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We are proud to announce Damaged & Co. as support act for the Lordi concert. See Lordi Live for the first time in Malta at Aria Complex on 31st March 2023 Tickets from www.showshappening.com/nng Damaged & Co. are an Alternative Metal band, who released their debut full length album "Life's Grand Delusion" on 11th February 2023. Watch their latest single 'Truth' here.

Welcome Krishna We are proud to announce our second signing for 2023, Post-metal duo Krishna! Krishna is an instrumental heavy music duo from Malta consisting of Timothy Garrett on guitar and Alan Darmanin on drums. The band will be launching their sophomore record, 'Headless', on Saturday the 25th at March at Palazzo de la Salle. From all the staff at Melodija all the best to both parties.

Around 4pm on 27th February the following statement was posted on the band’s page on Facebook: “With heavy hearts we regret to inform that Pyramid Suns have called it a day. After much consideration, we have decided to dissolve the band due to the busy schedules of each member, including their various projects in design, work, music, and life in general. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of passion and energy needed to produce and contribute as a group. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to every person who has supported us throughout our 8-year journey. To our loyal fans, the enthusiastic crowds, and the promoters who booked us for gigs and believed in us, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind our music. Although we are saddened by this decision, we hope that our music will continue to brighten your days, provide a source of reflection, or simply bring joy. Our current album, "Reflections," and our first EP are available on streaming platforms such as Spotify for your continued enjoyment. 😀🤘 Once again, thank you for your love and support. We are forever grateful. 🔺☀️” The band made an impact on the music scene from day one and from the messages and posts that followed this was a hard blow. Luke Briffa, who joined the band on drums around May 2020 posted the following: “Was a great pleasure to join Pyramid Suns for the band's last run, record a full-length album, play its launch together with some festivals. A great adventure indeed! Unfortunately, the band called it a day, but its music will live on. It's been a pleasure!” Pyramid Suns released their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and their follow up full length album ‘Reflections’ (on Kewn Records) on 28th June 2022. Both releases can be listened to on digital platforms. From all the staff at Melodija we wish all the luck to Joel, Keith, Kyle and Luke for their future endeavors and adventures.

“Oh, when I look back now That summer seemed to last forever And if I had the choice Yeah, I'd always wanna be there Those were the best days of my life” – Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams I do not recall the summer of 1969 as I was not born yet but I have very fond memories of the summer of 1998 because it was magical. In 1997 the government set up the Ta’ Qali National Park Committee, coordinated by Massimo Ellul, with the intention of bringing to Malta famous acts and artists to serve as an attraction for tourists who wanted to enjoy some good bands and spend a few days in Malta. These big names would be an attraction to Maltese punters too and serve as a good showpiece for Maltese supporting acts. During the summer of 1997 the National Park Committee organised concerts by Fish, Bonnie Tyler and the Spicey Girls but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come in 1998. During a press conference in March 1998, the Ta’ Qali National Park Committee announced the following celebrated names were performing in Malta: Iron Maiden – 30 May 1998 Deep Purple – 6 June 1998 Demis Roussos – 18 July 1998 Alannah Myles – 8 August 1998 Status Quo – 22 August 1998 Fish – 5 September 1998 Needless to say, to me personally Iron Maiden and Deep Purple were the largest attraction, though I only skipped the Demis Roussos concert and Fish. It was not the first visit by Iron Maiden to the Maltese Islands as they have performed at the Thunder Discotheque in Victoria, Gozo on 14 January 1996, supported by Lord Adder. In May 1998 Iron Maiden were on their Virtual XI World Tour. On the appointed day some 5,500 metal heads turned up at Ta’ Qali to witness one of the greatest live metal bands ever. The tour had started on 22nd April 1998 in Norwich, England and ended on 12 December 1998 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ta’ Qali w as the 25th date of the tour. Incidentally this was also the last tour with Blaze Bayley on vocals, as the legendary Bruce Dickinson was back in the Maiden fold a year later. Keeping in mind the logistical problems encountered before the concert in Gozo, the National Park Committee went out of their way to see that this would be a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the sound was not of the best quality when Angel Dust hit the stage, but it improved greatly when it was time for veterans Acid to entertain the crowd. The crowd went berserk when Maiden finally hit the stage and the frenzy reached fever pitch when