The odyssey of a modest guitarist from the realm of knights to the domain of the Vikings. Embarking on a journey steeped in Metal's depths, Hellcommander Vargblod, known in the mortal realm as Mark Azzopardi, emerged from the island’s cradle in 1982. His initiation into the realm of Metal began as a mere child, enraptured by the thunderous riffs of Black Sabbath and the hypnotic melodies of Led Zeppelin, resonating through his father’s and uncle’s hifi system at home. It was this early exposure that ignited the flames of his passion for the genre, setting him on a path destined for greatness. As adolescence dawned, Vargblod's fervor for the guitar blossomed under the tutelage of his father. However, it wasn't until his formative years that he delved deeper into his craft, coalescing with two school comrades to birth his inaugural ensemble, the Hell Rats. Their sound, a fusion of thrash and NWOBHM, tinged with the burgeoning influences of black metal, marked the genesis of his musical odyssey. Simultaneously, he lent his talents to the ranks of Mannaris, a garage band endeavoring to carve their mark upon the Metal landscape. The late 90s heralded a pivotal juncture as Vargblod departed his early endeavors to embark on a 12-year sojourn with local symphonic black metal stalwarts, Martyrium. This alliance bore witness to three full-length albums, myriad performances, and traversing the European expanse. Yet, his voracious appetite for sonic exploration led him to join the ranks of Maltese hard rock veterans, Lord Adder in 2008, simultaneously joining also thrash metal outfit X-Vandals with whom he played till 2013. During 2011, after Martyrium, Vargblod's creative essence surged forth, birthing Draugul and Khaospath—two solitary ventures that epitomized his artistic ethos. Draugul, a melange of folk, pagan, and black metal, unleashed 4 full lengths, 1 split and 1 EP until 2019, alongside 3 incendiary offerings of Khaospath. Relocating to the Northern realms of Sweden in 2014, Vargblod's solo project Khaospath was developed as a four-piece outfit with additional guitar, drums and bass and captivated audiences across Sweden, Bulgaria, Finland, and his native Malta with a performance at the Xtreme Metal Assault in 2016. Around 2016 Mark guested on some guitar parts together with Lord Ahriman, from Dark Funeral, with a band named Thokkian Vortex, the new project of Lord Kaiaphas, the ex-frontman of Norwegian Black Metal act Ancient on the album ‘Into The Nagual’. Khaospath was put on a hiatus in 2019 after a line up change forged an alliance with Bjarkan, continuing the project under a new name, Myronath. Amidst a revolving door of members, Myronath garnered acclaim, bolstered by the contributions of luminaries like Lars Broddesson (ex-Marduk) and Fredrik Andersson (ex-Amon Amarth). As the eve of May 2024 looms, Myronath stands poised to unleash their third blasphemy upon the world on Italian record label Dusktone. Vargblod's creative fervor knows no bounds, as evidenced by his collaboration with Bjarkan in the creation of Dodskold, releasing an album “Ödesriket” up till now and their alliance with Norwegian Black Metal veterans Ragnarok, culminating in the birth of Helvitnir. A band that also consists of ex-Mayhem live member Ilizahg on guitars and Jan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg. Their first album together is set to be released later this year. In his home studio – “Minas Morgul”, he also helped out fellow brother in metal Zain (as Saint Vermin) with his debut solo album “Together as None”, released in 2013 with mixing and mastering. This collaboration brought Vargblod an alliance with Zain, Clint Aquilina, and Clayton Cini forging the infernal symphony Horned Majesty, releasing their debut single in the second part of 2023. Yet, amidst the chaos of creation, Vargblod's solo odyssey, bearing the moniker Hellcommander, emerges yet again as a beacon of unbridled creativity, unleashing upon the world through, the auspices of "Pesttanz Klangschmiede", the EP titled Year of The Goat. Endorsed by the venerable Ibanez Guitars and Richter Straps, Vargblod's journey into the Abyss knows no bounds—an eternal symphony of Metal's unyielding might.

