In the depths of Malta's cultural landscape lies a realm often overlooked yet fiercely vibrant: the extreme metal community. "Brotherhood: A Story of Metal in Malta," a captivating feature-length documentary, delves deep into this underground scene, uncovering tales of passion, resilience, and unyielding creativity.
Premiering with resounding success on the 16th of September 2017 at the Embassy Cinema Valletta, this documentary immediately struck a chord with audiences. Its subsequent screenings at Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier, Valletta, further solidified its impact, drawing enthusiasts and the curious alike into its world.
Through candid interviews with both established icons and emerging talents, "Brotherhood" paints a vivid portrait of a subculture often misunderstood and marginalized. Figures like Beheaded, Forsaken, Loathe, and Martyrium, alongside rising stars such as Align the Tide and Krishna, share their personal narratives, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives as part of Malta's metal fabric.
Leo Stivala of Forsaken eloquently encapsulates the sentiment, stating, "Metal is a large, and integral part of my life. You have to experience it to believe it and to really understand what it is." These words resonate profoundly, embodying the essence of a community bonded by its love for extreme music.
Recognition for the documentary's excellence came swiftly, with "Brotherhood" clinching the Best Documentary award in the Feature-length section at the Alternative Film Festival (AltFF) in Toronto on December 18th, 2017. The accolade affirmed the filmmakers' dedication to showcasing Malta's metal prowess on a global stage.
Director Nicholas Bonello and producer Malcolm Alden's commitment to their craft shines through, reflecting their unwavering passion for local music, particularly the metal genre. As Malcolm expressed, "It means a lot to us that our hard work was recognized across the globe. We're happy to help in any way to promote the Maltese metal community."
Indeed, "Brotherhood" transcends mere documentation; it serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity embedded within Malta's metal scene. From gritty garage venues to electrifying album launches, the film captures the essence of a community bound by shared experiences and a love for sonic intensity.
With plans underway for a wider release through a crowdfunding campaign in early 2018, the documentary reached even greater audiences, amplifying the voices and stories of Malta's metal brethren. Backed by songs from Malta’s finest (see track list below) and an original score from David Depasquale, a luminary in the local scene, "Brotherhood" stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the face of societal stigma.
In essence, "Brotherhood: A Story of Metal in Malta" beckons not just to seasoned metalheads, but to all souls eager to explore a world brimming with epic soundscapes and mythic narratives. It is an invitation to embrace the unconventional, to celebrate diversity, and to discover the profound sense of camaraderie that lies within Malta's metal brotherhood.
CD soundtrack features:
David Depasquale – Brotherhood
Krishna - Gilgamesh' Theme
Rising Sunset - Tower Of Babel
Align The Tide - Dead Religion
Abysmal Torment - High Them High
Forsaken - Dominaeon
Martyrium - Where No Shadows Cast The Fire Light
Beheaded - Beast Incarnate
Club Murder - Derailed
The Ranch - The Ugly Ducking
Loathe - A Glow So Haunting
The remaining few copies of the documentary on DVD and Blu-ray, along with the soundtrack CD, are now available exclusively for purchase from Melodija.eu.
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