< Back Kieron Spiteri Vocalist | Guitarist Kieron always wanted to find something to put his time and effort in when he was a child. After trying a countless number of sports, he finally tried guitar at around age 13 and didn’t pick it up fully until the age of 14. At 14 Kieron used his mum’s old classical guitar from when she was 14. Eventually he saved enough money and got himself an electric guitar. Kieron quickly picked it up and taught himself how to play it. Through guitar he started getting into proper music and finding his favorite genres, but after playing indie on guitar for a certain amount of time he found it boring and that’s when Kieron discovered Metallica at 14 years old. He quickly learned all the songs from Metallica’s Ride the Lightning, and got a 2nd guitar 1 year into playing, that had 24 frets and proper hum-bucker pick-ups for a high gain sound. When Kieron got the new guitar, he didn’t go out for the whole summer because he only practiced the guitar for hours on end trying to learn a song harder the previous one with new/different techniques. Kieron started taking guitar seriously by this time and felt like guitar and music was the part of him that was missing that’s finally found. Eventually Kieron grew fonder of Metal and heavy music, he grew my hair out, changed clothing styles and even got more guitars that were associated with the genre. In fact, flying V’s are his favorite guitar shape. Kieron always wanted to be in a band from when he was 14 years old. At around 16 years old, he just got out of a failed band that was made for a battle of the bands contest and soon after started Impertex (around April 2023) with the vocalist at the time. Impertex started out purely for fun, until eventually Kieron went to guitar lessons to learn music theory (around July 2023) and that’s where he met the current guitarist for Impertex (Marta Privitera) which knew a bassist (Michael Vassallo) and a drummer (Ezra Grech) who are now Impertex members. Impertex started off as a 5 piece rock band, but after a few practices they realized the same love they have for Thrash Metal. Eventually labelling themselves as a thrash band. In August 2024, is when they really started taking themselves seriously and aiming to be professional. However, the vocalist at the time left the band and Impertex tried getting a new member, but no one stood out/ fit in with the chemistry of the band. In the meanwhile, Kieron started practicing vocals at home when no one could hear him (the same time Impertex was searching for a new member), taking inspiration from heavier bands like Hellripper, Venom, Bathory and Death. And one day at practice Kieron decided to give vocals a try , and the other band members really loved his style. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

The Rifffs MT < Back Every band has a story to tell and legendary cult band ’The Rifffs‘ (not to be mistaken with ‘The Riffs’) are definitely a band worthy of that story. From landing a record deal in the early 80s with Alternative music distributed by Pinnacle, to having their debut single ‘Dance Music for the 80s Depression’ played by the world famous DJ John Peel which also hit high in the British Alternative charts , this band has more than a story to tell. But the greatest story of all is the fact that their first single stood the test of time and till today is considered a timeless classic . Since reuniting in 2006, The Rifffs MT, as they are now known, have released two albums. Moonstomp in 2009 and Can’t Stop the People in 2014. This enabled the band to tour outside of their home country of Malta and play numerous gigs in the Czech Republic and Germany. In 2015 they fulfilled their dream of performing in the UK at the International Ska Festival and various other venues throughout the country. The following year they performed at the Boomtown Fair Festival in Winchester, UK. The band are now working on their third album which is scheduled for release in 2021. Band Members Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Pamela Bezzina Singer | Songwriter | Voice Coach Facebook Pamela Bezzina is a distinguished Maltese singer-songwriter, renowned for her soulful and gospel-inspired music, as well as her expertise as a vocal director, arranger, and coach. Her musical journey began at a young age with classical training, eventually transitioning to contemporary music, which paved the way for a successful career as a performer. Today, Pamela is celebrated as one of Malta’s top female vocalists, performing with popular bands like Versatile Brass, The Residents, and Big Band Brothers. Her talent as a songwriter has led to numerous achievements, including the creation of beloved compositions such as "B’qalbi kollha … għal ħajti kollha" and "Sliem għalik." In 2017, Pamela