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Amber's journey as a judge on season 4 of X Factor Malta came to an end last Saturday and what better way to end the experience then by releasing a song dedicated to her son who she welcomed only a week before the first live show. Throughout her journey on the X Factor, she was pregnant, giving birth just a week before the first live show. A significant moment of closure came when she released her latest single, 'Għanja lil Ġużi ', on the X Factor Final stage. Amber rose to prominence representing Malta in the 2015 Eurovision with 'Warrior' and has continued to grow her artistry and release her original music ever since. In addition to her role on the X Factor Season 4 judging panel, 2023 proved to be a bustling year for Amber. From co-hosting the MESC alongside Glen Vella to performing the official song for the Games of the Small States of Europe with Aidan—penned by herself and co-composed with Elton Zarb—alongside multiple other performances across the island, Amber's schedule was packed and there's no sign of her slowing down anytime soon. 'Għanja lil Ġużi ' marks her first release of the year, with Amber stating, "This song is for all parents or parental figures. No matter what, we're always there for our children." Links: X Factor performance Facebook Instagram Spotify

In 2023, the members of Red Electric sustained their remarkable journey of triumph. They unveiled a new EP, graced stages both locally and globally, and notably shared the spotlight with Robbie Williams, captivating audiences far and wide with their captivating melodies. Despite their demanding schedules, their commitment to crafting compelling music remained unwavering. 'Time Flies' is just a glimpse of the brilliance we can expect from Red Electric this year Red Electric is starting off 2024 with a hit that is sure to find its way onto your playlists quickly. Whether you're at work, driving, or just relaxing with your other half on Valentine’s Day, 'Time Flies' is the perfect addition. In 2023, the boys continued their streak of success. They launched a new EP, performed at gigs locally and internationally, and even opened for Robbie Williams during the summer, captivating thousands with their music. Despite their busy schedules, their dedication to songwriting never wavered. 'Time Flies' is just one of the many gems we can anticipate from Red Electric this year ‘Time Flies’ is a song written by the 4 guys in Red Electric whilst on a trip in UK, inspired by British heroes like The Cure, The Smiths and also more contemporary artists like Lewis Capaldi and Harry Styles - Lyrically, Joe speaks about the passing of time, and how quickly it passes when you are in the presence of somebody you love - be it a friend, partner or family member - Love has been a topic of inspiration of thousands of songs throughout pop music history, and the subject of this song does not re-invent the wheel, but then again, the concept and the emotion of Love has not varied much either since the existence of the human race - Time flies when a person you love is by your side. The song was produced by the band together at Peter's studio - Railway Studios. Sonically, classic British bands like The Cure's Friday I'm in Love was a massive inspiration, Pete picked up his 12 string guitar which he purchased recently and told the guys, let's write something like "Friday I'm in Love" and instantly starting playing the riff which would end up being the main riff and counter melody under the chorus. Aleandro wrote a brilliant harmony riff to this riff which together created a sound similar to bands like Keane and Coldplay. Ivan's signature melodic bass lines add texture and finish off what is on it's own a backing track you would enjoy listening to. Finally, the cherry on the cake is the actual lyric - lyrically Joe hit the nail on the head with this one and wrote what is one of his best lines yet - Time Flies when you're by my side. https://www.weareredelectric.com/ Music Video Link: https://youtu.be/25RCl-MOoIU

Born on August 13, 1936, in Floriana, Murgo's musical journey began at the age of six when he started studying music theory and violin under the guidance of his father, Rosario, himself a skilled violinist. Despite his father's untimely death two years later, Murgo's musical education continued under Mro Agostino Camilleri. By the age of thirteen, Murgo showcased his talent at the Christmas Midnight Mass in Zebbug Parish Church, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. In his youth, Murgo's interest in jazz blossomed after being exposed to the works of renowned jazz violinists Stephan Crapetti and Joe Venuti. Living in Floriana, a vibrant hub of live music, Murgo frequented local bars, honing his skills alongside various pianists and drummers. Alongside his cousin Sammy Galea, Murgo began his musical journey at the Klondyke, owned by their uncle Minco, where Galea proposed Murgo transition from the violin to the saxophone. It was not until he encountered Robert Juice Wilson, an American jazz musician residing in Malta, that Murgo made the leap to the saxophone. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Murgo's talent flourished as he performed at renowned venues such as the Kenner Club in Valletta and the Caffè Premier, collaborating with esteemed bandmasters and musicians. His versatility and dedication to jazz led to collaborations with prominent musicians like Charles City Gatt and Edward Briffa. Murgo's contributions to the local jazz scene were further amplified through television appearances and collaborations with renowned composers such as Charles Camilleri. Despite facing health challenges, including heart surgery in 1998, Murgo's passion for music never waned. In 1999, he performed alongside his cousin Dominic Galea in an open-air concert at the Royal Opera House in Valletta and continued to participate in the local annual Jazz Festival. Murgo's commitment to music culminated in a memorable tribute concert in 2016, celebrating his 80th birthday at the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity. Following his passing, tributes poured in from fellow musicians and officials, underscoring Murgo's enduring legacy and profound impact on the local music community. Culture Minister Owen Bonnici expressed sorrow at his death, highlighting Murgo's extraordinary talent and influence on aspiring musicians. Other tributes came from prominent figures such as musician and songwriter Kevin Borg, Paul Giordimaina, Carlo Muscat, and Mike Spiteri, among others.In conclusion, Sammy Murgo's life was a testament to his unwavering passion for jazz and his dedication to nurturing emerging talent in Malta's music scene. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians, and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the entire music community. Melodija.eu extends heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Happy 1st Birthday to Us - and a Huge Thank You to You! A year ago, Melodija was born out of a simple yet passionate idea: to create a space where music lovers could discover, share, and connect through the universal language of music. It's been an incredible journey filled with tunes, news, and transformation. Our website is constantly evolving, just like music, ensuring you always have something fresh and exciting to explore. We couldn't have done it without you, our amazing followers! Your support, enthusiasm, and feedback have been instrumental in shaping Melodija into the dynamic platform it is today. As we celebrate this milestone, we're excited to take you on a special journey in the coming weeks. Get ready to meet the three creative minds behind Melodija – the visionaries who started it all and continue to innovate for music enthusiasts like you. Here's to continuing the melody, discovering new rhythms, and creating more unforgettable moments together. Thank you for making our first year so remarkable! ...and now for some news! The Crowns and Victorio Gauci to take separate ways Both parties announced the news during the first weekend of February with posts on their respective social media pages. Victorio's post read: "Dearest family and friends, I want you all to know after much consideration and a heavy heart that I will be departing from the lead singer of ‘The Crowns’ to pursue new opportunities in music, as a singer and most of all to be with my family. I started the band way back in 2010, and I will never look back. Yes, it wasn’t an easy decision, but we decided to part ways and have a fresh start. 14 years is not a joke but looking forward to new beginnings. While it will be different, it is time for me to explore new artistic avenues. I am so excited to continue and can’t wait for all of you to see what I will have in store for you. Feel free to get in touch with me, I am eager to start this new chapter in my life! Your support means the world to me!" Melodija team wished all the best to both parties on their new adventures Sarah Bonnici on her way to Sweden with Loop On Saturday evening, singer Sarah Bonnici emerged victorious in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with her song "Loop," securing the opportunity to represent Malta in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, scheduled for May. The 25-year-old Gozitan artist expressed her overwhelming gratitude and emotions on Sunday morning through her social media platforms, describing the win in the national final as a dream come true. She thanked everyone for their love and support, feeling blessed and honored to represent Malta and Gozo. Sarah Bonnici clinched the top spot in the Malta Eurovision Contest with a total of 102 points, receiving the highest score from the expert jury and the second-highest from popular voting. Mattblxck, performing "Banana," secured the second position with 80 points, earning the highest televoting score of 29 points. Ryan Hili claimed the third spot with a total of 71 points. The MESC 2024 featured twelve finalist singers, marking a historic moment as participants showcased their talents through self-produced music videos, a first in the festival's history with the assistance of PBS. During the final evening, Gretatude received the award for the best music video, while Lisa Gauci was honored with the Best Newcomer award. Melodija congratulates Sarah for her triumph and wishes all the best for her adventure in Sweden Halcyon debuts Serenity demo During Halcyon's final performance in 2023, the band unveiled their latest track, 'Serenity,' prompting an ecstatic response from the crowd. On February 3, 2024, they shared a demo version of the song on YouTube, quickly garnering a substantial number of views within just a few hours. Halcyon has taken the metal scene by storm since their debut, amassing a dedicated following. The band comprises Zain Gauci, known for his work with Pilgrimage, Saint Vermin, and Horned Majesty, on guitar, Alexander James from Damaged & Co. on bass, and Victor Hugo Rivera Barreiro on drums. The song can be listened here. Harmony Of Voices the fourth edition Harmony Of Voices are delighted to announce that the regulations and applications for the eagerly awaited 4th edition of "Harmony of Voices" are now accessible! In a post on their Facebook page they encouraged the interested parties to: "Delve into the regulations shaping this harmonious journey. Acquaint yourself with the rules that will set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Access them here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1622H5BRZaK2Zzulm6tUNJMem_09BkhdL/view?usp=sharing Get ready to showcase vocal prowess and become part of a remarkable musical journey? The application process is now open! Seize the opportunity to be part of the magic: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvgNSbzr1zj_ZCpbv1MVYBv7tzhKwsD5SV22i3FTOZL8jnIA/viewform?usp=sharing And of course to save the date: 14th April 2024 - Save the date, mark calendars, and get ready to unleash vocal power in the 4th edition of Harmony of Voices.

