This year’s Malta Death Fest wrapped up in the early hours of Sunday, September 29th, leaving attendees with a mix of emotions—exhilaration from the festival’s high-energy performances and bittersweet feelings knowing this might be the last edition, at least for a while. Having made a triumphant return last year after a long hiatus, the fifth edition built upon the momentum, delivering two days of unrelenting extreme metal. Featuring ten brutal bands, the lineup did not disappoint. While reviewing each performance would be a monumental task, I’ll focus on the Maltese bands that took part in this year’s festival, four in total, who each contributed to making this event a resounding success.
Organisation: A Well-Oiled Machine
Before we delve into the bands, it’s important to acknowledge the flawless organization behind this event. Organizing a festival of this scale is never easy, but two individuals with a boundless passion for music managed to pull it off seamlessly. David Cachia, the festival’s creator, has been the driving force behind Malta Death Fest since its inception in 2011, when the first edition took place at the now-defunct V-Gen. This year, (just like last year) his experience and meticulous planning together with the expertise of Rene Farrugia were clearly visible in every detail. From the smooth transitions between acts to the professional treatment of both artists and audience members, it was evident that this event was managed with care and dedication.
The feedback from the musicians further underscored this point. Every artist I spoke with had nothing but praise for the festival's organisation. Of course, even with Cachia and Farrugia's expert leadership, such a massive event requires additional hands, particularly when it comes to managing the stage. In this regard, Emanuel Portelli and Dino Mifsud Lepre of Hemplifier handled stage management and logistics like seasoned professionals, ensuring that each performance went off without a hitch.
Sound engineering was entrusted to none other than Steve Lombardo, a legend in the local music scene. Despite being fatigued from managing sound for a full orchestra performance just days earlier—an unprecedented event in Malta—he executed his duties flawlessly. Given the complexity of managing sound for ten extreme metal bands over two days, his achievement cannot be overstated. The lighting, often an overlooked element of any local event, was handled by Philip Taske Gerard, who once again provided an impeccable display that added to the overall atmosphere. This year, his efforts were especially recognized and appreciated by the community.
Day One: A Brutal Start
Kicking off the festival on the first day was Halcyon, a relatively new Maltese band that has made waves since their formation just over a year ago. This performance marked the debut of their new bassist, Aidan Zarb, a name more commonly associated with his vocal work in the thrash metal outfit Grotium. Despite this shift in roles, Zarb fit in seamlessly, performing Halcyon’s intricate songs with precision and enthusiasm. The highlight of their set was the debut of a brand-new track, still so fresh it hadn’t even been given a title yet simply presented as New Song. Despite being a new addition, the track was met with enthusiasm from the audience, setting high expectations for what’s to come from the band. Halcyon’s energetic set, led by the charismatic Zain, left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with in Malta’s metal scene.
Next up among the Maltese bands was Angelcrypt, one of the island’s veteran metal acts. Positioned as the third band on the bill, Angelcrypt delivered a blistering set, continuing their Legacy of Valour tour, which will see them perform over 20 shows across Europe. Their performance was a masterclass in energy and precision, blending fan-favourite older tracks with newer songs that are rapidly gaining traction. Since guitarist and band founder Shawn Mizzi assumed vocal duties in addition to his guitar playing, the band’s music has evolved into a more energetic and intense sound, which I personally prefer over their earlier style. Angelcrypt’s set followed Dutch death metal band Caedere, who were a tough act to follow, but the Maltese veterans rose to the occasion and kept the energy high. The band, now approaching their 30th anniversary, demonstrated that their experience has only sharpened their edge, and they continue to prove why they remain one of the island’s top extreme metal acts. Their performance at Malta Death Fest added to the anticipation of seeing them again on local soil in the near future.
Day Two: Anticipation and Speculation
The second day of the festival kicked off at 6:30 PM, with doors opening to a crowd buzzing with anticipation. Leading the charge was Sacroment, another Maltese band that, despite their recent formation, has already made an impression. I first saw them at the Crowned Battle of the Bands earlier this year, which also marked their live debut. Sacroment’s set at the festival saw them perform their upcoming debut album New Age Aggression in its entirety, and the songs were met with enthusiasm from the crowd. The band’s aggressive and polished sound makes them one to watch, and the audience's response suggests that their album release is eagerly awaited. Much like Halcyon, Sacroment is poised for great things, and their future in the Maltese metal scene looks promising.
The final Maltese band to perform was Martyrium, a staple of Malta’s extreme metal landscape. They took the stage amidst a swirl of rumours and speculation. Speculation intensified when the band took the stage without two of their original members, keyboardist David Pulis and guitarist Andrew Baldacchino, the latter of whom was in attendance to watch the rest of the band perform. Everyone present was aware of the speculation, but we are here to focus on the facts. Since nothing official has been announced by the band, we cannot make any assumptions. Nonetheless, Martyrium delivered a powerful set, playing most of the tracks from their 2021 album Lamia Satanica, except —A Knife Through All Poison Hearts, Thrice God’s Voice Denied, and Thy Bosom Serpent. These seemingly new tracks were commended by the audience.
Closing the Curtain: A Hope for the Future
Following Martyrium’s performance, the festival continued with performances by Inverecund, Sepiroth (one of my personal highlights of the festival), and, finally, Finnish black metal legends Impaled Nazarene, who closed the festival with a thunderous performance. The energy and intensity of the final acts left the audience on a high, a fitting conclusion to two days of extreme metal mayhem.
In conclusion, the 5th edition of the Death Fest was a resounding success, both in terms of organisation and the quality of performances. The festival has become a crucial event for the local extreme metal scene, providing a platform for both emerging and established bands to showcase their talent. While the potential hiatus looms over the future of the festival, one can only hope that the break is a short one. Malta’s metal scene needs events like this to thrive, and festivals like the Death Fest are vital in keeping the community united and energised. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait too long for its return.
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