won the prestigious Għanja tal-Poplu national song festival with her composition "Meta r-Ramel jitħallat mas-silġ," performed by Jessica Magro. She has also been a finalist in the Mużika Mużika contest in 2022 and 2023, showcasing her lyrical and compositional prowess. Beyond her success as an artist, Pamela is deeply passionate about vocal coaching and choir direction. Her exceptional musicality and creative vision have made her a sought-after arranger, with notable projects including all vocal arrangements for Animae Gospel Choir, which she co-founded in 2008, as well as contributions to major events like the Junior Eurovision, Valletta18 European Capital of Culture, and various collaborations with leading Maltese bands. Pamela's work has taken her to stages across the globe, performing in countries such as Romania, China, Italy, Russia, the UK, and more. Her international presence was further solidified when she was invited to perform as a solo artist at Dubai's Expo 2020, representing Malta during the prestigious Malta Day ceremony. As the founder and director of VocalBooth Studios, one of Malta's premier voice and singing tuition centers, Pamela combines her expertise as a certified Speech and Language Pathologist with advanced training in Estill Vocal Technique. She specializes in voice therapy and vocal rehabilitation, working closely with singers facing vocal challenges. Over the years, Pamela has mentored many of Malta's leading contemporary artists, including Ira Losco, Amber, Firelight, Gaia Cauchi, and Brooke, helping them to explore and optimize their vocal potential. Pamela Bezzina’s multifaceted career, blending performance, songwriting, and vocal coaching, has made her a pillar of Malta's music industry, inspiring countless artists with her dedication to musical excellence and vocal health. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

B E R N E < Back Ethereal Earth-pop duo Berne poetically use music to talk about issues they care deeply about: the climate emergency and social justice, while instilling hope for the future.Berne's activism doesn't just stop at music. That's why they created a low impact, eco-friendly website. To raise further awareness they built an interactive music map that highlights environmental initiatives around the world. Supported by the likes of EU DG Climate Action, TheWRD from The Ivors Academy, BBC Introducing, EARMILK, Headliner Magazine, and Sound City, Berne continue in their mission to inspire and urge people to bring about change in the world, to highlight that we are in charge of the future and that together we can make a real difference. Band Members Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

BNI - Batteries Not Included facebook.com/BatteriesNotIncludedMaltaPunks < Back Batteries Not Included have been around since 1993 or so. The band started off after Miguel and Malcolm came across a live version of Sham 69’s ‘If the Kids are United’, and decided to cover it, being impressed by the rawness and energy of the song’s style. From then on, driven solely by a strong drive for creating fun, fast and loud music that could be said to be closer to a crossbreed between old-school and more recent Punk Rock than anything else, the band has been going steady, playing countless gigs while also fitting in some D.I.Y. tours in the U.K. and Germany, and a couple of shows in France and Luxembourg. B.N.I.’s music reflects a certain angst that is peculiarly Maltese, and has a lyrical content that is not too serious, nor politically oriented. On the other hand, the band has tried to tackle (in its own way) the reality of everyday situations. The well-organised but wild gigs at ‘Dempsey’s Bar’, and the opening of ‘The Edge’ rock bar in Buġibba helped them (and a large number of other bands) gain further energy, which they let loose in the recording of their first album titled ‘Native Tongue / Ilsien Pajjiżi’ (1999). Apart from the release of that album, and the release of a demo cassette titled ‘Unsolved’ (1994), the band’s main achievement was one small innovation which is still gaining ground in the musical interests of today’s Maltese Punk bands: Punk Rock with Maltese lyrics. Apart from the re-release of the ‘Native Tongue / Ilsien Pajjiżi’ album on Malta-based Reciprocal Records, B.N.I. released a second album by the title of ‘Force Majeur’, in which they still put a strong emphasis on their crossover style Punk while fusing it with various Ska and Reggae elements. Recorded during April ’04 at Temple Studios and released 4 months later, this album gives off something of a more centred and honed style of Punk. B.N.I.’s tireless efforts in the Maltese scene resulted in their third album, aptly named ‘On and On…’, which sports the rawness and energy of their first album mixed with the