Emanuel Micallef, affectionately called Lito by his peers, would have celebrated his 55th birthday today. The moniker was bestowed upon him by one of his classmates during his early primary school years in Birgu. His journey into the world of music began alongside his elder brothers, Pawlu Micallef and Horace Micallef, and their circle of friends from Birgu and the surrounding areas….. At the age of 13, in 1982, Lito made his initial appearance on stage as part of the Vittoriosa Rock Opera Group, a production directed and choreographed by his brother, Horace Micallef. It was on February 14, 1984, that Lito auditioned as a vocalist for the band Trash, hailing from Cospicua and influenced by Black Sabbath MKI. Instead, he joined the band as a roadie, but soon developed a keen interest in his local group, Purple Haze, led by guitarist Steve Borg. Lito assumed the role of the band's official lyricist, and his talents led him to compose a Rock Mass at St. Lawrence Church in Birgu, paying homage to his beloved father, fondly known as Il-Mike, a cherished figure among soccer enthusiasts. For a brief period, the Bormla band Trash and the Birgu band Purple Haze amalgamated as Dark Medallion, with Lito serving as their roadie. Subsequently, Lito co-founded the band Avalanche, as the Vittoriosa Rock Opera Group acquired a section of Fort St. Angelo in Birgu for their creative endeavors, which also housed studios for Purple Haze and Stratkast MKII. However, Lito later departed from Avalanche, and Frankie Tanti took his place. During Frankie Tanti's tenure, Avalanche performed at Cafe Riche in Birgu and for one of Ħaż-Żabbar's festa band clubs. Lito briefly joined Exorcist without any live performances. In 1985, he became a member of Ivory Cross, with their rehearsal space located in Żejtun. Their sole live appearance took place at the RockPak concert in 1986, held at the Floriana Catholic Institute. In 1986, Lito left Ivory Cross to replace Ivan Grech (now part of Winter Moods) in Lords of Misrule. Lito showcased his vocal talents twice at the annual Maltasajf concert, held at Pembroke's Shooting Range. Eventually, he was succeeded by Daryl Ebejer, formerly of Entracht and later a member of Purple Haze, Kartridge and 12th Ode. Meanwhile, Lito collaborated with Ivan Filletti to establish Filletti & Friends, who became the resident band at Rock-A-Buzz 1987/88 in Kennedy Grove and The Splash And Fun Park in Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq. In 1988, Lito briefly joined a band based in Birżebbuġa named One Across. He made a sole appearance as the band's lead vocalist during a New Year's Eve celebration in Paceville. It was during this time that he began writing live gig reviews for Far Out and occasionally filled in for Tony Miceli's musical page in Il-Mument and Mark Doneo's musical page in It-Torċa. Lito made his debut in a recording studio when the Vittoriosa Rock Opera Group worked on an original musical called Iskra. Horace Micallef penned the musical's story centered around the Russian Revolution, featuring lyrics by Raymond Tabone and music by Mark Vella of Stratkast fame. The musical was staged at Dar il-Mediterran in Valletta and later at the Depiro Centre in Tas-Sliema. Due to logistical reasons, the cast and crew of Iskra were reduced, and Lito took on the acting role of Batinov, miming to the voice of Charles Azzopardi at the Ċittadella Rabat Għawdex and as part of a cultural exchange program in one of Turin, Italy's local councils. He later co-founded The Moviment Mużika Rok, which had a short existence. After spending several years as a singer without a band, Lito joined Brainstorm in 1991, replacing Mark Storm. This coincided with the opening of The Alley in Paceville, where live bands performed. With Lito as the vocalist, Brainstorm recorded two tracks for the multi-band compilation called Watching The Music. The recording took place at Temple Studios Imġarr in 1992. The compilation featured two tracks from five bands commissioned by Radio 101 to celebrate the station's first anniversary. The project was launched live at the Eden Palladium in Bajja ta' San Ġorġ, San Ġiljan and on radio simultaneously. The same trio behind Iskra formed the events company Synergix and worked on another original musical called Living Legends, which was presented as a live performance. The musical took place at Dar Il-Mediterran, and Lito portrayed the character Hasan. After leaving Brainstorm, Lito explored various bands as a vocalist before deciding to shift his musical career to become a rock DJ, performing at different venues over the years. He made his debut as a rock DJ at Sticky Fingers in Qawra. Lito initially began his DJ/presenter career on the pirate radio station Radju Alternattiva, commissioned by the newly formed political party Alternattiva Demokratika (AD). When AD obtained a local broadcasting license in Valletta, Radju 99 was born. Lito hosted rock/blues shows such as "Rock On" and "The Blues Connection." In 1997, Lito co-founded Mediacoop, which led to the establishment of Capital Radio 88.7FM. He launched his first rock show called "Radio Lito" on the first Saturday of July 1998. Among the bands interviewed during this period were Winter Moods, Scream Daisy, and Joe Mizzi's band. In 2000, the radio schedule for Capital Radio introduced the rock show "System Overload" and the Sunday program "Slow An' Easy", later renamed “Easy On Sunday” and which focused on soft rock and power ballads. "System Overload" featured interviews with bands such as Forsaken, Winter Moods, Scream Daisy, Fire, Frenzy Mono, Corkskrew, Beangrowers, Different Strings, and Nomad Son. On April 1, 2009, Capital Radio discontinued its broadcasts. On July 9, Lito joined Joe Genovese on Xalata Rock, and on October 8, he replaced Joe Tanti and joined Noel Mifsud on Rock Moods, both shows aired on One Radio 92.7FM. On April 6, 2010, Lito began airing pre-recorded episodes of his show, the Cottonera Rock Show, on Kottoner 98FM, with repeats on Saturdays and Sundays.On January 4, 2011, the Cottonera Rock Show was replaced by "System Overload," which was also aired on allRock via the digital system DAB Plus later that year. This marked a unique occurrence of a rock show being simultaneously broadcasted on two different stations. However, the program concluded after 30 editions in August 2011. Excerpts from the show were aired on Kottoner 98FM during the remaining slots in August and throughout September. In October 2011, the Cottonera Rock Show returned to the airwaves, replacing System Overload on Kottoner 98FM. During the same month, Lito joined the Fuzz Box team on Radio 101 as a live program contributor. However, four years later, the station's administration discontinued Lito's involvement after he posted some black-humored comments on Facebook regarding the Paqpaqli għall-Istrina incident. His remarks received harsh criticism from Facebook users, who deemed them inappropriate. Lito subsequently apologized and deleted the comments. Manuel Micallef, widely known as DJ Lito, tragically passed away at the age of 47 on Sunday, May 29, 2016, when his car was involved in a head-on crash on the Cospicua seafront. Note from the author: I first met Lito on the bus to school in our teens, him being from Birgu and me from Paola, and probably due to our common interest, rock music, we clicked immediately, although we used to dispute without end on who’s the best guitarist, singer and so on. He was a Ronnie James Dio aficionado and was one of our debated topics till Lito’s early demise nearly eight years ago. After our school years we sort of drifted apart as we started jobs which took us in different directions, although we occasionally met during some event or another, of course the topics of our conversations would be the Rock and heavy metal scene, especially the Maltese one. In 2009 our paths met again when One Radio programme manager Ray Azzopardi informed me that from October Lito will co-host Rock Moods with me. It was an interesting period alternating week in week out who chose the music for the show, and thus making it more vibrant and motivating. During the summer of 2011, the show took a sabbatical and later on Lito informed me that he was given a chance to produce his own show on Radio 101, and so we became guests from time to time in each other’s shows. Of course, we kept our yearly guest appearance on Michael Bugeja’s show Rockna with his end of year edition discussing local releases throughout the ending year. One of the most notable shows I am flattered to have been invited on, was The Cottonera Rock Show special edition during Christmas time 2012. Also invited on Lito’s show were Michael Bugeja, Dorian Cassar and Charles Marsh. Other notable appearances together that I’ll cherish forever were the celebration of Rockna’s anniversary at Valletta’s Hard Rock Café and the mega event ‘Remembering Steve Borg’ held at Paceville’s HRC on the 16th February 2014. An event organised by Purple Haze, the band Steve* founded in the early 80’s, and friends. Sometimes months passed before we met or talked, but one thing for sure Lito would always be present at the Simon’s Pub yearly music marathon where we would evoke back to our discussions. On that fateful day, a Sunday, I was at home, probably watching football or listening to music when I was contacted by a mutual friend delivering the sad news that our beloved Lito was involved in an accident and that now he’s pestering Ronnie James Dio and Lemmy in person, but still every year nearing the end of it we still feel his presence while recording the annual end of year Rockna show. He was proud to love all that is Maltese and although gone he shall never be forgotten. *The music scene lost Steve on 4th February 2013.

