Weeping Silence Welcomes New Drummer Amid Recovery Challenges
In a heartfelt announcement on their Facebook page, Maltese doom metal band Weeping Silence shared major updates regarding their drummer lineup and the health struggles of long-time member Julian Mallia.
The saga began in January, just three weeks after the release of their latest album, Isles of Lore. Julian Mallia, the band's powerhouse drummer, was diagnosed with a knee ligament injury following a jogging mishap. While not life-threatening, the injury significantly affected his ability to handle the double-bass drumming style integral to Weeping Silence’s sound. Despite maintaining light drum practice and physiotherapy sessions, Julian faced a long road to recovery.
By early 2024, it became clear that the healing process would take longer than anticipated. Recognizing the band’s need to continue their musical journey, Julian made the difficult decision to step back, allowing Weeping Silence to seek a replacement drummer.
After months of searching and weathering a challenging period of uncertainty, the band announced on December 13th that Daniel Aquilina has officially joined as their new drummer. In their post, the band described Daniel as a “remarkable talent” whose energy perfectly complements their vision. While Daniel has been rehearsing with the band for a couple of months, the announcement was delayed out of respect for Julian’s recovery and the delicate nature of the transition.
The band acknowledged the emotional toll of the past year, stating that morale had reached an all-time low as they faced the possibility of disbanding. Ultimately, the decision to move forward with Daniel was seen as essential to sustaining the band’s momentum for their next album and future performances.
Weeping Silence expressed deep gratitude to Julian Mallia for his dedication and contributions over the years, emphasising that he remains a vital part of their story. Fans also received a compilation of Julian’s standout drumming performances, showcasing his immense talent and legacy within the band.
As they turn the page to this new chapter, Weeping Silence thanked their supporters for standing by them during a turbulent year. With Daniel Aquilina on board and new material in the works, the band is ready to forge ahead with renewed inspiration and energy.
Stay tuned for updates as Weeping Silence prepares to unleash the next phase of their musical evolution.
New Music from Maltese Artists: Matthew James and The Crowns Drop Singles and Videos
Two major Maltese music releases have captured the spotlight this week, with Matthew James and The Crowns each unveiling new projects that highlight their evolving artistry and passion for storytelling through music.
Matthew James: "People"
Singer-songwriter Matthew James released his latest single, People, on December 12th. The track, featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, marks a poignant moment in his career. In a Facebook post, Matthew expressed his deep appreciation for the orchestra, stating, “Their artistry elevated this song to a whole new level.”
The inspiration for People stems from a personal journey of reflection and empathy. “A few years ago, I found myself fearing people—focusing only on their flaws after going through a rough time,” he shared. “But I had a moment of clarity that reminded me we all face struggles, no matter who we are. People is about hope. It’s about looking beyond our differences and seeing beyond what divides us, finding common ground.”
Accompanying the heartfelt single, the music video for People was launched on Wednesday, December 17th, at 10 a.m., capturing the song’s message of unity and resilience. Fans can stream the single here.
The Crowns: "Out of Our Minds"
Pop-rock band The Crowns also treated fans to new music this week, unveiling the official music video for their single Out of Our Minds on December 13th. This track is the lead single from their upcoming five-track EP, breakupbeard.
In a Facebook announcement, the band shared their excitement about the collaboration with producer Jimmy Tyrrell, emphasizing the emotional core of the song. “This song captures the raw emotion and energy we’ve poured into our music,” they wrote.
The new single, described as a bold exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, showcases the band’s signature blend of dynamic vocals and vibrant instrumentation. Fans can listen to Out of Our Minds here.
Young Maltese Musicians Shine on European Stage
Two young Maltese musicians, Isaac Azzopardi and Bettina Farrugia, have been making waves in the European music scene, representing the island with extraordinary talent and passion at prestigious international events.
Isaac Azzopardi: Rising Star in Electric Guitar
At just 15 years old, Isaac Azzopardi emerged as a European finalist in the Tour Music Fest, a renowned music competition held in San Marino, Italy, on November 28th. Performing Jimi Hendrix’s iconic Voodoo Child in front of a panel of esteemed international judges, Isaac showcased the guitar prowess that has been earning him recognition across the continent.
Isaac’s journey began with inspiration close to home—his father’s guitar—and grew under the influence of musical legends such as Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, and Carlos Santana. Last year, he stunned audiences at San Remo, representing Malta with pride and describing the experience as a “highly enjoyable musical journey.” Isaac recalls the challenge of following the winners’ announcement in Italian but cherishes the pride of standing on an international stage.
Isaac also captivated audiences closer to home at an event hosted by X-Vandals last December, where his band, Electric Echoes, performed alongside Animamortua, Oblique Visions, Delirium MT, and Valiantis. Reflecting on the event at The Garage, Isaac highlighted the support from the crowd and described the performance as a “cool, new experience.”
On January 5, 2024, Melodija.eu published an article titled Electric Echoes: Malta's Youngest Rock Band - From San Remo to Sharing the Stage with Delirium MT and X-Vandals. The full article is available here.
This year, Isaac continues to grow musically with the band Freefall, a soft electric ensemble that includes his brother Jake, Carlos Pulis, and Nicole Magro. Looking ahead, Isaac dreams of furthering his music studies abroad while continuing to perfect his craft on the guitar.
Bettina Farrugia: A Composer with Star Power
Also making a name for herself at the Tour Music Fest was 18-year-old Bettina Farrugia, who competed in the Musicians Category with her original composition, Waltz of the Stars. Bettina’s smooth melody enchanted both judges and the audience, further solidifying her reputation as an extraordinary young composer.
Bettina first captured national attention in 2022 when she earned the golden buzzer on Malta’s Got Talent at just 16 years old, performing another of her original compositions. Her ability to craft intricate, emotive pieces has set her apart as one of Malta’s most promising musicians.
A Promising Future for Maltese Music
Isaac and Bettina’s achievements highlight the wealth of young talent in Malta and their ability to compete on an international level. Their performances at the Tour Music Fest are not only a testament to their skill but also an inspiration to other aspiring Maltese artists.
As these young musicians continue to develop their craft, the future of Maltese music looks brighter than ever.
Thanks for the mention guys 🔥🔥🔥