more polished songwriting style of ‘Force Majeur’. Recorded during June ‘06 at Temple Studios, ‘On and On…’ is as loud as it gets, with Reggae and Ska still plainly leaving their influence on the band. This third album was released on 1st December 2006. Since its release, Steve ‘Lombardo’ Attard is the band’s new, hard-hitting drummer. In late 2022, B.N.I. released their 4th album: titled ‘Exponential Self-Destruction’, this latest release is nothing less than a statement confirming that the band doesn't intend to slow down nor calm down any time soon. Recorded at Hell Next Door studio by Steve ‘Lombardo’, this is a damn loud and fast one. 30 years on, still gigging often in Malta and, occasionally, abroad, B.N.I. aim at being around and playing loud shows until their fingers fall off, or, more realistically, until they lose their minds to old age. We'll see which comes first... Band Members Miguel Debattista Vocals, Guitars Miguel Debattista Steve Lombardo Drums Steve Lombardo Malcolm Dalli Vocals, Bass Malcolm Dalli Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Francesca Mercieca Singer Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Miguel Ángel Sarmiento Guitars facebook.com Born in Colombia, Miguel's journey began in a household steeped in metal influences thanks to his father's passion for the genre. Even as a young child, his connection to metal was evident, with memories of mimicking Death songs like "Spirit Crusher" by the tender age of 4. At 14, Miguel's move to Spain from Colombia didn't diminish his metal passion, nurtured by his father's influence. At 16, he explored guitar and bass, joined a couple of spanish underground bands, facing the challenge of no electric guitar, Miguel finds flamenco guitar one of his influences since he discovered the guitarist Paco de Lucia. At 19, Miguel struck out independently, becoming a self-taught musician. With guitar and bass in hand, he embarked on a determined journey, honing his craft through dedication. Iceland became his stage for skill development, engaging in bands amidst fjord landscapes. In summer 2020, Miguel's adventurous spirit led him to Malta after the quarantine lifted. There, he got to meet and collaborate with great musicians. May 2023 marked a turning point, Miguel joined a jam session during the Nuts Motorcycle Club charity event in Birżebbuġa along with Steve Lombardo and Francesco from Sonic Storm that led to an invitation. Francesco was captivated by his bass playing and adaptability during the event, and two months later, an invitation to join Sonic Storm followed. However, the spot that awaited Miguel in Sonic Storm was as their guitarist. Enthusiastically accepting, he solidified his place through rehearsals, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being in a thrash metal band, influenced by his father. Deep gratitude resonates within him, directed toward Francesco, Paul, and Karl for welcoming him into Sonic Storm. Thanks also go to Steve Lombardo, who introduced him to Francesco and Lilith Macabre from Luciferi Regnum who encouraged his participation in that fateful jam session at the Nuts Riders Club charity event in Birżebbuġa, the 2 catalyst for his incredible journey. On May 5th, 2024, at Rock The South, death metal band Halcyon unveiled Miguel as their second guitarist. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

< Back David Depasquale Guitar @rocknroll_malta Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

SOUL facebook.com < Back Band Members Russell Hammett Drummer Russell Hammett Kurt Cristina Guitarist Kurt Cristina Liam Mizzi Peplow Vocals, Guitars Liam Mizzi Peplow Christian Zammit Bass Christian Zammit Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Sean Attard Bass Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

Beheaded unknown < Back Band Members Fabio Marasco Guitars Fabio Marasco Frank Calleja Vocals Frank Calleja Simone Brigo Guitars Simone Brigo Davide Billia Drums Davide Billia David Cachia Bass, Vocals David Cachia Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Blasio Muscat Vocals, Bass Modern Tribe Photography Blasio was the final piece of the puzzle. Gozo lacks Metal musicians, especially drummers and bass players. Therefore, when Joe (Costa, Guitars) suggested we invite his former band mate Blasio for a jam, it was quite an easy decision. After his first jam with the rest of the band, inviting Blasio to join Ascendor was an even easier decision. Blasio had formerly played with Joe between 2005 and 2009 in ‘Lost Cause’ and ‘Inner Grey’ where they recorded two albums, ‘…If Systems Persist’ and ‘Sinister Seven’. Following Inner Grey’s disbanding, the latter album was never released. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Brian Sammut Bass facebook.com Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Simeon Gatt Drums unknown Simeon, who is also the drummer for Malta’s Forsaken band, has a long-standing career in the European doom metal music scene spanning over a few decades. Simeon provides Dawn of Anguish with the intense energy filled momentum that comes with every of his performance. Being regarded as the ‘doom metal connoisseur’ in the ensemble, he also provides a greater sense of gravity towards the band’s genre, although remaining very true to its core, also draws from diverse influences and skills. Candlemass, Black Sabbath as well as AC/DC are among his favourite and most influential bands. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