Saru l-Qamar Phantom Limb founder and musician James Vella (A Lily) shares blissful track ‘Kemm Nixtieq Li Qed’ Phantom Limb / Kewn Records | PHNTM041 | LP, Digital | April 5th 2024 About 'Kemm Nixtieq Li Qed' After sharing ‘Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi’ last month, A Lily (Brighton-based musician James Vella) returns today with another cut from his upcoming new album 'Saru l-Qamar', out 5th April through his own label 'Phantom Limb' – setting archival Maltese home recordings to new music for a fascinating album of nostalgic quasi-ambience and cross-generational dialogue. Beautifully spacey and blissful, ‘Kemm Nixtieq Li Qed’ translates in English to "how much I wish it were so". Vella explains “While working with the tape recordings from Maltese emigres, this was a remarkably common sentiment - usually in the form of "kemm nixtieq li qiegħed Malta" - "how much I wish I was in Malta". The phrase itself is imbued with sadness, but in this instance that sadness becomes so real, so tangible: in many cases (including my own family's), those that left Malta in that period left in search of more stable political prospects that allowed them to live and work freely. Many were torn away from their home, their friends, their lives. I wanted to express this sadness in my arrangement of the recording, and I wanted to honour the experiences of the speaker on the tape. Not much of his recording has survived the decades since its taping, but even these snatches of audible dialogue reveal a deep lament. My arrangement - as with the rest of the album - is for hardware synthesis, focusing on gentle beat-less rhythms that can tell a story in themselves, and a melody line that floats in a heavily reverberous space to reflect the ghostliness of the passage of time.” About 'Saru l-Qamar' From the 60’s until the modern era, it was common for Maltese families to receive reel tapes from relatives abroad. Maltese emigres 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. A LILY Saru l-Qamar Phantom Limb / Kewn Records | PHNTM041 | LP, Digital | April 5th 2024 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. To hear the album and any other promo requests, please contact Nicholas Bonello: kewnrecords@gmail.com 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 13 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

New Forces by MetalDays 2024: A Showcase of Malta's Thriving Metal Scene The Maltese metal community is gearing up for an electrifying event as New Forces by MetalDays 2024 prepares to take the stage on the 8th and 9th of March at The Garage in Zebbug, Malta. With an impressive lineup featuring both established acts and rising stars, this event promises to be a celebration of the vibrant metal culture that thrives on the island. Friday night kicks off with a bang as doors open at 18:00 hrs, ushering in a diverse array of sounds and styles. From the intense grooves of Mur.Doc 104 to the bone-crushing aggression of Morsrot, there's something for every metalhead to sink their teeth into. Align the Tide brings their signature blend of melody and brutality, while Krishna offers a taste of their unique brand of spiritual metal. Saħħar and Luciferi Regnum round out the lineup with their own distinctive sounds, ensuring that Friday night is a memorable experience for all in attendance. As Saturday dawns, the excitement only continues to build. Once again, doors open at 18:00 hrs, welcoming fans to another night of sonic mayhem. Oblique Visions kicks things off with their atmospheric blend of progressive doom metal, setting the stage for an evening of intense performances. Damaged & Co. bring their raw energy and infectious enthusiasm to the stage, while Lady Lizard captivates audiences with their dynamic stage presence. Rankin, Repugnance, and Haine close out the night with their blistering performances, leaving concertgoers exhilarated and hungry for more. Adding to the excitement of the event are the esteemed judges who will be in attendance, including Gunnar Sauermann of Prophecy Productions and Metal Hammer fame, Michael Berberian of Season of Mist, Thomas Strater of Testimony Records and Metal Hammer, and Roman Hilser of Summer Breeze Festival. Their expertise and discerning ears will help determine which band will have the honor of representing Malta at METALDAYS 2025 in Slovenia. In addition to the thrilling performances and expert judging, attendees will have the opportunity to support their favorite bands as each ticket will serve as a vote for the band of their choice. Priced at €10:00 per day, this is a chance for fans to not only enjoy an unforgettable weekend of music but also to actively