Kayati sings ‘Happy Birthday’ 'Happy Birthday' carries a deeply personal significance for Kayati, evoking a tender moment on a particularly special day. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one or are no longer in contact with someone, it's crucial to acknowledge that even on their birthday—a day usually filled with joy and warm wishes—they may still long to hear that person's voice saying "Happy Birthday." Kayati, a sister singer-songwriter duo with a Maltese/Arabic background, has been crafting music collaboratively for numerous years, refining their art to create a unique blend of contemporary pop and soulful ballads. Their musical compositions primarily draw inspiration from personal experiences, offering relatable narratives that transport listeners to different moments in life. 'Happy Birthday' was written by the duo and recorded and produced at The Insynk Collective. Kayati explains, stating, "Working on 'Happy Birthday' was incredibly comforting; it felt like we were opening a new dimension of our style and the type of music we wanted to create. The song came together just days apart from our birthdays, both falling within the same month. One night, in our bedroom with our guitar, the song seamlessly fell into place. You could say that 'Happy Birthday' became our way of finding closure." The song is positioned to make a significant impact in an industry that thrives on innovation and fresh perspectives. The single was released on January 29th and is now available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Instagram Music, TikTok, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, and more. Align The Tide news: Matthew Cilia leaves band, enter Sol Pearson On Monday, January 29th, Align The Tide shared the following announcement on their Facebook page: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the departure of our former vocalist, Matthew Cilia. Playing alongside him has been a pleasure, and we deeply appreciate and respect his dedication to the band. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Moving forward, we are excited to introduce our new vocalist to the lineup. Hailing from Zimbabwe, please join us in welcoming Sol Pearson. He has seamlessly embraced the challenges and is showcasing his resilience each day." Currently, the band is in rehearsal mode for upcoming shows, with the first one being a supporting slot for Suicide Silence in London on Monday, February 12th. Joining them on the bill for the night is the 5-piece Brighton hardcore band, Glower. Kylo unveils 'close to heart' dream. After a year marked by unwavering dedication and boundless patience, Kyle Drakard is excited to finally unveil a dream close to his heart – the creation of his first self-titled album, "KYLO." Regrettably, covering all the associated costs independently seems a bit beyond his reach. Kyle's goal is to raise €3,500 to make this endeavor possible, and your assistance is crucial. Contributions can be directed to Kyle's Revolut account at +356 79585482 or through https://revolut.me/kylewr4gf. (provide your name and phone number when making your contribution!) In appreciation of your support, exclusive perks await those who contribute specific amounts: 💿 €15: Signed CD and heartfelt thanks 🎸 €25: Personalized 1-on-1 lesson (guitar/bass or drums) - Online sessions are also available! 🎓 €65: Group masterclass for your friends or band 🎥 €100: All perks + behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making process Beyond the realm of music, 15% of the funds collected will go towards supporting Beldi Refuge Morocco, an organization dedicated to the welfare of dogs in the wild Rif mountains. Kyle has personally witnessed their heart-wrenching plight, and together, we can make a positive impact on their lives. Your kindness not only fuels Kyle's musical aspirations but also contributes to a cause dear to his heart. Let's create something beautiful, aiming for international acclaim while making a meaningful difference in the lives of these dogs! About the album: This musical journey takes a unique turn as Kyle steps into the roles of a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and even masters the Indian instrument, "Sitar." To ensure the utmost quality, Kyle has secured a spot at the prestigious Temple Studio for recording, promising an unforgettable auditory experience. Collaborating with immensely talented musicians such as Nadine Axisa, El Iza, Joel Mugen Baldacchino, Varijashree Venugopal, Josh Short, James Wade-Sired, Mike Annings, Dean Montanaro, and Asaph Kolakale, the aim is to create magic that resonates globally. Meanwhile, Kyle shared a brief message on his social media platform expressing gratitude to everyone who has contributed thus far. He also mentioned that he has reached the halfway mark in gathering contributions. Hellcommander debuts 'Fantoft Fires' It appears to be a bustling year ahead for Hellcommander Vargblod, (Mark Azzopardi). Many may recall his remarkable guitar skills and dedication from his time with X-Vandals and Martyrium while residing on the island, as well as his involvement in projects such as Draugul, Khaospath, and Myronath since 2019. Despite currently living in Sweden, it was revealed in the last months of 2023 that he would be collaborating with Horned Majesty. Horned Majesty is a collective effort featuring seasoned Maltese musicians. In addition to Mark on bass, the lineup includes Clint Aquilina (ex Putrid Birth) on vocals, Clayton Cini (Animamortua, Thy Legion, ex-Angel Blade, ex-Relicuia, ex-Shadowborne) on drums, and Zain Gauci (Saint Vermin, Pilgrimage, Chaotic Remains, Halcyon). Their debut single, 'Bringer Of Light,' was released in October. Furthermore, in October, Mark announced the upcoming release of an EP under the alias Hellcommander, titled ‘Year Of The Goat,’ with the single ‘Fantoft Fires’ set to be released in the coming days.

Press Release I'm excited to unveil the exciting launch of my upcoming album project! Over the past year, I've dedicated countless hours behind the scenes, crafting ideas and textures essential for bringing a fresh and vibrant album to life. From the outset, my goal was to create a project that not only captivates me but also engages the participating artists and, most importantly, resonates with the audience. This endeavour led me to explore various genres and incorporate elements that deviate from my customary musical style. Introducing "Visions of Transcendence" – an odyssey of introspection, exploration, and potentially a spiritual or ethereal journey through music. The album features tracks that guide listeners on a sonic voyage, delving into themes of self-discovery and enlightenment. Anticipate an extraordinary musical experience with 13 mesmerising tracks, harmonising the talents of a global ensemble of skilled musicians. It's a celebration of diversity, unity, and the universal language of music. Yet, to make this project a reality, I need your support. I'll soon be launching a crowdfunding campaign to partially fund the production stage of the album. Your contribution will play a pivotal role in producing and sharing "Visions of Transcendence" with the world. Visit the link below to dive deeper into the project. The first crucial step in promoting this endeavour is to ensure that this page reaches as many eyes as possible. Whether you're with me from the start or plan to join later, your involvement is immensely valuable. Please sign in to the project, and help me spread the word, building a vibrant community around this musical journey. Regards Simon Fri 26 Jan 2024

