The Evolution of the Maltese Metal Scene: (Disbanded Bands) Part Four

The 2000’s (second part)

Item

Item was a groove/thrash metal band that blended melancholic melodies with heavy guitar riffs. Their 2008 EP The God the Slave the Machine featured tracks like "The Shroud" and "Birth of a Myth." The band's lineup included Ben Aquilina (bass), Cedric Vella (guitar), and Max Vassallo (vocals and drums), all former members of Knockturn Alley. Item's music resonated with fans of groove and thrash metal, leaving a lasting impact on the underground scene.

Ktinodia

Active from 2001 to the late 2000s, Ktinodia was a brutal death metal band known for their technical prowess and aggressive sound. Their 2004 demo Dying in Phases showcased tracks like "Dismembered and Suffocated" and "Cranially Infested." The band's lineup included Adam Andrason Mizzi (drums), Mark Camilleri (guitar), Neil Farrugia (vocals), and James Scerri (bass). Past members have included Gerald Tanti on bass, Karl Attard on bass, Steve Falzon on drums, Clive Vella on vocals, and Alan Darmanin on vocals. While there has been no official announcement of a split, Ktinodia has not made any public appearances in recent years.

12th Ode

Formed around 2010, 12th Ode quickly gained recognition for their heavy metal sound, led by Laurence "Wenzu" Baldacchino on drums, Jeremy Xuereb on guitars, and Daryl Ebejer on vocals. Other founding members included Henry Portelli on bass and his son Darryl (also ex-Pilgrimage (live) and ex-Wolven Hour) on guitars both until 2016. The band also had a second vocalist, Angela Vella Zarb, until 2013.

In 2016, the lineup shifted with the addition of Gino Micallef on bass and Owen Grech on guitars. Their independently released full-length album The Awakening (2015) featured tracks like "Forgotten Warriors," "Forever Wild," and "Witch Hunter," solidifying their presence in the heavy metal underground. After the band's dissolution, members continued their musical paths, with Jeremy, Owen, and Gino forming Killerwitch in 2010, while Laurence joined Atomic Flame.

Knockturn Alley

Knockturn Alley was a death metal band with a blend of heavy and atmospheric elements. They released their debut full-length album Medusa in 2009, alongside the EP The Dream Is Dead, both of which showcased their dynamic sound. The last known lineup of the band included Daniel Cardona on bass, Dimitris Aggelidis on drums, Thomas Wåhlin and James Bartolo on guitars, and Clint Tabone on vocals. Throughout its career, the band saw several lineup changes, with former members such as Max Vassallo (ex-Abysmal Torment, ex-Loathe), Ben Aquilina (ex-Item, ex-Abysmal Torment), and Ched Vella (ex-Item) contributing to the band’s evolving sound. Bruce Cauchi had also played drums from 2004 to 2006.

Myopic Destiny

Myopic Destiny released its debut full-length album, The Harsh Cold Reality, in 2012. The album showcased the band’s heavy, impactful sound, blending elements of metalcore and melodic death metal. The lineup featured Clyde Farrugia on bass (also ex-Damaged & Co.), Ehren Fenech on drums (also ex-Decline the Fall), and Daniel Aquilina and Daniel Sammut on guitars (both also from Damaged & Co.). Marc Tanti handled vocals, contributing to the band's intense and dynamic style. Myopic Destiny's music captured a sense of raw emotion and technical precision, marking them as a notable presence in the metal scene during their active years.

Noogie's Crew

Noogie's Crew was a metal band that was active in two separate periods: from 2011 to 2012 and again from 2015 to 2021. During their active years, they released an EP titled Noogie’s Crew in 2016 and a full-length album Till Dark Returns in 2019, both of which showcased their unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock. The last known lineup included Johnathan Camilleri on guitars, Charles Buttigieg on bass, Mario Dalli on drums, and Nigel Buttigieg on vocals and guitars. The band also had several past members, including Clive Brincat and David Cassar Torregiani, both on guitars. After Noogie's Crew disbanded, Charles and Nigel Buttigieg joined the band Atomic Flame, continuing their musical careers in the metal scene.

Stillborn

Stillborn, a melodic gothic metal band formed in 2000, captivated listeners with its exploration of deep, emotional themes. Known for their evocative sound and introspective lyrics, Stillborn's discography showcased their growth. Their 2006 demo Thy Feeble Soul laid the foundation for their 2007 full-length album of the same name. Tracks like "Silent Worlds" and "Rites of Passage" from the demo were revisited in their polished debut. In 2008, the single "Angel" further demonstrated their emotional depth. The lineup at its peak included Diane Castillo (vocals), Raphael Grech and Mario Cassar (guitars), Chris Grillo (bass), and Brendan Cutajar (drums). The band's evolution also saw past members such as Elton Mifsud Il-Bisont, Joseph Marmara, Jean Paul Galea, and Julian Cardona on bass, while key members like Jade Brincat and Gilbert Camilleri contributed keyboards. Before becoming Stillborn, the band was known as Legion and later as Beyond Prophecy.

Memento Nostri

Memento Nostri, a symphonic gothic and folk metal band, was known for their melancholic melodies and haunting vocals. Their 2010 EP Pro Patria featured four tracks "Pro Patria," "Decimation at the Gates," "Victory," and "Il-Fatt," The band's lineup included Alexia Baldacchino (Tryst Arcane) (vocals), Michael Sammut (Maleth Crucis, ex-Lithomancy) (guitar/vocals), Mark A. Tagliaferro (ex-Arachnid) (guitar/keyboard), Raphael Grech (ex-Stillborn and ex-Weeping Silence) (guitar), and Charlie Saliba (ex-Achiral) (bass) and Jade Brincat (ex-Stillborn) on keyboards.

Jade Brincat was a talented keyboardist known for her contributions to the symphonic gothic and folk metal scene. She was a key member of both Memento Nostri and Stillborn, where her skill on keyboards helped define the atmospheric and haunting qualities of their music. Tragically, Jade passed away in November 2008 at the age of 21, leaving behind a legacy in the Maltese underground metal scene. She is remembered for her musical influence and dedication to her craft.

The 2000s marked a dynamic expansion for the Maltese metal scene, as bands explored diverse subgenres and pushed the boundaries of their craft. While many of these groups are no longer active today, their contributions to the island's music culture and the broader metal landscape continue to resonate. The creativity and passion of these musicians remain a vital part of the legacy that defined Maltese metal during this era.