Valiantis facebook.com/Valiantismt < Back Valiantis is a band hailing from Marsa, formed in December 2018. The initial seeds of the band were sown when members Baġiġu and Jonathan, who previously played together in "Black State Believers," reunited to jam after the former band disbanded. Their harmonic resonance soon attracted the vocals of André 'Judas' Mallia, and the rhythm of Jean Pierre Gatt on drums. The core ensemble thus established, continued to play together till 2020, post which Glen Cassar on guitar, Lorna Fiorini and Alison Gatt on backing vocals and keyboards respectively, joined the troupe, enriching the band’s sonic tapestry. The musical style of Valiantis is a unique blend, mainly rooted in classic heavy, power, and thrash metal. However, their sound doesn't stop here; it extends to incorporate elements from a myriad of genres including cinematic and orchestral music, modern metal, pop, and at times, veers into the realms of gothic and electro. The classic heavy metal genre continues to be a major influence on the band. The name 'Valiantis' emerged from a meticulous quest for a moniker that resonated with the band's ethos and style. Derived from the word "Valiant," signifying bravery, and suffixed with 'is' reminiscent of a domain or place, Valiantis metaphorically stands for 'Land of the Brave.' Much of Valiantis’ music narrates tales from a post-apocalyptic world, portraying events leading to such an apocalypse. There's also a reflection on the metal music genre, life's journey, its inherent challenges, and the valor to overcome the fear of failure through their compositions. Their first public performance was held at the Garage in September 2021, a delay from the originally planned date in October 2020 due to the pandemic. Despite the restrictions allowing only a hundred attendees, the event saw a full house, an encouraging testament to the local following the band had garnered. As of now, Valiantis has not ventured into recording, as their journey has been extensively about live performances, which are often sought after. They harbor plans to take a respite from live performances to focus on recording their original material, sufficient for a full-length album. The November 2021 performance at the Epic Camp and their participation in the Rock/Metal City Festival in March 2022 at City Theatre, Valletta, are among the memorable performances cited by the band. They share a camaraderie with other bands and artists, often supporting or being supported in gigs, and inviting guest artists on stage. Valiantis looks forward to their upcoming performances at the Epic Camp on November 25th and supporting X-Vandals at the Garage in Żebbuġ on December 8th. While they don’t have an ambitious long-term roadmap, their journey is about enjoying the ride, taking one step at a time, and continuing to do what they love most—creating resonant music that strikes a chord with the audience. Band Members Glenn Cassar Guitars Glenn Cassar Philip 'Bagigu' Camilleri Bass Philip 'Bagigu' Camilleri Jean Pierre Gatt Drums Jean Pierre Gatt Andre 'Judas' Mallia Vocals Andre 'Judas' Mallia Jonathan Sammut Guitars Jonathan Sammut Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

Different Light < Back Different Light were formed in Malta at the end of 1994 by Trevor Tabone, Mark Agius Cesareo, Richie Rizzo and Trevor Catania. Loads of gigs were played throughout 1995 and an early version of 'In the Grey' was recorded for a compilation album.’ All About Yourself ', the band's first album, was recorded in April 1996 and released in June of the same year. The band spent the rest of the year touring Malta to promote the album. Mark Agius Cesareo left the band in early 1997 and was replaced by Jeremy DeMaria and the band supported 'Fish' (ex Marillion ;) in September 1998. A mini-album (EP) called ‘ A Kind of Consolation ’ was released at the end of 1999 with David Cassar Torreggiani on guitars. At this point, Different Light split up and so ended the first chapter. Fast forward to 2008, Trevor Tabone decides to reform the band in Prague CZ, together with Hynek Kocourek and Petr Lux. With the help of Daniel Charron and Premek Matejovic, an album entitled ' Icons that Weep ' is recorded and released in November 2009. The next three years are spent playing live together with new members Jirka Matousek, Bill Etheridge and Brian Reagan. In early 2015, a compilation album called ‘ Il Suono della Luce ’ is released, which includes the best material from the first three albums plus one unreleased track. With the departure of Bill Etheridge and Brian Reagan, the band are joined by Petr Matousek and Petr Lux and recording is started on a new album which is slated for a summer 2015 release. The ‘ The Burden of Paradise ’ is released in February 2016 garnering fantastic reviews and fan reaction, selling CDs in over 30 countries around the globe, plus being downloaded and streamed countlessly on Spotify, Itunes, Youtube etc. One highlight in 2019 was a support slot with Nick Mason’s ‘A Saucerful Of Secrets’ in Malta on the 13th of July. David Filak joins the band on drums in 2022 and ‘ Binary Suns – part 1 (Operant Condition) is released in February 2020 and is the first part of a double concept album which will be followed by the second part titled 'Binary suns - part 2 (Alternate reality)' in May. Band Members David Filák Drums David Filák Trevor Tabone Vocals, Keyboards Trevor Tabone Petr Lux Guitars, Backing Vocals Petr Lux Jirka Matoušek Bass Jirka Matoušek Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Tony Gauci Vocals Tony Gauci, born on October 27, 1945, in Żurrieq, Malta, left an indelible mark on the local folk music scene. Affectionately known as "Il-Kampanjol," he captivated audiences with his soulful melodies. Gauci's journey began at the tender age of 14 when he joined the Valletta Premier Orchestra, igniting a passion for music that would define his life. During his career, Gauci was a member of several local bands, with notable mentions including Helians and Scorpio. In the mid-1970s, Gauci skyrocketed to fame with his rendition of the iconic song "Qalb ta' Kampanjol," penned by Alfred C. Sant. This hit not only earned him widespread acclaim but also bestowed upon him his beloved nickname, "Il-Kampanjol." His musical prowess extended beyond this single, as evidenced by other popular tracks like "Qatt Ma Kont Daqshekk Ferħan," "Żgur, Żgur, Żgur," and "Il-Kalendarju." Beyond his musical endeavors, Gauci's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a gastronomic haven known as "Il-Kampanjol" restaurant in Qajjenza, Birżebbuġa. Gauci's generosity knew no bounds; he selflessly donated all proceeds from his debut album, "Qalb ta’ Kampanjol," to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, demonstrating his commitment to charitable causes. Throughout his illustrious career, Gauci's talents transcended borders as he embarked on international tours, enchanting audiences in Australia, Canada, and the USA. His final musical offering, the album "Malta Gawhra tal-Ħolqien," served as a heartfelt tribute to Maltese emigrants worldwide, showcasing his enduring love for his homeland and its diaspora. In 1982, a pivotal moment in his career emerged with the release of a collection of his greatest hits aptly titled 'Successi'. This compilation, backed by the Scorpio band, showcased the breadth and depth of his musical prowess. Pressed by Columbia/EMI Records in Homebush, the album bore witness to a collaboration that resonated with audiences worldwide. Recorded at Studio 7 Smash Studio, each track exuded a distinct energy and artistry. The production, orchestrated for the Topaz Apartment Hotel Malta, underscored a dedication to excellence. With backing vocals by Catherine Vigar and Joan Vassallo, the album stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and musical ingenuity. In his personal life, Gauci found solace and joy in his marriage to Bernardette, with whom he shared the blessings of parenthood, raising two sons, Keith and Nicholas. On March 10, 2010, the world bid farewell to a musical luminary. Gauci's legacy lives on through the melodies that continue to echo in the hearts of his fans and the flavours that linger on the palates of those who had the privilege of experiencing his artistry. His funeral, a poignant celebration of his life and legacy, took place on March 12, 2010, at St. Catherine's Church in Zurrieq, where family, friends, and admirers gathered to pay their final respects to the man fondly remembered as "Il-Kampanjol." Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

