Emanuel Portelli Joins Akem Manah as the Band Announces New Album Release
On July 9 Black Lion Records announced a collaboration with the renowned doom metal band Akem Manah. Formed in 2007 in Belgium, Akem Manah made a significant impact with their unique blend of progressive riffs and compelling melodies, releasing two critically acclaimed albums, "The Testament of Sealant Mound" and "Beneath," before disbanding in 2014. Now, the band is set to make a triumphant return with a new album slated for release in 2025.
Black Lion Records shared their enthusiasm on Facebook: “We are excited to announce our collaboration with the doom metal band Akem Manah. We are thrilled to welcome them back as they prepare to release their new album in 2025. The band's musical style and the members' backgrounds align perfectly with our core family.”
Akem Manah's reformation brings together an impressive lineup of musicians from various esteemed metal acts. Emanuel Portelli, who joined the band in 2023, is a talented guitarist known for his work with Victims of Creation and Thy Legion. Portelli expressed his excitement about being part of Akem Manah, stating, “Proud to be part of this international lineup! New Akem Manah album will be out in 2025 through Black Lion Records!”
In addition to Portelli, Akem Manah’s lineup includes:
Ed Warby (Ayreon, 11th Hour, Plan Nine, Gorefest, Hail of Bullets) on drums
Ruben Delanghe (Bonerattle) on bass guitar and composition
Craig Rossi (Drift into Black, Grey Skies Fallen) on keyboard
Izzy Op de Beeck (Stuporous, Detour Doom Ensemble, Avatar) on trumpet/flugelhorn
Guy Van Campenhout (Splendidula, Hangman's Hymn, Wound Collector) on guitar
Joris Thoen on guitar
Xavier De Schuyter (Hangman's Hymn, Plagueland, Witherwill) on vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, lyrics, and composition
Akem Manah also expressed their satisfaction with the new partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Black Lion Records on our upcoming full album, which will be released next year. Their dedication and professionalism are the perfect home for Akem Manah. We look forward to bringing you many more soul-crushing, progressive doom metal tracks.”
The band's first single from the upcoming album, "Dreich," featuring Paul Kuhr from November's Doom, is already available on YouTube. The single was produced by Erwin Hermsen at Toneshed Recording Studio in Horst, the Netherlands, with assistant engineering by Fons van Dijk.
Fans of Akem Manah and doom metal enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the band's new release, which promises to deliver the powerful, progressive sound that made Akem Manah a standout in the genre.
For more updates and to listen to "Dreich," visit Akem Manah’s YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for more news as Akem Manah prepares to unleash their new album in 2025.
The Stents-Gozo Release New Single "Over The Moon"
The Stents-Gozo, have just released their latest single, "Over The Moon." Launched on June 13, 2024, the song features music and lyrics by Frank Buhagiar and has already begun to capture the hearts of fans with its heartfelt and relatable message about the complexities of love.
"Over The Moon" explores the whirlwind of emotions that love can bring—questions of truth, self-doubt, and the exhilarating highs and lows of romantic relationships. Buhagiar’s poignant lyrics delve into these universal experiences, making the track resonate deeply with listeners. The single was recorded and mixed at Gozo Records, ensuring top-notch production quality that highlights the band’s unique sound. It serves as a teaser for their upcoming mini-album, set to be launched in September or October 2024.
The accompanying music video, conceptualized, shot, edited, and directed by the band's own Denis Mezei, visually captures the song's emotional depth. "In the video, we tried to portray those emotions," Mezei explained, reflecting the band's commitment to authentic and expressive storytelling.
The Stents-Gozo lineup includes:
Clayton Buttigieg on bass and vocals
Terence Dutfield on drums
Denis Mezei on lead guitar
Holman Martinez on keyboards
Frank Buhagiar on guitar and vocals
The band also pays tribute to their late member, Paul Petricco, stating, “Paul is dearly missed and will always be part of the band.” His legacy continues to influence their music and bond as a group.
As anticipation builds for the mini-album’s release later this year, "Over The Moon" is already marking a significant milestone in The Stents-Gozo’s musical journey. Fans and new listeners alike can enjoy the single and its evocative video, on YouTube.
For more updates on The Stents-Gozo and to watch the "Over The Moon" video, follow them on their official social media channels.
More New Singles: The Rifffs and Kantera Make Waves
On July 11th, the music scene was abuzz with the release of two new singles. The Rifffs marked their return with a new song accompanied by a video titled “Modern Society.” More details about this release are available in the band’s official press release.
Kantera also released a video for their song “Vjagg Sabih,” which they had performed during the Muzika Muzika festival in March. The music for "Vjagg Sabih" was composed by Kantera in collaboration with Micimago, while the lyrics were penned by Joe Julian Farrugia. The band members of Kantera include Claudio Teuma Castelletti, George Bonello, Kurt Scerri, Kurt Aquilina, Mark Attard, Michel Refalo, Simon Farrugia, and Raymond Farrugia. The recording and production of the song took place at Micimago Studios.
The video for "Vjagg Sabih" was a collaborative effort featuring a talented production team. Juwill handled the overall production, while William Cachia directed the project. Julian Cachia served as the Press Director and Editor, ensuring a polished final product. Luke Micallef was responsible for grip work, and Samwel Borg provided the visual effects. Greg Maggi contributed his expertise in color correction, and Kieran Mark Galea captured the behind-the-scenes moments. The video was filmed at Rec Media Room, with costumes designed by Cessani and hair styling by Hair for Men Barbers.
The video for “Vjagg Sabih” showcases the creative efforts of a dedicated team and can be viewed here.
Special Fundraising Event Announced to Support Malta's Creative Community
A special fundraising event dedicated to supporting the local creative community in Malta has been announced, highlighting the urgent need for a creative arts complex on the island. Thorough research, applications, and backing from local governmental entities have culminated in the launch of this initiative, aptly named MMPAC.mt.
The event will take place on July 20 and 21 at 97 Notes in Valletta. It aims to gather support for the construction of a much-needed creative arts complex, providing a space for the local artistic community to thrive. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and the organisations involved, while also contributing to a worthy cause.
The evening will feature performances curated by talented local artists, showcasing the vibrant and diverse talent within the Maltese creative community. This event is structured on a donation basis, with all contributions going towards the fundraising campaign for the development of creative spaces.
The organisers emphasise that every presence and donation will significantly impact the success of this initiative, helping to create a dedicated hub for Malta's creative arts.
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