Yesterday marked the deadline for our esteemed members to cast their votes for the best releases of 2023, which featured more than seventy entries across six categories, categorised by genre or as closely aligned as possible. Here are the top five releases in each category, (including a short note on the winner of each category), as determined by your votes: Ben Bailey – Still Waiting Over the course of the last year, Ben Bailey experienced an extraordinary series of milestones, including the creation and launch of his solo EP titled "Still Waiting." Additionally, he collaborated on a visual EP with Vinyl Paradise, titled "Vinyl Paradise Live at Winehouse." Notably, he recorded a forthcoming full-length album with Vinyl Paradise at Temple Studios, slated for release this year. It's essential to acknowledge his dynamic live performances, both as a solo artist and with Vinyl Paradise. This EP showcases Ben Bailey's versatility, featuring a diverse range of musical genres such as pop, rock, and blues. Listen to the album 2. Julie Pomorsky - Hsieb EP 3. Red Electric – In Our Blood 4. Hearts Beating In Time – Let’s Watch The Sky Turn Pink 5. Eddie Fresco X Gizmo – Perucka Damaged & Co. – Life’s Grand Delusion "Life's Grand Delusion" marks the inaugural album from alternative/melodic metal group Damaged & Co. This comprehensive release comprises eleven tracks, spanning a creative timeline of four years. The album seamlessly weaves together influences from metalcore, dark/symphonic metal, and alternative metal. What sets "Life's Grand Delusion" apart is Damaged & Co.'s remarkable talent for crafting each song into a distinct gem, characterized by a clear identity and a direct message. While the songs may not be overly technical, their brilliance lies in the collaborative songwriting process of the entire band. Listen to the album 2. Mur.doc 104 - The Undying 3. Saint Vermin – Together As None 4. Hemplifier – The Stoner Side Of The Doom 5. Weeping Silence - Isles Of Lore Warren Galea - Meditations "Meditations," Warren Galea's third album, released on August 18th, stands as his most personal record to date, according to the artist himself. In this album, Warren, accompanied only by his guitar, presents a collection of solo improvisations recorded over the span of one year. Listen to the album 2. Cushion – Reborn 3. Frank Bonnici – The Last Autumn 4. Vinyl Paradise – Winehouse (live) 5. Tohu – Holy Matrimony Llimbs - Midnight Amber Drawing inspiration from dark and experimental tones, Midnight Amber emerges as a powerhouse of genre-defying compositions. Crafted through a blend of downtempo and dreamlike sounds, the music delves into both the organic and digital realms. The outcome is an indescribable experience that is simultaneously haunting and irresistibly captivating. Listen to the album 2. Scibi – The Motion Vol 1 3. Interkonnekted – Spektral Heart 4. Devil’s Breath – African Spiritual Paths 5. Joseph Spiteri - Rude Boy EP Ara Lil Yoon - Triboulet In 2011, Julian Wood and Francesco Nicastro formed Ara Lil Yoon in Malta before relocating to Berlin in 2017 for a more expansive music scene. Over the subsequent years, Jack Molloy, Jyoti Sekhawat, and Luke Scerri (Fake Ophelia) joined the group. Their inaugural full-length album, "Triboulet," was released in August. Serving as a follow-up to the band's April EP, "Taste," this album transcends their post-punk origins, incorporating elements of punk, gypsy, hip-hop, grunge, and subtle melodic disco. Listen to the album 2. Eyes To Argus – Habit_At 3. Tryst Arcane featuring Emanuel Portelli – Sun Of Other Days 4. Ara Lil Yoon – Taste EP 5. The Areola Treat - Red Town Baby Double Standard – Mt. Focus Double Standard has independently launched their debut album, "Mt. Focus," featuring ten tracks available on limited edition 12” vinyl and various digital formats. The band took charge of the entire production process. The album delves into themes of systemic racism, cosmology, misinformation, anxiety, and pays homage to the band's favorite actor, Patrick Swayze. Originating from all over Europe but stationed on this secluded island, Double Standard draws inspiration from a Penny Rimbaud (Crass) quote for their name. Having performed extensively across the island, they have steadily cultivated a devoted fan base. With the release of "Mt. Focus," Double Standard aims to extend their reach and share their music beyond their local scene. Listen to the album 2. Checkmate - Royal Blood 3. Vince Bongailas – Tour 4. Shaun Farrugia – Heaven Like Mine EP 5. Daniel Sant – The Malta Singles EP Melodija extends its congratulations to all artists and bands for the outstanding tunes produced throughout 2023. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming year, the buzz circulating through the corridors of melodija.eu suggests that it is poised to be an exhilarating and impactful year.

James Vella returns as his musical alias A Lily and announces his upcoming new album ‘Saru l-Qamar’ - setting archival Maltese home recordings to new music for an album of trademark nostalgic quasi-ambiance. From the 60’s until the modern era, it was common for Maltese families to receive reel tapes from relatives abroad. Maltese emigrés resettled in Australia, the UK, Canada etc. would record their news onto cassette - often in the form of għana, traditional Maltese song - and mail the tapes back home. Amazingly, through the superlative archival work of Malta’s nonprofit heritage foundation Magna Żmien, many of these tapes still exist. A Lily (Phantom Limb boss and musician James Vella) - who is Maltese - was allowed access to Magna Żmien’s collection and in late 2022 began creating new musical works responding to these recordings. These works take up the oneiric bliss of new album Saru l-Qamar [Eng: They Became The Moon], his first release on his own label, and released in Malta under Kewn Records. Arranged alongside hardware synthesis and “minimal DAW intervention”, the recordings on Saru l-Qamar take on ghostly, spiritual new qualities. Simple storytelling and news-sharing (“there was a burglar in the house yesterday”, “I can’t tell you how much I miss Malta”, “do your utmost to spend all your money at the feast”) become plaintive and evocative elegies for friends and family lost to time. “This is the meaning of the album title,” Vella writes. “Though these people have left us, they can never be truly forgotten, as without them we would not be here. They become part of the fabric of our lives, remaining forever and inexorably within the makeup of every subsequent generation. They have become the moon - always present, but always out of reach.” James Vella’s A Lily project was most recently seen with twin releases Sleep Through the Storm and Nocturne Thunder, released on The Ransom Note’s Bytes label in 2020 and 2022 respectively. These two releases and Saru l-Qamar see Vella turn to synthesis and electronic instrumentation following his more band-orientated previous album of 2018. Vella is also a founding member of acclaimed act yndi halda, and has run the Phantom Limb label since its inception in 2017, releasing a range of eclectic records by Loraine James, Kevin Richard Martin (The Bug), Ami Dang, and more. About Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi A Lily's debut single 'Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi' masterfully intertwines a woman's sorrowful lament with a brooding bassline and skittering high melodies, evolving into a lush field of buoyant chords. The song's ethereal melody blends seamlessly with Vella's undulating patterns, creating a dreamlike ambient sanctuary that reaches back through the decades to embrace the mourning woman's heartache. The accompanying music video, crafted by Maltese videographer Nick Bonello, utilizes 8mm footage from Vella's paternal grandfather, Marco Alberto, capturing the sun-soaked beauty of Malta's limestone and carob trees during his family's early years. Experience the poignant journey of 'Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi' by watching the music video here. ‘Saru l-Qamar’ Tracklist: 1. Żeżina Ddoqq is-Sħab 2. Kemm Nixtieq Li Qed 3. Flimkien Ngħaddu Mill-Bieb 4. Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi 5. Nitolbu Lil Dawk Li Lejlu 6. Tħallinix 7. Erba' Aħwa 8. Sirna l-Qamar 9. Issa, Kuljum, Għal Dejjem Żgħażagħ Saru l-Qamar will be available on limited coloured vinyl, digital and streaming platforms on 5th April. Pre-order from Bandcamp HERE. Follow A Lily on facebook / instagram / X (formerly Twitter) About Kewn Records: Established in 2017, Kewn Records, led by Nick Morales with mentorship from James Vella (of Phantom Limb), fills a void in Malta's music scene. With a goal of elevating local talent professionally, the label, assisted by coordinator Nicholas Bonello, has since released alternative music from the  likes of BILA, The Areola Treat, Krishna, Niket and more. With 6 albums, 8 EPs, and 12 singles, Kewn Records acts as a one-stop shop for musicians, amplifying Malta's musical impact globally. This project is supported by Arts Council Malta

