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Writer's pictureNoel Mifsud

New members for Martyrium & Killerwitch / Muzika Muzika update / December in metal!

Martyrium unveils new singer


photo: Maria Baldacchino

Martyrium introduced their new vocalist on Saturday, December 2nd, during the Metal At Lust III event, marking its return to the local live scene after an extended absence, with the band headlining the night.

Following the event, the band expressed gratitude on their Facebook page, acknowledging those who contributed and attended and announcing:, "The Horde proudly introduces our new singer, Angelus Mortem, and blood sister Lilith Macabre, who will ignite pyres and chant the Devil's praises in upcoming shows and our forthcoming album. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, we extend our thanks to all who supported us, breathing newfound life into our Martyr hearts and souls in 2023 – see you soon!"

The Metal At Lust III event also featured performances by Morsrot and Angelcrypt.

The vibrant and emerging vocalist burst onto the scene approximately a year ago as the frontwoman for Luciferi Regnum. She continues to lead the band, and they are currently in the process of crafting their debut album, scheduled for release in 2024.


Muzika Muzika the last 20 songs....


During the last days of November a significant development has occurred in the selection process for the winning song in the fourth edition of Muzika Muzika.

Festivals Malta has announced that out of the 40 songs that advanced from the elimination phase after live performances accompanied by a backing track in front of an independent jury, 20 songs have been chosen to proceed to the semi-finals.

Paul Abela, the Artistic Director of Mużika Mużika, emphasized that the selected 20 songs for the semi-finals represent a diverse array of styles that will captivate the Maltese audience. While traditional styles continue to be popular in the festival, he noted the ongoing trend of Maltese artists experimenting with innovative submissions across various musical genres.

Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, expressed pride in the consistently positive response and high level of entries received each year for Mużika Mużika. He underscored the festival's role in highlighting the significance of the Maltese song.

Raymond Bugeja, Chairman of Mużika Mużika, highlighted the festival's integral role within the Festivals Malta portfolio, noting the commitment to maintaining the excellent standards achieved in previous editions.

The songs which have reached the semi-finals are as follows:


3 ta’ Ġunju 2021 Neville Refalo

Dawk l-Għajnejn Miguel Bonello

Din Għalik Moira Stafrace

Fil-Qrib Cliff Zammit Stevens

Ġenna Victoria

Ġranet Sbieħ Mark Micallef Costa

Grazzi MARA

Ħolma ta’ Mument Dario Bezzina

Iljun Andreana DeBattista

Imħabba Vera GIADA

Imqar Għal-lejla Megan May

Kewkba F’Tarf L-Irdum Cherylis

Kieku Kelli Thea Aquilina

Lulju Karen Debattista

Meta Tridni Ħdejk Qalb

Mhux Tal-Aħħar Maxine Pace

Mingħajr Kliem Keith Zammit Mintoff

Paradoss Haley

Vjagg Sabiħ Kantera

Waħdi Janice Debattista


The festival will take place between 14 -16 March 2024.


December metal releases


In the final days of 2023, the metal scene witnessed significant releases, with more anticipated in the coming days. Symphonic Black Metal ensemble Maleth Crucis launched their debut EP, 'Historia Nostra,' on November 26th, celebrated with a release party at Kickstart. The EP is available in both digital and digipak formats.

Thrashers Sonic Storm made their debut full-length album, 'Keys to Your Ruin,' available on all major platforms, including their Bandcamp page, as announced in a press release on December 1st on Melodija.eu

On December 4th, Atomic Flame unveiled their second single, 'The Hunter,' accompanied by a video which is accessible here.

Anticipated as one of the final metal releases of the year, Weeping Silence is set to launch their fifth full-length album, 'Isles Of Lore,' at The Garage on December 12th. This album, featuring a revamped lineup, marks the band's return after an eight-year hiatus and revolves around Maltese folklore and legends.

A few days earlier, on December 8th, SaHHar, will showcase his latest single, 'L-Imlejka.' The song also delves into Maltese folklore and legends, with Marton, the artist, describing it as a haunting composition about an obscure entity in Maltese lore. In a Facebook post, Marton explained that L'Imlejka is considered the queen of the underworld beneath the Maltese rock. The post provides insights into her mysterious origins, her association with New Year's Eve traditions, and her preference for the Narcissus flower, as documented in 'Precis de Mythologie Maltaise' by Magri Manwel.

Sahhar will also include ‘L-Imlejka’ during his performance prior to that of Weeping Silence at The Garage. The song can also pre-saved on spotify here.


Killerwitch announce new drummer


Killerwitch announced that they are thrilled to welcome Michael Curmi as the band's new drummer. Michael started playing drums at a young age in the 80's and formed part of the band Passion Blade, later abbreviated to Blade, with whom he received an award for the album Rockomotive at the Malta Music Awards in 1996. Subsequently, he was a member of the bands A Day Too Late and Black State Believers. His musical interests are varied within rock and metal from classic to modern. Michael is passionate about his drumming and is delighted to now be behind the kit with Killerwitch. Fans are encouraged to continue following the band as they have more exciting news coming up soon!



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