participate in the continuation of shaping the future of Malta's metal scene. So mark your calendars and join us at The Garage in Zebbug for New Forces by MetalDays 2024. See you in the pit! Malta mourns rock pioneer Cliff D'Ugo Cliff D'Ugo is not a new face to those who follow the local music scene. He was part of the group The Boys, together with Marc Storace and Enzo Gusman and The Country Brothers later on. Unfortunately, Cliff left this world on Friday, February 16. His death was announced on Facebook by his niece, the actress Becky D'Ugo. Cliff plays guitar and vocals on the first ever original song recorded by the BOYS alongside singer Marc Storace, Anthony Farrugia on bass, Godwin Borg drums and vocals, and Joey Chircop on organs and vocals. It was titled 'Our Love Is Still There' and was recorded at Msida between1968 and 1969. the song can be heard here. Cliff also featured on the album 'It's About Time' which The Boys released in 2001. Condolences to Cliff's family and friends Muzika Muzika 2024 date closing in In November, Festivals Malta made an announcement regarding the selection process for Mużika Mużika, revealing that out of 40 entries that had advanced from the elimination phase following live performances accompanied by backing tracks, 20 songs had been chosen. Paul Abela, the Artistic Director of Mużika Mużika, emphasized the diversity of styles represented among the chosen 20 songs, highlighting the anticipation for the varied performances they will offer to the Maltese audience. He noted the festival's continued popularity with conventional and traditional styles while also commending Maltese artists for their ongoing exploration of innovative compositions, as evidenced by the eclectic range of submissions received across different musical genres. Raymond Bugeja, Chairman of Mużika Mużika, affirmed the festival's importance within the Festivals Malta portfolio, expressing confidence that the upcoming edition would maintain the exceptional standards set by previous iterations. 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.

Angelcrypt official press release - February 2024 MELODIC DEATH METAL LOCAL VETERANS “ANGELCRYPT” UNVEIL NEW SINGLE RELEASE, LOCAL LAUNCH PARTY AND 2024 EXTENSIVE EUROPEAN TOUR “Legacy of Valour” marks the latest musical offering from local melodic death metal veterans, Angelcrypt. Formed in 1997, the band comprises of Shawn Mizzi on vocals and guitars, Karl Friggieri on guitars, Jean Cutajar on bass, and Robert Friggieri on drums. Following the well-received release of their previous single, Forever Hero, in 2023, the band is currently immersed in preparations for an extensive lineup of upcoming shows around Europe. With already more than 20 confirmed gigs throughout Europe and slated appearances at local events and festivals, 2024 promises to be Angelcrypt's busiest and most ambitious year to date, with other foreign shows still yet to be confirmed. Legacy of Valour is a war-themed composition which presents a gripping narrative that delves into the enduring resilience and courage of the islands. It explores the historical saga of Malta, highlighting the unwavering spirit in the face of numerous rulers vying for control throughout different eras. The song will be unleashed in March while an exact release date will be published soon by the band. In anticipation of this release, the band is set to commence 2024 with an exclusive 10-date consecutive tour across East Europe, which will take them to Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria. The following month, the band will be performing at the Garage in Ħaz-Żebbuġ, Malta, where they will be supported by the Portuguese symphonic death metal band Godiva and the Maltese black metal outfit Saħħar. Afterwards they will embark on other tours that will take them back to Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and others. Legacy of Valour will be available through the band’s Bandcamp page, in addition to also being available for online streaming on all major online streaming sites & music stores, also on YouTube with an official music video. The single is self-recorded, while mixing and mastering duties were once again trusted to Peter Grech at 21 Thirteen Audio. The cover artwork is designed by Shawn Mizzi. Angelcrypt is: •        Shawn Mizzi – Vocals & Guitars •        Karl Friggieri – Guitars •        Jean Cutajar – Bass •        Robert Friggieri – Drums Follow Angelcrypt’s social media pages or their official website to keep up to date with all the band’s activities. www.facebook.com/angelcrypt www.instagram.com/angelcrypt www.angelcrypt.com

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