A Broken Design unknown < Back Band Members Conrad Dimech Bass Conrad Dimech Simon Deguara Vocals Simon Deguara Daniel Bezzina Guitar Daniel Bezzina Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Silvio Schembri Singer | Guitarist Silvio Schembri, born on January 29, 1958, in Pietà, Malta, is a renowned Maltese singer, musician, and band leader. He began his musical journey at age 14 by learning guitar and formed his first band, Cycopad, in 1965. Though short-lived, this early project marked the start of a vibrant career. In 1977, Silvio founded Misty, the band that defined much of his musical legacy. Misty became a staple in the Maltese music scene, performing at popular venues and releasing several hits such as Xewqa, Imħabbti, and Crazy Lady. After Misty disbanded in 1998, Silvio relocated to Tenerife, where he established a successful solo career, performing tirelessly in local venues. Over his career, he has played alongside renowned musicians, including Rick Wills of Foreigner and Queen's Brian May. Today, Silvio continues to perform and remains a beloved figure in both Malta and Tenerife for his lasting contributions to music. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

Forsaken Michael Sammut < Back Forsaken, one of Southern Europe’s longest standing and premier doom metal outfits, were formed in 1990 under the moniker "Blind Alley". Based in Malta, the band adopted the epithet "Forsaken" in 1991, opting for a resounding doom metal soundscape in the process. The band released their debut demo "Requiem" toward the end of that same year. In 1993 the band signed to Arkham Productions (France) for the release of a 7" Ep entitled "Virtues of Sanctity". Between Feb – March 1994, together with French thrash metal band Oddmongers, the band toured France and Spain to promote the Ep's release. Forsaken moved to local label Storm Records for their debut full-length "Evermore" (1997). After a lengthy absence from the studio the band returned to Temple Studios (Malta) to record a cover version of "Neon Knights", which was featured in the Black Sabbath MK II (Dio-era) tribute called "Dehumanized Witch" (Mid-West Metal Records - USA). In 2002 the band released a three-track promo demo, which attracted considerable label interest. In the same year the band signed to Golden Lake Productions (Scotland, UK) for the long-awaited "Iconoclast" Ep. Forsaken’s second full-length album called "Anima Mundi" (also released on Golden Lake Productions), was issued in February 2004 to widespread critical acclaim and remains the band’s best-selling release to date. This album was also licensed for a CD re-press on Russia’s CD Maximum in 2005 for an exclusive Russia and Baltic States deal. Golden Lake Productions also re-released the band’s 1996 debut album “Evermore” in early 2005. During the summer of 2006 the band relocated to Temple Studios for the recording of their third full-length and most widely acclaimed full-length album to date -“Dominaeon”. Focusing on a conceptual lyrical theme dealing with man’s pathway to spirituality and divine revelation and with famed Polish artist Jowita Kaminska (Exodus, Manilla Road, Emerald, Dantesco, Attacker etc) handling cover artwork duties, “Dominaeon” has been applauded by various critics as one of the milestones in contemporary doom metal, even clinching the No 1 spot in December 2005’s studio test by Heavy Mag (Germany). All the band’s catalogue on Golden Lake Productions were released in subsequent on vinyl (in DLP format) on the German label Immortal Vinyl Records featuring various exclusive bonus tracks. The band’s 2009 album “After the Fall” was released on Sweden’s I Hate Records on both CD and vinyl 12” format and gathered strong reactions in Malta and worldwide. This was followed up with the release of a 12” Split EP with Finland’s Fall of the Idols (on vinyl only) on the same label in 2010 titled “Tales of Doom and Woe”. For their fifth album Forsaken titled “Pentateuch” the band switch to Denmark’s Mighty Music Records, released in digital, CD and vinyl (LP) format. The album focuses on a thematic lyrical concept based on the first five books of the Old Testament and musically sees the band exploring epic doom metal pastures to new heights. The band is now working on songs intended for their sixth full-length album. Forsaken have also built a strong reputation as a powerful and emotionally charged live doom act. Apart from countless local gigs and their mini-European tour in 1994, the band played in various reputable heavy metal festivals all over Europe, including, the first and fifth editions of the Doom Shall Rise festival (2003, 2007 Germany), the Headbangers Open Air festival VII ( 2004, Germany), Keep it True V (2005, Germany), Elements of Rock Festival (2007,Switzerland), Dutch Doom Days Festival (2007, Netherlands), Doom Metal Inquisition (July 2008, Bradford, England), Cross Music Metalfest (October 2008, Friedewald, Germany), Day of Doom (November 2008, Dortmund, Germany), Brainstorm Festival (November 2009, Netherlands), Hammer of Doom festival (October 