the band’s mascot, Eddie, made his obligatory appearance during Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden’s line up for their Ta’ Qali concert consisted of Blaze Bayley on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Dave Murray and Janick Gers on guitars and Nico McBrain on drums. The set list was as follows: Futureal The Angel And The Gambler Man On The Edge Lightning Strikes Twice Heaven Can Wait The Clansman When Two Worlds Collide Lord Of The Flies 2 Minutes To Midnight The Educated Fool Sign Of The Cross Hallowed Be Your Name Afraid To Shoot Strangers The Evil That Men Do The Clairvoyant fear of the dark Iron Maiden Encores The Number Of The Beast The Trooper Sanctuary Voiceless, but with a huge grin on our faces we left the venue to return on June 6th. Deep Purple were on their Abandon Tour, in support of their sixteenth studio album. Being a keyboardist I made a bee line for the front to watch the legendary Jon Lord (1941-2012) in action and the wizard did not disappoint. Apart from the absence of virtuoso guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple turned up for their Malta concert with the rest of the original line up.........Ian Gilan, bassist Richard Glover, drummer Ian Paice and as I mentioned before Jon Lord on keys. Blackmore was replaced by ex-Kansas guitarist Steve Morse. Purple were supported by Winter Moods and Purple Haze. The set list was as follows: Hush (Joe South cover) Bloodsucker Strange Kind of Woman Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic Pictures of Home Fingers to the Bone Almost Human Woman from Tokyo Watching the Sky Seventh Heaven Guitar solo Smoke on the Water Evil Louie Keyboard solo Lazy Perfect Strangers Speed King Encores: Black Night Highway Star The Alannah Myles and Status Quo concerts were great, but for me faded in comparism with experiencing Iron Maiden and Depp Purple up close and personal. The latter event was supposed to become Malta’s Woodstock but it ended marred in controversy as regards to the participation of the Maltese bands. Six bands pulled out because of what they claimed to be unfair treatment. The event started at 4.30pm instead of 10am, as originally planned, with Jane Eyre, Fire and Filletti & Friends hitting the stage before Status Quo. Well 25 years have passed since that summer and many great bands have left their mark on the local scene...........too many to mention in fact. But that summer keeps coming back to haunt my memories. It could be that it was the first experience for me, and many of my contemporaries to witness so many acts in such a short space of time..........pity that the whole Ta’ Qali National Park experience fizzled out so fast. The only thing that I am sure of is when I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever, and if I had the choice, yeah, I'd always wanna be there, those were the best days of my life................back in the summer of ’98.

The Areola Treat Red Town Baby KWN009 / Dig / 4th March 2023 (Single) Tell A Lie - 10th February 2023 (Single) Into My Shadow - 24th February 2023 (EP) Red Town Baby - 4th March 2023 For Press requests please contact Nicholas Bonello via kewnrecords@gmail.com The Areola Treat The Areola Treat are an alternative rock band from Valletta, Malta. The band formed around 2006, and have since then launched an EP and 3 albums, in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014 respectively. They are back with a whole lot of new music set for release in 2023 in the form of 7 singles as well as an EP and Double Album. Red Town Baby will be available on all major streaming platforms on launch day with no physical release. 'Tell A Lie' uses fast-paced steady drum beats and distorted guitars blending perfectly with vocals inspired by Siouxsie Sioux and Diamanda Galas. Tell A Lie is a short, compelling and antagonistic Alternative Rock anthem that would not be out of place on your favorite workout playlist or energy booster. 'Into My Shadow' is a solid return to glam rock, inspired by artists like The New York Dolls, Bowie and The Spiders From Mars. A rock and roll mood, with distorted guitars, claps, solid running drums and female vocals inspired by The Saints’ front-man Chris Bailey. A song about a love affair turned sour in which the author regrets the union and feels overwhelmed, attempting to escape the clutches of her paranoid-obsessive and verbally-abusive lover. A glam-punk alternative anthem. 'Covered In Blood' melds sluggish guitars and drum beats, grungy, dirty, distorted guitars and vocals inspired by Diamanda Galas and Robert Smith. A short and contemplative indie rock song. The lyrics discuss the ambivalence of touch, and the melody that comes with the distant memory of a past lover’s embrace, as the memory now resurfaces amid bittersweet feelings. The band will be releasing the EP on the 4th of March 2023, at an event at Tigullio, St.Julians Malta. The first part of 3 brand new releases this year, the Areola Treat shall be celebrating the past and present with music from their EPs; the self-titled “The Areola Treat” (2008), “Radio On” (2013) and of course their latest release, “Red Town Baby”. KWN009 / Dig / 4th March 2023 Track Listing: 01. Jailbait 02. Into My Shadow 03. Tell A Lie 04. Covered In Blood 05. Can't Stand To Lose 06. White Lane Fast Train 07. Speak No Evil 08. Meet Me In Shanghai