Malta's youngest rock band From San Remo to sharing the stage with Delirium MT and X-Vandals In the waning weeks of 2023, The Garage hosted a remarkable performance (part of an event organised by X-Vandals, who were celebrating their 40 years anniversary) showcasing arguably the youngest ensemble of musicians to grace its stage. While some years ago, there was a brief appearance by X-Vandals' bassist James Spiteri's two sons, the recent standout event featured a group of students whose average age is barely 13 and who already made a name for themselves when they secured a victory in their category at the San Remo GEF on May 5th. But before we meet the young members of Electric Echoes we asked some questions to their mentor, Delirium MT’s keyboard player Maria Borg. NM: How did the idea of forming Electric Echoes generate and who came up with the name of the band? MB: The idea came to be when Antonella Vassallo approached our school, MVPA to enter in the GEF Festival in San Remo, some of the students from Electric Echoes already had an ensemble lesson together where we had started playing some songs from Musicals adapted for band form, however this was a smaller band of 4 students at the time. Two of the students, Jake (bassist) and Aidan (drums) approached me on the deadline of applications for the students and told me they wanted to enter, and asked if I would be willing to go with them, support them etc in this endeavor. I enjoyed our ensemble lessons a lot already so after checking some logistical aspects, I was happy to oblige and excited to begin. The festival required a minimum of 8 people for the band, and so we started searching for other members who were interested after confirming all students were up for it from the previous band. That's when Isaac, Kyle, Elisha and Luka joined the band. We then brainstormed to pick a song which had to be from a musical since we were representing the school (the syllabus involves Classical music and musicals, so this was a requirement), and I did some research of my own and picked "My Favourite Things", from "the Sound of Music". I wrote the arrangement within that week as we only had around 2 months or so to teach everyone the music; become tight musically (as they had never played together before); prepare staging etc from scratch up until the festival in San Remo. We started rehearsals last week of February and the festival occurred in first week of May and most students except the lead guitarist and bassist and drummer did not have any experience in a band setting. We all went up together, me and the kids really clicked and rehearsals, albeit productive, were very enjoyable for all of us. When we went up to San Remo with their parents, us adults also really clicked and enjoyed hanging out, we all agreed that it would be a shame for the band to stop there, so after some discussion and planning, we decided to keep going and I would be their manager & band leader, I also write all their arrangements (except the original song). [With regards the band’s name] I asked them all to come up with a list of names and bring it with them to rehearsals, we had quite some hubbub to come up with the name... There were many votes and slightly heated discussions - they might seem quiet and well behaved onstage, but believe me they can be a handful, haha! Eventually, we all agreed on Electric Echoes. Ylenia had initially come up with a variation of it and we fixed it to Electric Echoes which was easier to remember and quite catchy. NM: As you mentioned the band composed an original song which was also performed live at The Garage MB: [The new song] ‘Let The Music Move You’, was a combined effort; however, Isaac, the lead guitarist came to us with a written-through arrangement, he did most of the heavy lifting musically. Ylenia, our singer, wrote the lyrics; we workshopped during rehearsals then she continued writing them and showed them to me once finished. We worked on the song together during rehearsals and I gave them some suggestions to improve piano parts and structure of the song and fixed some errors in the music score, however I did not have much to fix honestly! Aidan, the drummer, also gave his own twist and additions to the drums as he saw fit. NM: Who chose what to play and how did the students work on the arrangements of the chosen songs? MB: The kids already knew ‘Smoke on the Water’ and ‘My Favourite Things’. I wanted them to write an original song so that they gain experience for their future endeavors, so I suggested that they write an original song. Isaac jumped on the wagon straight away and was very eager, he started working on it immediately. Ylenia's voice is quite sweet and so I started looking up rock versions of certain musicals as that's what she had most experience in till now. I came across Once Upon a December coincidentally (originally from Anastasia) and I absolutely loved the harmony, and so I looked up some more pumped-up versions and got inspiration from those and wrote the arrangement for them. Initially we were going to try more classic rock songs, considering the audience of The Garage, however we had some obstacles with rehearsal space the last few months and so had limited time to prepare, so we went with the four songs they were confident in. NM: What were their comments after their performance at The Garage? MB: Due to Delirium MT's performance straight after theirs, I didn't have so much time to get their feedback, however they all seemed very happy with their own performances, and I let them know they did great. They all were grinning and were still very pumped up after the show, so they definitely enjoyed it. Their parents were also very grateful to me after the show; they are very keen supporters of their kids and have always tried to adapt to our not-so-simple situations to ensure the kids had enough rehearsals done. NM: What’s in the near future for Electric Echoes? MB: At the moment, the plan is to build their repertoire for the next few months. I do not wish for them to become just another cover band, so we are aiming to pick music which is perhaps not always the most commonly known songs, but the important thing is to give it their own twist and their own style. Of course, playing songs that are familiar to the audience is always also important, as is knowing your audience, however they are still kids at the end of the day and so, building a repertoire takes time. We usually brainstorm any song ideas in the rehearsal, and I take note of any songs they mention to me to see how possible it is, then I do some research of my own, so in that way we are very collaborative as they are the ones playing the music, at the end of the day so I want to make sure they're enjoying it. So who are these young musicians? Electric Echoes is made up of: Luke James, the 12-year-old rhythm guitarist for the band, draws his primary inspiration from street buskers striving to earn extra money. Despite harboring a deep admiration for The Beatles, his favorite band, Luke envisions a future not solely dedicated to music but intends to pursue studies in the sciences. However, he foresees himself continuing to play the guitar until academic commitments intensify. Luke finds the experience of performing abroad to be excellent, describing it as both exciting and surreal. The band's victory in their category left him shocked and amazed. Reflecting on his performance at The Garage with Electric Echoes, Luke admitted the experience was ominous yet ultimately great. photo: Maria Baldacchino Isaac Azzopardi, the band's lead guitarist at the age of 14, attributes his musical journey beginning to his father, who owned a guitar. Slash, (Guns 'N' Roses), serves as his primary inspiration in the realm of electric guitar, alongside favorites like Bon Jovi and Carlos Santana. Recounting his experience at San Remo, Isaac describes it as a highly enjoyable musical journey, expressing pride in representing Malta, despite initially missing the culmination of the winners’ announcement due to the Italian language. Reflecting on their performance at The Garage, he emphasizes the band's appreciation for the crowd's support and notes it as a new, cool experience. Isaac envisions a future where he continues playing guitar and studies music abroad. photo: Maria Baldacchino Kyle Farrugia, one of the band's two keyboard players at the age of 13, embarked on his musical journey inspired by his grandfather, who presented him with an old synthesizer. Recalling the moment, Kyle admitted, "I immediately fell in love with music and wanted to learn how to play the piano." His musical taste aligns with Queen as his favorite band. Reflecting on performing abroad, he expressed awe at playing in one of Europe's most renowned theaters, where legendary artists have graced the stage. Winning was initially unbelievable, but the joy of the accomplishment resonated with both the band and the audience. Kyle is determined to continue his musical journey with aspirations to become a composer and perform in front of large audiences. photo: Maria Baldacchino At the age of 13, Aiden Bondin, the drummer of the band, credits his uncle as the key inspiration that led him to pick up drumming at the age of 4, swiftly declaring Dave Weckl as his favourite drummer. Recounting his experience performing abroad, Aiden expressed that it marked the best experience in the past nine years, describing it as extremely amazing. The disbelief of winning was followed by immense happiness, fuelled by the audience's love for their performance. Reflecting on the band's presentation at The Garage, he described it as a pleasant experience, left without words as the crowd cheered for their band. Aiden envisions a future where he joins a professional band and attains popularity. Concluding with a powerful statement, he emphasises the importance of hard work in achieving dreams, stating, "I wish that people know that you need to work hard to achieve your dreams!!!" Jake Azzopardi, the 13-year-old bass player, attributes his interest in music to his brother Isaac and their shared inspiration from Guns 'N' Roses. Beyond Guns 'N' Roses, his favorite bands include Duff McKagan, Rick Astley, and The Beatles. Describing his trip to San Remo as fun and exciting, Jake expresses genuine happiness at winning. While his commitment to playing bass with his bands—Freefall, The Rhythmics, and Electric Echoes—is unwavering, his ultimate inspiration lies in becoming a sound engineer. Reflecting on the experience of playing at The Garage with Electric Echoes, Jake was naturally delighted. photo: Maria Baldacchino Elisha Bugeja, the band's other 13-year-old keyboard player, draws inspiration for her interest in music from a love of various genres rather than any specific artist. She expressed, "I enjoy listening to different genres of music, so no one in particular. I just love music and feel that it helps in whatever life throws at you." Her favorite band is Queen. Recounting her overseas adventure, Elisha shared, "I had a lot of fun and enjoyed living the experience. I enjoyed competing abroad with so many people, hearing us play and cheering our music. I couldn’t believe it when the band was announced as winners. I was really surprised and full of happiness because I wasn’t expecting it." Reflecting on her experience at The Garage, she highlighted the enjoyment of playing different songs in a unique venue. Looking ahead, Elisha aspires to become a well-known pianist, composer, and musician. Ylenia Vassallo, the 12-year-old singer of Electric Echoes, developed a love for music from a very young age, inspired by her mum's encouragement to take singing lessons. Her admiration for the art grew, and Ariana Grande became her favorite singer. Recalling her experience performing abroad, Ylenia described it as the best she had ever had on stage. When the band was announced as winners, she initially couldn't process the news, but joy quickly overcame her. Reflecting on The Garage performance, she expressed surprise at the enthusiastic audience response, stating, "It was also an amazing experience. I honestly didn’t think the audience was going to cheer as much as they did, but I’m so glad they did." Ylenia aspires to participate in musical theater productions in the future while continuing to grow as a singer, both individually and with the band. Luka Stojakovic, the 13-year-old saxophone player for the band, developed a love for his instrument after discovering the music of Lucky Chops and being captivated by the playing of their saxophonist, Leo Pellegrino, making both entities his favorites. Reflecting on his experience abroad in San Remo, Luka described it as unlike anything he had experienced before. Playing on a large stage in front of a sizable live and online audience was exciting, and the delightful result left him extremely shocked and happy, especially when the judges praised their performance. Recalling his time at The Garage, he termed it an overall great experience, particularly enjoying the support from many students and teachers from his school who attended the performance. Looking ahead, Luka aspires to enhance his jazz skills and perhaps join an orchestra. However, his current focus is to continue playing with the talented and hardworking musicians from his school. Melodija.eu extends best wishes to these young musicians for their future endeavors in both music and life. The audience at The Garage undoubtedly acknowledged the bright prospects in their talent, so radiant that sunglasses might be necessary for the next performance!