2011, Wurzburg, Germany), Neuborn Open Air festival (August, 2012, Germany), Play it Doom Festival (Brescia, Italy, January, 2015 and followed up with another gig in Italy at the Nero Extrema Club at Reggio Calabria in April 2015), Dordrecht Doom Day (May, 2015, Netherlands), SpringDoom Depression Festival (April, 2016, Vienna, Austria), Rock Hard Ride Free festival, Poland (June, 2016) , exclusive club shows at La Saletta in Reggio Calabria in March, 2017 with Nuclear Detonation and in Athens at the Modu club together with Hellenic epic metal giants Reflection and Achelous (May, 2017). In October, 2019, Forsaken returned to Germany to headline and Augsbangers Metal Meeting in Augsburg. Forsaken also supported NWOBHM legends Angel Witch in the latter’s show in Malta in May, 2014 and appeared in six editions of Malta’s foremost heavy metal festival – MDM (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018) since the festival’s inception in 2009 and other leading rock and heavy metal festivals on the Island (including Shellshock festival, XMA, Notte Bianca, the Farsons Beerfest, Metal Over Malta festival and Haunting the Theatre festival). Other important shows in Malta include supporting Candlemass at the latter’s House of Doom show at the Aria Complex in June 2018. Forsaken also supported Ross the Boss at the same venue in 2022, which marked a return to the stage (together with the band’s Haunting the Theatre appearance in the same year) following the lift on Covid restrictions. In 2022, Forsaken returned to the studio to record a cover for the Warlord track “Lucifer’s Hammer” which featured in a Bill Tsamis tribute album titled “A Crack in the Sky” released on Pitch Black Records released on both cd and vinyl (DLP) in May, 2022. The band's current line-up reads: Leo Stivala (Vocals), Sean Vukovic (Guitars), Albert Bell (Bass) and Simeon Gatt (Drums). In 2001, one of the band's longestserving members, Daniel Magri (Guitars) sadly passed away after a long battle against Cancer. Forsaken clinched the MMA (Malta Music Awards) Best Heavy Rock/Heavy metal band award twice – in 2003 and 2009 and were also nominated for the same award in 1997. What the press says: « Forsaken have their very own way of playing their Doom materials that is simply fantastic. I'm impressed by the quality of this band from Malta, everything is nearly perfect from musician skill to song writing to ambience ». Franag Webzine, France. « If indeed doom metal is to live on, its bands such as Forsaken that will consist of its backbone » . Alternative Webzine, Israel. « If a band like Candlemass has competition, then the main competitor will be Forsaken » . Quintessence Webzine, The Netherlands. « I first came across Forsaken a couple of years ago on doom metal CD compilation called ‘A Dark World’, the track on there ‘Carpe Diem’ made me hunt down their debut album ‘Anima Mundi’ which was an awesome slab of epic doom metal so on receiving Dominaeon I was hopeful that they had continued in the same direction as ‘Anima Mundi’ left off and I can tell you in all certainty that they have excelled themselves with ‘Dominaeon’…. Without a doubt this is one of the best epic doom albums released in 2005 and hopefully I will get the chance to catch Forsaken live in 2006. Hail Forsaken, for you are the future of epic doom metal! » Live For Metal Webzine, UK. « Forsaken are on their way to become one of the most important Doom bands of all times, and possibly, they are already so. Wonderful! » Metal District Web Zine, Germany. « It’s unbelievable how much impact a band can have on you. Forsaken is a band that had that much impact on me. Pure Doom of the way only the masters can do itself. » Vampire Zine, The Netherlands. « With bands like Forsaken the genre (doom metal) will survive in eternal greatness...! » Blood of the Ancients Mag, Germany. « FORSAKEN give us a very complete package! For sure the best pure Doom Metal album of the year and dearly recommended to every friend of epic Doom sounds! » The Metal Observer, Germany. « It's my personal belief that Forsaken are with this album making a huge step forward and climbing up the “hierarchy” in the doom scene's scalar chain. Make sure you at least listen to their album, I'm sure that just one listening is enough to be convinced to bow to their supremacy!! » Forgotten Scroll Mag, Greece. « I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Forsaken to hardcore devotees of the genre (who probably have it already) or to metal fans who just appreciate well-written, masterfully produced and arranged material » Erebus Magazine, USA. Band Members Leo Stivala Vocals Leo Stivala Sean Vukovic Guitars Sean Vukovic Simeon Gatt Drums Simeon Gatt Albert Bell Vocals, Bass, Guitars Albert Bell Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band