On Thursday 26th September, audiences were transported into an extraordinary realm of musical innovation - the Rockit Experience, an event that promised to blend the worlds of metal and orchestral music into one unforgettable evening. What unfolded exceeded all expectations, delivering a performance that was not just unique but profoundly trans-formative for everyone present. The event demonstrated the power of musical fusion, shattering preconceived notions and bringing together two traditionally disparate audiences under one roof. This was more than just a concert—it was a historic moment that will be talked about in the local music scene for years to come.
The night began with an energetic performance by Viper Soup Complex, whose set-list artfully mixed both well-loved classics and fresh new tracks. The band’s front-woman, Annemarie, was at her best,combining her impeccable choreography with dynamic stage presence
which only served to enhance the audience’s connection to the music. The evening marked the first major performance for the band's new guitarist, Sean Anastasi, who joined earlier in the summer. His performance was nothing short of remarkable; despite being a new addition, he played with such confidence and skill that it seemed as though he had been with the band for years. Anastasi, known for his aggressive guitar work with Grotium, transitioned seamlessly into the more intricate and melodic style of progressive rock, blending perfectly with the rest of the band. The entire group, from the rhythm section to the intricate leads, executed every note with precision and passion, setting a high bar for the evening’s main act.
After a brief intermission, the audience returned, filled with anticipation and curiosity about the forthcoming fusion of metal and orchestral music. From the very first note, they were captivated. The St. Paul Metropolitan Orchestra, conducted by the distinguished Maestro Mark Agius, delivered a breathtaking performance, seamlessly merging with the metal sounds of Oblique Visions. The collaboration was nothing short of awe-inspiring, proving that the fusion of these two genres was not only possible but could create something truly magical.
The orchestra, which has grown significantly since its inception, demonstrated its versatility and technical prowess throughout the night. Under the baton of Maestro Agius, the musicians brought Stefano Vagnini’s complex arrangements to life, filling the hall with a powerful and moving sound. Vagnini, an accomplished composer, and organist, brought a wealth of experience to the project, drawing from his deep understanding of both classical and contemporary music. His innovative ModulArt methodology, which allows for dynamic and adaptive compositions, was on full display, creating a seamless integration between the orchestra and the metal band.
While the entire orchestra performed brilliantly, there were moments where the horn section seemed slightly stretched, a testament to the ambitious nature of the arrangements. Yet, even in these challenging moments, the musicians rose to the occasion, their professionalism and skill shining through. The string sections, in particular, blended beautifully with the guitars and bass of Oblique Visions, creating a rich, layered sound that resonated with the audience.
The decision to perform Oblique Visions’ entire Out of Darkness album—a bold move in itself—added another layer of complexity to the evening. This was not a night of familiar rock or metal classics; instead, it was an exploration of new musical territories, with every arrangement carefully crafted to highlight the strengths of both the orchestra and the band. The result was a performance that was as challenging as it was rewarding, both for the musicians and for the audience.
One of the standout tracks on the album, though it often doesn't receive the recognition it deserves, is "Crepuscolo." This piece was originally composed by guitarist Frank Pizzo for a very special occasion—his wedding. Given the deep personal connection to the song, I had the opportunity to ask Frank a few questions about it.
What were your feelings and thoughts when you heard Crepuscolo's arrangement and execution last night?
Frank: "Crepuscolo is a part of a song I wrote for my wedding, the most important day of my life, so it already starts as very emotional for me. Crepuscolo, in Italian, refers to the period when the sun is just behind the horizon, a time of light that symbolises 'change,' whether it's dawn or dusk. I felt and embraced this symbolism during the orchestra's introduction. I entered a state of no thoughts—just heartbeat and breath, waiting. As the introduction ended and my original composition began, a high sense of awareness and concentration took over. This was my moment, inevitable, and it couldn’t be missed. I stared at the conductor without blinking—it started.
I felt a sense of relief when the guitar engaged with the cello (thank you, Maestros). My consciousness wasn’t guiding my fingers anymore; I was just flowing with the music. I could fully express my emotions, letting them flow through my fingers, and I enjoyed the glory of the moment. Then, when the violins entered, I felt overwhelmed by waves of emotion—nerves surging from my stomach to my heart and up to my face, calling for tears. But in the middle of that storm, the strong rhythm of the cellos and contra-basses rescued me, bringing me back to awareness and leading to those dissonant flamenco chords. It all culminated in a final blaze of glory. I will never be grateful enough for this.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart—Oblique Visions, Surmast Mark Agius, Maestro Vagnini, all the Maestros. It was an honour."
What's your overall view on last night's experience?
Frank: "I am amazed, flattered, and proud of the result. The venue was nearly full. However, I noticed a common challenge faced by all strongly innovative ideas—the audience seemed suspicious, perhaps because of the metal elements? But in the end, we brought everything together beautifully. It was unforgettable.”
The significance of this event cannot be overstated. It marked a new chapter in the Maltese music scene, proving that such ambitious collaborations are not only possible but can also be profoundly successful. The audience, many of whom had come with no clear expectations, were left mesmerised by the performance. As they mingled after the show, the air was filled with enthusiastic conversations, with many expressing their amazement at what they had just witnessed. This event, without a doubt, set a new standard for live performances in Malta and will be a reference point for future collaborations of this nature.
Oblique Visions took to social media the following day to express their gratitude and excitement. They reflected on the night as a dream come true, celebrating what they described as an unprecedented event in Malta—where an orchestra fused with metal to create something entirely original. Their enthusiasm was echoed by the orchestra, who also acknowledged the significant milestone they had achieved.
The success of the Rockit Experience was the result of meticulous planning and a deep commitment to musical excellence from all involved. The project, which had been in development for two years, required extensive rehearsals, with the orchestra and the band only coming together a week before the performance. Despite this limited preparation time, the level of cohesion and musicality achieved was extraordinary, highlighting the dedication and talent of everyone involved.
No review of this event would be complete without acknowledging the sound engineers, whose impeccable skill was evident throughout the night. Despite the immense pressure of their task—a strain clearly visible on Steve Lombardo's face even after the show concluded—they executed their work with remarkable precision and professionalism.
In conclusion, the Rockit Experience was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of musical innovation, collaboration, and artistic bravery. It challenged norms, bridged cultural gaps, and left an indelible mark on everyone who attended. This performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Malta’s musical history, setting a new benchmark for what can be achieved when different musical worlds come together. The event not only entertained but also inspired, leaving audiences and musicians alike eager to see what future collaborations might bring. As fellow presenter Michael Bugeja aptly summarised, "This was a truly enjoyable evening, from the engaging opening act Viper Soup Complex to the last notes of Oblique Visions' ambitious collaboration with the Orchestra. Some arrangements worked better than others, but overall, it hit the mark. Well done to all involved!"
Comments