There was a time when Valletta was a hub for anything you wanted to purchase, and musical instruments were not an exception.   I am not alluding to the establishments catering for the recorded type of music, thank God some of them are still standing.  What I am alluding to in this brief recollection are those shops that supplied us with musical instruments and all that was required, covering a spectrum from orchestra to metal and all in between.  My memory lane extends back to the 1980’s and my first excursions were not at all metal related, as I would haunt these shops in search of books related to musical theory and musical scores for classical piano.  Some of the shops that catered for musicians were old institutions on their own right and so were some of their keepers. After walking through City Gate, on your left there is an arcade.  Tucked away right behind what today is a fast-food outlet one used to find Boffa Ltd.  I used to spend as much time as possible there listening to the owner performing on one of the many electric organs in the shop.  He used to record popular tunes and sell them on cassettes.  Boffa had another outlet in Paola and a recording studio mainly used for the recording of the traditional band marches. At City Gate Arcade 1st Floor there was Audio, selling keyboards and other stuff. In South Street there was the well-established shop of Nani, selling all types of musical instruments, books, and related paraphernalia. For those more oriented to the classical instruments and marching bands there were E Lucia (Republic Street) and P Carabott (Merchant Street).  Carabott supplied most of the band clubs in Malta and Gozo with brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. My favorite haunting spot was The Music Shop at Zachary Street.  From there I purchased my first professional keyboards and have been hooked to that brand ever since. There might have been more that I have missed some establishments or did not have any recollection of them.  Slowly, one by one, they pulled down the shutter for the last time and became a part of history.  Nowadays shopping around for musical instruments locally, one is required to visit shops across Malta or purchase online from these shops, if that option is available. Another option, with all its cons and pros is shopping online from firms in other countries. The memory of those shops brings back nostalgia but as Jim Morrision put it…………. When the music's over When the music's over When the music's over Turn out the lights Turn out the lights Turn out the lights (When the Music’s Over – The Doors)

A Damaged & Co. Press Release 2023 has been one hell of a rollercoaster for Damaged & Co.! We started the year off by launching a music video for Carpe Diem (January 5th) and Vengeance is Mine (February 1st). This was done in anticipation to the launch of our first album – Life’s Grand Delusion, with a gig at The Garage on February 11th. It was a night to remember that we shared with Viper Soup Complex and Chaotic Remains + special guests Anne Marie Spiteri, Wenzu (Club Murder) and our ex bassist Cedric Debono. After Starting off the year with cancelling opening for a massive band for reasons beyond our control, we feel more than grateful to be able to make up for it after being asked to open for the mighty Lordi on March 31st at the Aria Complex! Another highlight for this year was opening a massive event like Dark Malta Festival with such massive bands like Deathstars , AND ONE and Project Pitchfork. On September 20th we organized Cirque de l Independence, which was special for us as we were hosting a band from overseas, Heathen Heretic, who went over great with the crowd! We hope we can share the stage again with those awesome dudes! Special mention also to Atomic Flame who opened the night with an intense set. We also felt incredibly proud to manage to organize our first mini tour with 3 dates in Israel with a host of awesome bands! Unfortunately, the tour had to be cut short after just 1 show due to the situation and we continue to hope for everyone's sake especially our friends we made while visiting the country, including ZedDestructive, Proxy, Wunderbar, Interia, סטודיו המפלט - HaMiflat Studio, Goregamel, Xoter, Blaze Rock Bar, Tamir Khan, Shay Daudi, The Wave Club and everyone else we met while we were there. A huge thank you from the bottom of our heart also goes to everyone who messaged us in support while we where stuck in Israel for a few days. Another thanks goes to Noel Mifsud for providing us with an outlet to tell our story on his radio show. After managing to get back home with the help of her excellency Cecilia Attard Pirotta we got right back on the horse and played one last show for the year at the Halloween Massacre – 15th Unholy Edition, at what we can consider our second home, The Garage alongside Rankin and Contortion and capping of the year with a TV appearance on backstage tv (which is yet to air). Now we took the time off gigs to write some new music but plans for next year are already in motion with our first show scheduled for the 13th of January at Wild Honey Valletta. Finally special mention to Rene Hades Farrugia for his constant support and advise while we are under his wing at Hades Management. A special thanks goes to our families and loved ones who support us through thick and thin. We did not make life easy for you this year! We hope everyone had a good year and hope to see new and familiar faces in 2024! Stay Damaged!

Weeping Silence launch their much awaitied 'Isles Of Lore' - A review Weeping Silence’s fifth full length album was released digitally on the 24th of November with a date booked at The Garage for the physical release, eighteen days later. The 12th of December is the eve of one of three public holidays which fall during the last month of the year in Malta, each one gives the opportunity to build up to Christmas and all that comes with it. Whether you’re a believer or not, everybody likes getting presents and believe me ‘Isles Of Lore’ makes one hell of a gift to your loved ones….and of course to yourself. I have discussed this opus in depth with band founder Mario Ellul and drummer Julian Mallia on my radio show, Heatstrokes, which aired on Sunday 3rd December, and which can be listened to here, on melodija.eu. ‘Isles Of Lore’ was released in digipak format on ViciSolum Productions and were delivered to the band literally a few hours before doors opened for their launch party on Republic Day’s eve. The first act of the night was SaHHar whose seven-track set initiated what would be a night to remember. Starting his allocated time with ‘Priedka Tat-Telfien’ from his 2015 album ‘Kruha U Kefrija’ moving directly to ‘L-Irmied Tal-Haruf/Tibla L-Ostja’ both songs taken from ‘Qilla Tal-Qrun’ released on the 21st of April 2019. These were followed by this year’s publications, ‘It-Tarf Tal-Kozmu U Ta’ Ruhi’ a song released on the first day of this past August and ‘L-Imlejka’, his recent single released only four days before this event. With two songs left on his set list (and an outro) Sahhar then took us on a journey back to 22nd March 2014 when ‘Difna Fl-infern’ (his second full length album and fifth release) was launched, with ‘Bewsa Ta’ Nar U Mrar’, a song which later was re-done for his album ‘Kliem It-Tmiem’ of 2017. The set was concluded by ‘Ghadam Bla Ghadd Fl-Ilvant tal-Adrijatiku’ taken from his last full-length release ‘Tigrif Tal-Gnus’ from 4th December 2020. All those who attended couldn’t have had a better act to open the night, a truly professional performance paving the way for the protagonists of the night. Weeping Silence used the fifth song on the album ‘Interlude’ as an intro to their set which was solely made up of the songs one finds on the album commencing with ‘The Watcher On The Walls’ a song also released as a single earlier this year and which features Orphaned Land’s frontman Kobi Fahri on vocals next to Dario Pace Taliana’s growls. This was not the first time that Weeping Silence’s songs featured the vocals of a guest (Draconian’s Anders Jacobsson guested on two songs on their 2012 album ‘For the Unsung’) but having such an illustrious singer as Kobi is a milestone of an achievement for the band. Maybe one day we’ll see this song performed live by both singers on the same stage here on the island. ‘Isles Of Lore is a concept album with Maltese folklore and legends as the main theme of the songs. ‘The Watcher On The Walls’ is about one of the most famous character in these legends – ‘Il-Hares’. The next song on the album and of the night was ‘Serpentine’ (‘Serpentin’) followed by ‘The Collector’, or as she is known in Maltese ‘Censa L-Mewt’ who is sort of a Maltese version of the grim reaper. ‘The Beast And The Harrow’ (‘Il-Gawgaw’) followed, a song about a superstitious belief that a person born on December 24 would be transformed in a Gawgaw on the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day throughout his life. And the folk tales continue with three songs, namely ‘Engulfer’ (‘Il-Belliegha’), ‘Where Giants Roam’ (‘Sansuna’, a tale which originates from Gozo) and ‘A Silent Curse’ (‘l-Ghajn’, which probably is still very acknowledged in rural Malta), before the band performed the song, which in my opinion is the highlight of the album, ‘The Legend Of Matteo Falzon’ (Is-Sahhar Falzun’) a sixteen minute epic that transports the listener to an era long gone lyric-wise and yet keeps everyone on edge with the music build up of a progressive metal opera. The protagonist, Matteo Falzon, was a real live character who was accused and condemned as a heretic by the church who also confiscated his land (a strip on which today stands Girgenti Palace built in 1625 as the summer residence of Inquisitor Onorato Visconti). Weeping Silence closed the night with an encore and grins of satisfaction, while all attendees were still trying to get back from this fantastic voyage both acts managed to create. ‘Isles Of Lore’ is definitely one of the best albums a Maltese band released during this dying year. More information on the fictional characters mentioned can easily be found in Stephan D. Mifsud’s publication ‘Maltese Mythology: Volume 1’ (2023). Band photos Maria Baldacchino (RocknRoll-Malta)

