On Saturday, March 15th, ClubMurder once again took the stage in what has become an annual tradition. This year’s event was particularly significant, as it not only celebrated St. Patrick’s Day but also marked the release of their latest EP, History of Gods. This EP serves as the closing chapter of a significant era for the band, as it is the last recording featuring former drummer Steve Muscat.
In late October 2024, ClubMurder announced a major lineup change—Steve Muscat stepped down, making way for Victor Hugo Rivera from Halcyon. The band expressed their excitement over the transition:
“We are thrilled to introduce Victor Hugo (Halcyon) as the powerhouse driving our new sound forward. After six intense weeks of rehearsals, Victor has reignited our passion, bringing new fire to our performances and pushing us to deliver our hardest-hitting live shows yet.”— ClubMurder Press Release
Adding to the momentum, just days before the EP launch party at The Garage, ClubMurder announced another reinforcement—bassist Claudio Toscano (Haine, All Hands Lost, Abysmal Torment) joined the ranks, further strengthening their sonic arsenal.
A Night of Pure Metal Mayhem
The night kicked off with an electrifying performance by thrashers Grotium, setting the stage ablaze with their signature energy. The setlist featured “Bus From Hell,” a crowd favorite, where the band was joined on stage by Impertex vocalist Kieron Spiteri. Though he admitted on Facebook that he felt “lost without a guitar in hand,” his performance added a special touch to the night, seamlessly blending with Grotium’s intensity.
Of the ten songs performed by Grotium, only two—“Bus From Hell” and “The Four Horsemen”—were from their debut EP Judgement Day, released in March seven years ago. The remaining eight were newer compositions, hinting at an upcoming release that fans can eagerly anticipate.
ClubMurder Takes Over
As the night progressed, ClubMurder took the stage, ensuring the energy levels only went higher. Their set was divided into two sections, starting with a full live performance of History of Gods. This decision deviated from the usual practice of mixing new songs into a setlist, but the risk paid off, as the audience fully embraced the raw intensity of the new material. The crowd remained engaged, with no one stepping out for a smoke break—a testament to the band’s gripping stage presence.
The second half of their performance revisited fan favorites from previous albums, including Derailed and Bound to the Underground from their 2017 self-titled album, as well as Viral, King of the Kill, and New Low from 2019’s Massacre Masterpiece. The band’s ability to deliver a flawless, high-octane performance cemented their reputation as one of the tightest metal acts on the island—if not the tightest. This feat is even more impressive considering their drummer has been with them for less than a year, and their bassist for just a few weeks.
Looking Ahead
As guitarist David Depasquale stated in a recent interview, History of Gods is not just an EP—it’s a transition point. It signals both an end and a new beginning, with a promising future for the band and its fans.
Known for their relentless energy and ability to command the stage, ClubMurder delivers an explosive live experience filled with intricate rhythms, heavy grooves, and an aggressive vocal attack. Their unique fusion of metal elements creates an intense auditory assault that leaves fans craving more.
With their newly solidified lineup and fresh material, ClubMurder is poised to continue their reign of sonic destruction. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to their sound, one thing is certain—this band delivers a show that is not for the faint of heart.
Get the EP and Exclusive Merch
While we always recommend getting a physical copy of the release, you can also listen to History of Gods online:
Additionally, the band unveiled two new t-shirt designs and a unique memorabilia plaque during the launch event. These exclusive items can now be ordered by contacting the band directly.
ClubMurder Lineup:
David Depasquale – Guitars
Victor Hugo Rivera – Drums
Claudio Toscano – Bass
Lorenz ‘Wenzu’ Joyce – Vocals
Keith Falzon – Vocals, Electronics
With a well-oiled machine in place, plenty of new material in the works, and an unrelenting passion for metal, ClubMurder is gearing up for even greater things. The only question is—are you ready for what’s next?
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