From Malta’s Shadows to Vinyl: The Long-Lost Legacy of Evil Grave Resurfaces
- Noel Mifsud
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
A remarkable piece of Maltese musical history is finally coming to light with the upcoming release of Death From Malta, a long-lost recording by early 1970s underground band Evil Grave. Issued by Rise Above Relics and set for release on April 24th, this limited vinyl pressing (300 black copies with insert) marks the first official release of the band’s material—nearly half a century after their brief but intriguing existence.
Evil Grave were formed in December 1971, emerging from the fusion of two young local acts, The Stampede and The Beatmoors. At a time when heavy music was still in its infancy globally, the band independently explored a similarly dark and experimental sound on the island of Malta. Their very name reflected this influence, combining references to Black Sabbath’s “Evil Woman” and “Children of the Grave,” while also signaling their intent: to confront corruption and societal darkness through music and imagery.
The original lineup featured John E. Zammit-Pace (guitar, vocals), Twanny Darmanin (bass, vocals), Clive Simpson (keyboards, vocals), and Mario Barbara (drums), later replaced by Martin Buhagiar. Despite their youth, the band quickly developed a distinctive identity rooted in hard rock, avant-garde experimentation, and artistic influences ranging from surrealism to early electronic composition. Their music incorporated chromaticism, atonality, and unconventional structures—making them pioneers within the Maltese scene.
Within just a month of forming, Evil Grave secured a residency at the enigmatic Pharaoh’s Den nightclub, where they honed their live sound. They later rehearsed and performed at the Palm Beach Club, building a reputation strong enough for a local newspaper to describe them as the best band in Malta following a marathon concert event in 1972. Opportunities followed, including a proposed Scandinavian tour, but setbacks—including a collapsed deal and a rejected television appearance—ultimately led to the band’s dissolution.
What remains today is a fascinating snapshot of a band far ahead of its time. Death From Malta compiles all surviving recordings, primarily captured in a single one-hour session at Rediffusion studios in March 1973. These recordings were made live, without overdubs, preserving the raw immediacy of their performances. Additional material, including the expansive 15-minute track “Machinery,” was recorded later in 1977.
The album’s tracklist is as follows:
Machinery
Optica
Screaming Streaks Of Light
Jam Session
Satan’s Death
The revival of Evil Grave can be traced back to Lee Dorrian, who first came across the band while on holiday in Malta, recalling how he “discovered the almost mythical ‘Evil Grave’” after asking about obscure local acts from the late 60s and early 70s. His curiosity set in motion a deeper exploration into the island’s forgotten underground scene. As outlined by Noel Mifsud in the album’s liner notes, interest in the group had been quietly building for years—he himself first heard of them “around ten years ago” and later found rare recordings online before discussing Malta’s early bands with Dorrian during a visit. Through the combined efforts of Dorrian, Mifsud, and guitarist John E. Zammit-Pace, these long-lost recordings have now been restored and introduced to a global audience for the very first time.
More than just a release, Death From Malta is an archival resurrection—an important reminder of a forgotten chapter in Malta’s cultural and musical heritage. With its blend of proto-heavy metal, progressive experimentation, and avant-garde ambition, Evil Grave’s music stands as both a historical curiosity and a genuinely compelling listen.
For collectors, historians, and fans of early underground rock, this release offers a rare opportunity to hear what was once nearly lost to time.
Death From Malta can be ordered here
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