MALTESE BAND MUR.DOC 104 PUT TOGETHER AN INTERNATIONAL LINE UP TO BRING BACK EARLY METALLICA VIBES WITH THE LIVING THRASH VOL.2 - XMAS EDITION Taking place on 16th December 2023 at The Garage in Zebbug, local thrash metal ambassadors Mur.Doc 104 will join forces with Greek heavyweights Riffobia, Italian cult new wave thrashers Burning Nitrum and local eclectic crossover punks Double Standard for an unmissable live event that fans of Master of Puppets era Metallica, Exodus, Slayer and Megadeth cannot afford to miss. Tickets can be bought in advance from the band. Entrance fee is €20. "Our intention is to re-establish metal as a valid alternative to mainstream music, and to raise awareness of the immense talent that the local metal scene has to offer, whilst also giving the chance to local metalheads to experience great bands from the European underground scene. We are proud that flag bearers of the international underground scene such as Burning Nitrum & Riffobia accept our invitation to deliver killer shows on local soil" said Mur.Doc 104's drummer Oliver Farrugia. The Living Thrash Vol.2 will take place at The Garage in Zebbug. The Garage is known for being the home of Maltese Metal, hosting live bands every weekend, both local and foreign. Recent acts performing at The Garage include Pestilence, Malevolent Creation, Kryptos, Hour of Penance and festivals such as SoundArt, Nebular, Malta Death Fest and many others. The event is being organized by Mur.Doc 104. Active since 2015, the local quintet is known for their fierce yet melodic rhythm sections, versatile drumming and powerful vocals. They have made a name for themselves by giving energetic live performances in events such as the Malta Doom Metal Festival, Metal over Malta and the Farsons Beer Festival amongst others. In March of 2023, they released their debut EP titled "The Undying" receiving major positive reviews from both the local and international press. Made popular in the 80s by bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax, thrash metal is a particular style of heavy metal music renowned for fast and furious guitar riffs and aggressive drumming. Having a clear influence from bands like Judas Priest, yet pushing the tempo up a couple of notches, thrash has always been an avenue for meaningful social critique. Technical thrash pioneers Metal Church have recently blessed the stage in Malta with their highly acclaimed performance opening for KK's Priest last October at Aria Complex. This event is for both seasoned metalheads and newcomers. It is also the perfect opportunity for the curious to attend their first live metal show. All details about the event and the band can be found in the following links: Web : www.murdoc104.com E-mail : mur.doc104.malta@gmail.com Facebook : www.facebook.com/mur.doc104 Instagram : www.instagram.com/mur.doc104/ Whilst I thank you in advance for your time, please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information from our end. Wishing you all the best for this festive season. áá Kind regards, Oliver Farrugia (obo Mur.Doc 104) e-mail : mur.doc104.malta.gmail.com Social media : https://linktr.ee/mur.doc104

Martyrium unveils new singer 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!

THE TRAVELLERS ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE ‘Tridx Tkun Tiegħi Dan il-Milied? - (feat. Ira Losco, Gianluca & Michela)’ The Travellers have just released a christmas single titled “Tridx Tkun Tiegħi Dan il-Milied? (feat. Ira Losco, Gianluca & Michela)” with its music video released on 04-12-23. Christmas weaves a magic spell of warmth, bringing hearts closer in a celebration of kindness and generosity. It's a season to cherish connections, to share heartfelt laughter and create precious memories with those we hold dear. A time when selflessness shines brightest, when romance sparkles anew, and when we embrace the promise of fresh starts. Christmas embodies love; it is the essence of friendship. Embracing this spirit, The Travellers proudly present "Tridx Tkun Tiegħi Dan il-Milied" — a festive tribute with our beloved Ira Losco, Michela, and Gianluca. Wishing everyone a Christmas resonating with joy and friendship! Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMrBN66SAEc

DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM RELEASED BY LOCAL METAL BAND SONIC STORM Local New Wave Thrash Metal band Sonic Storm have just released their first studio album ‘Keys to Your Ruin’. Sonic Storm was founded in 2017 by bassist Karl Friggieri and vocalist/guitarist Francesco Degabriele, with the aim of creating new music influenced by the old school Thrash Metal scene. The band started working on their material while looking to complete its line up with like-minded musicians. Following the release of their debut single "Bullet Train" in 2020, Paul Formosa joined the band behind the drum kit. By August 2023, Sonic Storm had written and recorded ten songs, of which “Web of Corruption” and "Into the Pit" were also released as singles. They followed up by recruiting the talented Columbian musician Miguel Ángel Sarmiento as their second guitarist. Each song on the record focuses on a variety of related themes; war, injustice, corruption and the recent pandemic, among other treacheries and deceptions. All these are being portrayed as impositions we, as a society, have grown to accept – ultimately, the keys to our own ruin. After playing several live shows, the quartet are now planning to hit the stage next February to launch the physical edition of their album, at ‘The Garage’ in Żebbuġ, in a show which will see a legendary local band as the opening act. The digital (and eventually, the physical) editions of the album will be available through the band’s Bandcamp page, in addition to also being available for online streaming on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and all other major online music stores. The album was self-recorded, while mixing and mastering duties were once again trusted to Peter Grech at 21 Thirteen Audio. The artwork is by Indonesian artist Syadat Baihaqi (aka: Blasphemy_Ink). Sonic Storm is (from left-to-right as per the attached band photo): Miguel Ángel Sarmiento – Guitars Francesco Degabriele – Vocals & Guitars Karl Friggieri – Bass Paul Formosa – Drums Photo by Denise Vella Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonicstormmetal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sonicstormmetalMT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonic_storm_metal/ Email: sonic_storm@yahoo.com

New Forces at Metaldays Press Release We are a global Metal community that empowers emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and connect with a global Metal audience. Exciting New Forces news for 2024! Get ready for the New Forces contest, hitting the stages in Slovenia, Germany, Austria, France, Croatia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, Dubai, Malta, and Greece! Bands from these countries, this is your time to shine! But hey, if you're from another corner of the globe, you're more than welcome to apply. Interested in being part of the action? Apply now until 25.12.2023 at the Registration page: http://www.newforcesofmetal.com/registrations While we can't promise new additions for 2024, we're planning to expand to more countries in 2025 and beyond. Your chance is on the horizon! But that’s not all; We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new New Forces website: www.newforcesofmetal.com! Your go-to hub for all things New Forces. Explore the Promoters section to discover the countries on board for 2024 and meet the dedicated promoters behind the scenes: http://www.newforcesofmetal.com/promoters-1 Want to represent New Forces in your country? Let us know by applying on the registration page: http://www.newforcesofmetal.com/registrations For all you New Forces supporters, don't miss out on the latest updates – register for our newsletter: http://www.newforcesofmetal.com Join the force at New Forces! MetalDays with New Forces has a long-standing tradition of supporting newcomer bands in their career, because we believe that newcomer bands are the ones that are most important for a healthy Metal community and its future. We've always had an ear for bands that deserve more recognition. For example, Alien Weaponry played their first concert at a major festival at none other than MetalDays. We were never afraid to give bands that we thought deserved high slots to show themselves to a large audience. We believe in you, and that's why we put a lot of energy into New Forces.

