full experience, the Digipak includes the physical CD together with a beautifully designed booklet. Featuring the main album art, the booklet also includes lyrics and informative captions about each respective character.
𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 are:
𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 & 𝗟𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀: Dario Pace Taliana
𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿: Mario Ellul
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿: Glenn Paul Pace
𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀: Manuel Spiteri
𝗞𝗲𝘆𝘀: Alison Ellul
𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘀: Julian Mallia (Julinu)
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴: David Depasquale | SPINESPLITTER STUDIO |
𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Jens Bogren - Fascination Street Studios
𝗔𝗹𝗯𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝘁: Julian Mallia (Julinu) |
𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Nick Grima MGT
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹: ViciSolum Productions
There are numerous people who were in some way or another involved in the making of this labor of love, among whom: Orphaned Land’s Kobi Farhi (who features as a guest vocalist in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀), their manager Nick Grima, Thomas Hörnkvist from record label ViciSolum Productions (Sound Pollution Distribution), Noel Mifsud and Michael Bugeja for their continuous media support, video creator Cedric Vella, photographers Maria Baldacchino and Daniel Dean Marsk, past members for being part of this journey, their families, and their dedicated supporters.
𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 link
Sceptocrypt returns after twenty four years
On November 25, 2023, Malcolm Callus, the founder of Sceptocrypt in 1992 in Malta, announced the re-launch of the band this year in London. Malcolm, now based in London, reflects on the significance of the band's return after a 24-year absence, choosing to release a requiem titled "Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem." This decision is deeply personal, as it was inspired by the passing of his mother, Doris Callus, on September 25, 2023. Malcolm expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be with his mother in her final moments and dedicates the song as a thank you, released exactly two months after her passing.
The cover art for the requiem, masterfully crafted by Twan Sibon of www.brutalism.com, features an angel with a trumpet symbolizing the release of one's grip and surrendering to the currents of life. This imagery resonates with the theme of flowing effortlessly with the cosmic rhythm, a concept inspired by Malcolm's mother's approach to life.
Malcolm fondly recalls his mother's vibrant spirit and individuality, citing a video of her dancing to her own beat among professional dancers. This spirit, embodied in the saying "Dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one were listening, and live every day as if it were your last," serves as a guiding principle for Malcolm's life and art.
The process of creating the requiem was cathartic for Malcolm, providing an outlet for his restlessness and lack of sleep during the week of his mother's passing. With the help of a borrowed guitar and the support of friends like Sean from Forsaken and David from Spinesplitter Studios, Malcolm composed, recorded, and produced the song.
Initially titled "The Unwanted Requiem," the song's name was later changed to "Oratorio Mortem 2" as a nod to the band's history of resilience. Sceptocrypt faced the prospect of splitting up in 1996 but found new musicians, recorded "Oratorio Mortem" in 1997, and went on to experience success with a stronger lineup.
Malcolm takes the opportunity to pay homage to his nephew Luca Micallef, who passed away a year ago, and others who are now on the other side, including Pawlu Camilleri and Marcello Scalpello. He dedicates the song "Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem" to their memory.
The credits for the song go to David Depasquale of Spine Splitter Studios for recording, sound design, mixing, and mastering, Twan Sibon of Brutalism for the artwork, Emvin Mifsud of Ewvin by Me for photography of clocks, and Sean Vukovic of Vukovic Music for lending a guitar for composition and recording purposes. Malcolm expresses gratitude to everyone who has supported the band and invites drummers in London to join Sceptocrypt for live performances.
Link to Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem on bandcamp.
Muzika Muzika: the last twenty songs announced
Festivals Malta announced the twenty semifinalist songs for the local music festival, Mużika Mużika, which will take place between the 14th and 16th of March 2024.
The songs are as follows (in alphabetical order according to the song title plus artist/composer/lyricist ):
3 ta’ Ġunju 2021 - Neville Refalo - Corazon Mizzi - Corazon Mizzi
Dawk l-Għajnejn - Miguel Bonello - Gilbert ‘il- Bibi’ Camilleri u Miguel Bonello - Miguel Bonello
Din Għalik - Moira Stafrace - David Cassar Torregiani, Toby Farrugia u Moira Stafrace - Gerard James Borg u Ryan Axisa
Fil-Qrib - Cliff Zammit Stevens - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia
Ġenna - Victoria - Cyprian Cassar - Lon Kirkop
Ġranet Sbieħ - Mark Micallef Costa - Mark Micallef Costa, Gabrijel Mansueto, Roderick Borg u Stefan Grech - Mark Micallef Costa
Grazzi - MARA - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia
Ħolma ta’ Mument - Dario Bezzina - Dario Bezzina - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia
Iljun - Andreana DeBattista - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss
Imħabba Vera - GIADA - Glen Vella - Philip Vella
Imqar Għal-lejla - Megan May - Peter Borg, Megan May, u Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur - Megan May
Kewkba F’Tarf L-Irdum - Cherylis - Pamela Bezzina - Pamela Bezzina
Kieku Kelli - Thea Aquilina - Cyprian Cassar - Cliff Casha Brincat
Lulju - Karen Debattista - Karen Debattista - Mark Scicluna
Meta Tridni Ħdejk - Qalb - Paul Giordimaina - Fleur Balzan
Mhux Tal-Aħħar - Maxine Pace - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss
Mingħajr Kliem - Keith Zammit Mintoff - Matthew James - Matthew James
Paradoss - Haley - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss
Vjagg Sabiħ - Kantera - Kantera u Micimago - Joe Julian Farrugia
Waħdi - Janice Debattista - Philippa Naudi u Bettina Muchmore - Philippa Naudi u Bettina Muchmore
Frans Agius, the Executive Director of Festivals Malta, affirms that, as is the case each year, Mużika Mużika has received a highly positive response. The competition has consistently attracted a considerable number of high-quality entries in previous years, making the task of the independent jury challenging in choosing the 20 semifinalist songs for the upcoming edition.
Malta Eurovision Song Contest: the twelve finalists
The announcement of the twelve finalists for this year's Malta Eurovision Song Contest took place on Friday evening.
One of these finalists will go on to represent Malta in the international event, witnessed by millions worldwide, scheduled to be held in Malmö, Sweden, in May. This follows Malta's triumph in the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest last year, featuring the singer Loreen and her song "Tattoo."
The twelve finalists emerged from the pool of 36 semifinalists, introducing their songs on the national stage and through social media in recent weeks.
During the Friday evening event, which involved the elimination of 22 contestants, the public will be able to vote for their favorite song via SMS. Each person can cast a vote for the same song once.
The finalists include Miriana Conte, Greta Tude, Haley, the group Erba', the Gozitan duo Denise and Sarah Bonnici, Gail, Janvil, Ryan Hili, Nathan, Matt Blxck, and Lisa Gauci.
Under the updated regulations this year, the twelve finalists will each receive twelve thousand euros to produce a music video, which will be used in the final stage of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest.
Simultaneously, in alignment with the same theme, Yulan Law will represent Malta in the 21st edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Nice, France, on the upcoming Sunday.