While doing research for this site I have encountered a 7” release from 1998 called ‘Last Call for the Lost Scenes Vol. 2’. It was released in December of that year on Tian An Men 89, a record label which, according to discogs website, operated mainly out of France, although it is noted that it also operated out of other countries, two of which are Uganda and Abkhazia. It specialized in limited-edition vinyl releases from bands coming from Asia, The Middle East, Latin America and even the former Soviet Union and was created in 1993 for the purpose of releasing music from parts of the world where there was no possibility for the bands to release their music (discogs label profile). So, what does Malta has to do with all this? Well, this release featured a song called ‘Baptism in Fire’, a song which the Vandals (now X-Vandals) recorded and released as part of the track list on ‘Rise Of Evil’ demo in 1991. Released on cassette only, this demo featured five tracks, three recorded live (side A) with Albert Bell on bass while the other two (side B), which were recorded in the band’s rehearsal garage, featured James Spiteri on bass and Al Crusher on guitars on ‘Depths Of Sin’ while Jason Zammit played guitars on ‘Transmission Fading’. But did the band have any knowledge that one of their songs recorded 7 years earlier was released as part of this 7” split in 1998? We asked this question to current band members James Spiteri, Ray Schembri, Raymond Micallef, Stefan Curmi and Albert Bell, although the latter had already left the band when the cassette was released. Albert Bell played bass from 1989 till 1991, a few months before the demo’s release and joined back in 2019, this time on guitars. Bell, a vivid record collector, replied, “I left Vandals in 1991 and was not involved in the band at all after that. I did however come across that release eventually on metal archives or somewhere like that. It's quite cool to see "Baptism in Fire" (a Vandals track to which I contributed a lot both musically and lyrically) gather some attention and help give Vandals more exposure. It was a regular feature in our live sets and was pretty intense capturing the band's energy and vitality at the time. Great memories!” It turns out that the other band members were not aware of this release until I brought the matter up to their attention. Ray Schembri consented that at that time they used to do a lot of tape trading, like every upcoming band in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He also recollected such activity with someone in France, although he cannot remember with whom. Who knows, maybe one of these traded cassettes ended up in the hands of Tian An Men 89 record label owner Lük Haas and the rest is history. “The (garage) tracks on the demo were recorded and produced by Marcel Scalpello, Beheaded’s singer at the time and who later moved to the UK. We were all trading tapes and posting to record labels, including Marcel, so who knows” commented Ray Micallef. Marcel Scalpello has also produced and engineered Forsaken’s 1991 demo ‘Requiem’. If asked (by the record label), would the band have given permission? “Most definitely”, reacted bassist James, “which upcoming band would miss an opportunity like this, even if on a limited release”. And according to James the band would probably all agree that the song they would have submitted would have been in fact ‘Baptism in Fire’. Albert added, “I cannot recall the quality of that live version (need to check that out haha!), but I would guess that the band might have preferred a studio version”, Albert added. “Who knows, it might have even changed the prospect of the band”, continued James. Vandals went on a hiatus around 1994, making a comeback in the early 2000’s. “Had the offer been made at the time...who knows? In any case, we're really enjoying ourselves now and it is not worth crying over spilt milk and dwell too much on issues of what could have been” sustained Albert, “ I say only this - those Vandals tracks and shows from way back were phenomenal and if any Maltese metal band from that time deserved international attention it had to be Vandals. End of! Haha!” Meanwhile a few copies of the ‘Last Call for the Lost Scenes Vol. 2’ 7” vinyl are up for grabs on the internet, and apart from Vandals’ ‘Baptism in Fire’ it also features Paraguayan band Kaos’ song ‘Titeres Rebeldes’ on side A plus ‘Red Wine’ by Inflate(Moldova), Juanito El Punk by El Bosque (Costa Rica) and an untitled song by Pink Daemon from Brunei Darussalam. Noel Mifsud 22nd February 2023 The music from this EP can be listened to here: https://youtu.be/hqjvIcFrZTU