Isles Of Lore released online The day has arrived. Weeping Silence are thrilled to announce that their new album 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘 has now been released via record label ViciSolum Productions. The album is now available on Spotify or in physical Digipak format. The band are aiming to play the album in its entirety on 12 December when it shall be launched physically during a gig at The Garage. 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘 is inspired by the timeless allure of Maltese folklore characters, creatures, and legends and exemplifies the current stage in Weeping Silence’s stylistic evolution (best described as Melodic Metal with influences from Progressive and Death Metal). All tracks are now available on Spotify, but for the full experience, the Digipak includes the physical CD together with a beautifully designed booklet. Featuring the main album art, the booklet also includes lyrics and informative captions about each respective character. 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 are: 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 & 𝗟𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀: Dario Pace Taliana 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿: Mario Ellul 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿: Glenn Paul Pace 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀: Manuel Spiteri 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝘀: Alison Ellul 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘀: Julian Mallia (Julinu) 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴: David Depasquale | SPINESPLITTER STUDIO | 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Jens Bogren - Fascination Street Studios 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝘁: Julian Mallia (Julinu) | 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Nick Grima MGT 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹: ViciSolum Productions There are numerous people who were in some way or another involved in the making of this labor of love, among whom: Orphaned Land’s Kobi Farhi (who features as a guest vocalist in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀), their manager Nick Grima, Thomas Hörnkvist from record label ViciSolum Productions (Sound Pollution Distribution), Noel Mifsud and Michael Bugeja for their continuous media support, video creator Cedric Vella, photographers Maria Baldacchino and Daniel Dean Marsk, past members for being part of this journey, their families, and their dedicated supporters. 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 link Sceptocrypt returns after twenty four years On November 25, 2023, Malcolm Callus, the founder of Sceptocrypt in 1992 in Malta, announced the re-launch of the band this year in London. Malcolm, now based in London, reflects on the significance of the band's return after a 24-year absence, choosing to release a requiem titled "Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem." This decision is deeply personal, as it was inspired by the passing of his mother, Doris Callus, on September 25, 2023. Malcolm expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be with his mother in her final moments and dedicates the song as a thank you, released exactly two months after her passing. The cover art for the requiem, masterfully crafted by Twan Sibon of www.brutalism.com, features an angel with a trumpet symbolizing the release of one's grip and surrendering to the currents of life. This imagery resonates with the theme of flowing effortlessly with the cosmic rhythm, a concept inspired by Malcolm's mother's approach to life. Malcolm fondly recalls his mother's vibrant spirit and individuality, citing a video of her dancing to her own beat among professional dancers. This spirit, embodied in the saying "Dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one were listening, and live every day as if it were your last," serves as a guiding principle for Malcolm's life and art. The process of creating the requiem was cathartic for Malcolm, providing an outlet for his restlessness and lack of sleep during the week of his mother's passing. With the help of a borrowed guitar and the support of friends like Sean from Forsaken and David from Spinesplitter Studios, Malcolm composed, recorded, and produced the song. Initially titled "The Unwanted Requiem," the song's name was later changed to "Oratorio Mortem 2" as a nod to the band's history of resilience. Sceptocrypt faced the prospect of splitting up in 1996 but found new musicians, recorded "Oratorio Mortem" in 1997, and went on to experience success with a stronger lineup. Malcolm takes the opportunity to pay homage to his nephew Luca Micallef, who passed away a year ago, and others who are now on the other side, including Pawlu Camilleri and Marcello Scalpello. He dedicates the song "Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem" to their memory. The credits for the song go to David Depasquale of Spine Splitter Studios for recording, sound design, mixing, and mastering, Twan Sibon of Brutalism for the artwork, Emvin Mifsud of Ewvin by Me for photography of clocks, and Sean Vukovic of Vukovic Music for lending a guitar for composition and recording purposes. Malcolm expresses gratitude to everyone who has supported the band and invites drummers in London to join Sceptocrypt for live performances. Link to Oratorio Mortem 2: The Unwanted Requiem on bandcamp. Muzika Muzika: the last twenty songs announced Festivals Malta announced the twenty semifinalist songs for the local music festival, Mużika Mużika, which will take place between the 14th and 16th of March 2024. The songs are as follows (in alphabetical order according to the song title plus artist/composer/lyricist ): 3 ta’ Ġunju 2021 - Neville Refalo - Corazon Mizzi - Corazon Mizzi Dawk l-Għajnejn - Miguel Bonello - Gilbert ‘il- Bibi’ Camilleri u Miguel Bonello - Miguel Bonello Din Għalik - Moira Stafrace - David Cassar Torregiani, Toby Farrugia u Moira Stafrace - Gerard James Borg u Ryan Axisa Fil-Qrib - Cliff Zammit Stevens - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia Ġenna - Victoria - Cyprian Cassar - Lon Kirkop Ġranet Sbieħ - Mark Micallef Costa - Mark Micallef Costa, Gabrijel Mansueto, Roderick Borg u Stefan Grech - Mark Micallef Costa Grazzi - MARA - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia Ħolma ta’ Mument - Dario Bezzina - Dario Bezzina - Philip Vella - Joe Julian Farrugia Iljun - Andreana DeBattista - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss Imħabba Vera - GIADA - Glen Vella - Philip Vella Imqar Għal-lejla - Megan May - Peter Borg, Megan May, u Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur - Megan May Kewkba F’Tarf L-Irdum - Cherylis - Pamela Bezzina - Pamela Bezzina Kieku Kelli - Thea Aquilina - Cyprian Cassar - Cliff Casha Brincat Lulju - Karen Debattista - Karen Debattista - Mark Scicluna Meta Tridni Ħdejk - Qalb - Paul Giordimaina - Fleur Balzan Mhux Tal-Aħħar - Maxine Pace - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss Mingħajr Kliem - Keith Zammit Mintoff - Matthew James - Matthew James Paradoss - Haley - Cyprian Cassar - Emil Calleja Bayliss Vjagg Sabiħ - Kantera - Kantera u Micimago - Joe Julian Farrugia Waħdi - Janice Debattista - Philippa Naudi u Bettina Muchmore - Philippa Naudi u Bettina Muchmore Frans Agius, the Executive Director of Festivals Malta, affirms that, as is the case each year, Mużika Mużika has received a highly positive response. The competition has consistently attracted a considerable number of high-quality entries in previous years, making the task of the independent jury challenging in choosing the 20 semifinalist songs for the upcoming edition. Malta Eurovision Song Contest: the twelve finalists The announcement of the twelve finalists for this year's Malta Eurovision Song Contest took place on Friday evening. One of these finalists will go on to represent Malta in the international event, witnessed by millions worldwide, scheduled to be held in Malmö, Sweden, in May. This follows Malta's triumph in the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest last year, featuring the singer Loreen and her song "Tattoo." The twelve finalists emerged from the pool of 36 semifinalists, introducing their songs on the national stage and through social media in recent weeks. During the Friday evening event, which involved the elimination of 22 contestants, the public will be able to vote for their favorite song via SMS. Each person can cast a vote for the same song once. The finalists include Miriana Conte, Greta Tude, Haley, the group Erba', the Gozitan duo Denise and Sarah Bonnici, Gail, Janvil, Ryan Hili, Nathan, Matt Blxck, and Lisa Gauci. Under the updated regulations this year, the twelve finalists will each receive twelve thousand euros to produce a music video, which will be used in the final stage of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest. Simultaneously, in alignment with the same theme, Yulan Law will represent Malta in the 21st edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Nice, France, on the upcoming Sunday.

‘BARBERSHOP ORCHESTRA’ - MUSIC VIDEO & HEADLINES Cassettes A few weeks ago, you opened the newspaper. "Barbering is now the fastest growing industry in Malta", it read. A simple enough statistic, you thought, until you began noticing hybrid barbershops/tattoo parlours popping up everywhere. Your village grocer? Barbershop. Your old school? Barbershop. The nursing home where they put your grandma? Barbershop. Every day is beginning to feel like a close shave. If you're looking for answers, you might find them in ‘Barbershop Orchestra’, a punkier and swingier track off DALAM's debut EP HEADLINES. DALAM delve deep into this hairy situation, searching for motives, identifying the culprit behind it all, and pondering who can save us from this wicked industry trend. Available for pre-order now: DALAM’s debut EP ‘HEADLINES’ on limited edition cassette Garden Gnome Barbershop Orchestra l-Assedju Kemxejn Medjokri Ta’ Malta DALAM ORDER HERE DALAM is the backing band to Malta’s construction noise. ‘HEADLINES’ ,the band’s debut EP, is out now exclusively via Kewn Records and is an introduction to DALAM’s frantic, brash, and sardonic sound. ‘HEADLINES’ marks the first phase of what DALAM set out to achieve when they formed in 2020—write compelling tracks steeped in sludgy noise rock, early metalcore, post-hardcore, and various other kinds of filthy music. On an island where everything seems far-fetched, DALAM pushes things one step further. The four tracks on ‘HEADLINES’ feature stories that would make the news in a parallel world where Malta is just slightly more bizarre. ‘HEADLINES’ was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Steve Lombardo at Hell Next Door Studios. Copyright (C) 2023 Kewn Records. All rights reserved.