Grotium Members Shine in Separate Debuts Ahead of Notte Bianca Performance
During this year’s Notte Bianca, Grotium made a strong return to the stage, just days after two of its members had debuted with other bands. The double debut occurred as guitarist Sean Anastasi and bassist Aidan Zarb showcased their musical versatility with two different groups.
On Thursday, September 26th, Sean Anastasi delivered his first live performance with progressive band Viper Soup Complex, whom he joined earlier this summer. Despite being the newest member, Anastasi impressed the crowd with his remarkable skill and stage presence, playing with the ease and confidence of a seasoned band member. Viper Soup Complex is also gearing up for the release of a new EP, scheduled to drop early next year, adding even more excitement to their growing momentum.
A day later, on Friday, Grotium’s vocalist Aidan Zarb stepped into a new role as Halcyon’s bassist, debuting with the band opening this year's Malta Death Fest. Zarb’s transition was seamless, as he tackled Halcyon’s intricate and challenging songs with precision and enthusiasm. The set reached its peak with the introduction of an untitled, brand-new track, simply referred to as "New Song."
Both musicians managed to balance their commitments to Grotium and their new roles with grace and professionalism, making their upcoming performance at Notte Bianca even more highly anticipated.
Thy Legion Announce Release of New Album "Grand Cosmic Funeral"
On Thursday, October 3rd, blackened death metal band Thy Legion took to their social media pages to officially announce the release of their upcoming album, Grand Cosmic Funeral. The album, which is set to drop on November 29th, 2024, will be released under Art Gates Records, the label the band signed with in May this year.
The band also shared the album's cover artwork, designed by their guitarist Elton Falzon, which captures the dark and melancholic atmosphere reflected in the music. In a statement, Thy Legion explained their vision behind the artwork: "Our goal was to convey the essence of the songs, both lyrically and musically, through the album cover. We wanted it to serve as a visual gateway, allowing listeners to instantly connect with the mood of the music."
Grand Cosmic Funeral promises to deliver a blend of extreme sound and melancholic undertones. The band describes it as "a spiritual experience while retaining an extreme sound," staying true to their signature style. The track-list for the album includes seven songs, among them titles like “Black World Funeral,” “The Adoration of Omega,” and “From Flesh to Spirit,” which features Clint Aquilina as a guest musician.
The album was recorded and produced at XIR Recording Studios and later mixed and mastered by Daniel Bezzina at RiverStone Studios.
With their upcoming release, Thy Legion is poised to make yet another powerful impact on the metal scene, and fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Grand Cosmic Funeral.
Kuraġġ: A Concert Inspired by True Stories
The Malta Community Chest Fund is set to present Kuraġġ, a unique and emotional concert that promises to uplift audiences with stories of hope and resilience. Scheduled for November 8th and 10th at Teatru Salesjan, Kuraġġ will feature the renowned Big Band Brothers alongside a host of talented local artists, bringing to life the inspiring real-life experiences of individuals the organization seeks to support.
This event is more than just a musical performance—it’s an emotional journey that celebrates the power of the human spirit through the magic of music. With limited tickets available, the concert is expected to attract an eager audience ready to experience a night of heartwarming stories and powerful performances.
Tickets for the concert are available through Showshappening, with performances set for 8 PM on November 8th and 6 PM on November 10th.
Don’t miss this special event that combines music with the impactful stories of those in need of support.
Halloween Massacre: The Unholy Final Chapter Set for November 2nd
On Saturday, November 2nd, the iconic Halloween Massacre event, organized by Hades Events, The Garage, and Rene Hades Farrugia, will mark its final chapter. Dubbed "The Unholy Final Chapter," the event promises one last unforgettable celebration of heavy music at The Garage, which has been the event’s home for the past seven years.
This long-running Halloween tradition in Malta, which began during the days of the Old Coconut, has been a staple of the local metal scene. Fans are invited to gather for "One Last Dance" and embark on the final journey of the event that originally introduced Halloween celebrations to the island.
The lineup for the night includes some of Malta's most formidable metal acts:
ClubMurder – Active since 2005, this twisted metal band will deliver their signature sonic aggression, known for sending audiences into a wild frenzy with their groove-driven sound.
Luciferi Regnum – A five-piece melodic black metal band hailing from Malta, known for their dark, atmospheric performances.
No Humano – With their motto Organic Waste Turned Into Human Machines, this band, which gained popularity after winning Crowned Battle of the Bands, has become a fan favorite in the local scene.
Niket – A heavy post-rock/blackgaze band, who released their self-titled EP three years ago and are currently working on new material.
Poster artwork for the event has been designed by Mark Casha, adding a visual dimension to the highly anticipated final edition of Halloween Massacre. Metal fans are encouraged to gear up for this final massacre and bid farewell to one of Malta's most cherished metal events, marking the end of an era in the local scene.
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