Whether you like it or not covid changed many lives, the way we live life and even the way we think. This happened globally in every sector and the music scene, the business, was no exception. Things started to get back to ‘normality’ about a year ago and during these last few months we witnessed an influx of ideas aimed by both business powers and artists to recuperate some of their losses: the release of numerous live albums, reissuing the early catalogue and compilations of unreleased material on a global scale, and let’s admit, nobody can blame them, financially everyone suffered and for the artist until he’s able to tour in full scale this might be the only way to recuperate. Unfortunately for other entities it was the last nail in the coffin: venues closed their doors for ever, small festivals were postponed, some cancelled, ultimately some throwing the towel to ever be organized again while entities manufacturing media and merchandise are trying to recover by raising prices…all this affected the bands, and the fans making the latter more conscious about how much one can afford when attending to gigs, etc. Two years without attending a performance or not able to visit a record shop was hard on many but not all is gloom and doom. And this is were we change our picture towards the local market. Locally, just as things developed abroad, we had artists who have released music just as covid reared its ugly head with no way to advertise their material, many album launches were cancelled or postponed to an uncertain date. I, personally, had to start recording my radio programs from home suspending interviewing artists live in a studio. I had to adapt to make some interviews online, but again, artists had nothing coming out for vending, but all those that I spoke to all said that being at home with nothing to do meant that they could compose and write more then ever before. Let us be honest it was either that or lose one’s mind. Although during the covid years some bands managed to put up an event one way or another, the first major event locally was a six-day seated event in Valletta in March 2022 titled Metal City/Rock City, with 18 bands (three on each day). From the first note it was evident how much all this was missed. But what amazed me and a lot whom I spoke to, was the numerous attendances of a new generation of teens that two years before were still in school. We are used to notice a few new metalheads or other concert goers during one gig or another, but never this amount at one go. Four of these teens performed on the second night to the amazement of all attendees. It was the first time Malta heard Morsrot, a crushing old school death metal young band whose members, like many others, were coming out of two years of online schooling, deprived of two important years in a teen’s live. Later in the year (July 7th) the band released a demo entitled Carnal Enslavement and played numerous gigs. During the same festival we also witnessed the debut of a new band The Drowning Sorrow, made up of seasoned musicians, and the return of one of the best bands in the 90’s, Oblique Visions, amongst others. But back to teen bands. On the 17th September newcomers Delirium released their debut album ‘State Of Delirium’ to a packed attendance at The Garage (where else!!). The band was back on stage with their gothic metal genre on the 9th December, part of a 4-band lineup event titled The Advent Of Chaos. Alongside Delirium were veteran bands R.A.S. and X-Vandals plus the debutants Luciferi Regnum, another band whose members are recent school leavers. Although young, Luciferi Regnum managed to mix extreme gothic metal with melodic black metal to perfection as can be heard on their debut single ‘Banshee’. During the last few months of 2022, a new song was aired in the veins of a black doom genre. The artist appeared first on stage behind Morsrot’s drum kit back in March and since progressed to fill the drumming stool with Chaotic Remains and released a black metal album with his project Saint Vermin on which he plays all instruments and does vocal duties. The album was released on 20th January 2023 on Pesttanz Klangschmiede. His name is Zain Gauci and since then he is also part of yet another band, Halcyon, which still has to make their debut. On the 8th September, another black metal EP was released on digital platforms. ‘Xifer Id-Dinja’ is the debut from an artist that goes by the name of TY and whose project is called Kalvarju. During the months after the pandemic we assisted the release of a good number of other debuts, from maybe not so young artists including Nokturnal Void’s ‘Odiiu’ (17th November) and Shaun Attard’s Zabbeth’s self-titled worship album (7th august 2022). Shaun Attard also gave us ‘Teratogenesis’ under his other project Psychopath on 13th February 2020 just days before the first case of covid-19 was reported in Malta. Also, to be noted Niket’s self-titled debut released 2nd October 2021 whilst in the coming days local thrashers Mur.Doc 104 are set to release their debut EP titled ‘Uprising’. One last small mention goes to Grotium, another band whose members are in their youth, who although playing a few gigs, were relatively quiet during 2022, only because they’re recording their debut album and Hemplifier (not so much in their youth anymore) who have released their debut single ‘Weedcraft’ on 17th November 2021 and are on the verge of releasing their debut album. And all this is just from the metal scene, (we will talk about the other genres later on down the road, so stay tuned). I trust, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that the post covid generation is going to make our lives wonderful and believe me when I say the future’s so bright, we’ve got to wear shades. Noel Mifsud (St. Valentine’s Day 2023)