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X-Vandals facebook.com < Back The early 1980's were dominated by political tension throughout Europe and Malta was no exception. Towns and villages had gangs of teens ready to destabilize society and in Tarxien, something was coming to a boil with young metalheads disturbing the peace at 'The Bandli’ and running havoc in the narrow streets of this quiet village. A group of teens including 5 musicians tried to form a band!! Ray Micallef (Hamiemu) assumed the responsibility to form the army, Ray Schembri (Il-Bahri) came with the name, VANDALS. Mysterious circumstances occurred simultaneously to forge the name that would become every mother's nightmare. Mark Crusher joined the band in the beginning of 1984 and soon the band started writing material and played 2 gigs in Tarxien, of which one ended with the police arresting Il-Bahri concerning some violent accidents which occurred a week before. In 1985 the band played the Malta Sajf Festival and the Maltese music scene was shocked by the fast speed metal riffs the Vandals introduced to a generally laid-back audience relaxing with drink and pot. The Vandals were loud and fast, and the band started, after some months gaining, momentum by gigging frequently. Soon they had a big following and the concerts were selling during which the crowd started the first slam diving from the stage. This reputation solidified the band's participation in the much-awaited Malta Sajf festival for years, while playing gigs around the island. During that time, the band recorded some tapes, which were only distributed amongst friends. Mark left the band in 1989 and moved to the UK which although a major setback, the band managed to eventually find replacements in Albert Bell on bass and Rusty on vocals. The band also recruited Mark's brother Al Crusher to join for a heavier sound. With this line up the band started to write new material and prepared a set up for a number of shows titled BACK THROUGH THE AGES with Barbarian style of clothing, backdrops and a heavier Thrash Metal style. At this time someone brought up the idea of a Thrash Metal Live Opera and BEDROCK 1991-2091 was conceived, a fiction story of Modern Federal Europe dominated by wars and conflicts in which the band played 6 new songs. The cast was made from other bands musicians and people from the Vandals’ concerts crowd. During those years, the band released a video titled 'Crusading Sinners', and a demo tape called 'The Rise of Evil', which they tape traded in many countries around the world. Soon after Albert, Rusty and Aldo left the band to start other projects, while Josem on vocals, James on bass and Jason on guitar were recruited and the band moved into a more Thrash/Death Metal style. With this line up the band played 2 gigs in Torri Tigne, a venue they weren't allowed to play before, because of a policy made by the AST organisation. Around 1994 the band went on a hiatus. Ray Micallef, Ray Schembri and James Spiteri continued to gig with Abstrass, a band formed by Erich Azzopardi in the 80's. Micallef also played in Lord Adder together with ex Vandals Mark Crusher, who moved back from the UK and his brother Al. Schembri started the anarcho punk band SUBCULTURE and RAGE AGAINST SOCIETY + many other punk bands! During an ABSTRASS band practice, Rusty paid a visit and came up with the idea of a Vandals revamp, to which the band agreed after some more meetings and beer. In 2003 the band changed the name to X-VANDALS and work on what was the band's full-length debut album 'Erosion Of Our Liberties' commenced. The album was influenced by Thrash/HC Punk both lyrically and musically and the band played gigs and festivals frequently. A couple of years later the band recorded the second album 'Breach The Silence', which was released on 13th June 2009. At this stage the band decided to add another guitarist for a more heavier sound, and the choice fell on Mark Azzopardi (ex-Martyrium). With Mark the band flirted with a darker music style and laid the foundations for the next album titled 'Exhume The Truth', which was released in 2016, when Mark had already left the band and went to live in Sweden. 2018 was the band's 35th anniversary. DJ Noel Mifsud (ONE Radio/allRock Radio insisted that a celebration is a must! Ray Micallef came up with the idea to ask Albert Bell (ex Vandals bassist) to join and play on some tracks from the 1990's catalogue as a guest. Their first practice was exciting and felt as if it was 1990 again. During this celebration Mark Crusher and Aldo joined the band for a set from the 1980's catalogue, while the other guests were drummer Karen 'Grinder' (Delirium), daughter of Ray Micallef and a performance by Kyle and Nick Spiteri, sons of X-Vandals bassist James. During the night the band released their 4th album a compilation titled, 35 Years Of Metal 1983-2018, and the 35th anniversary t-shirts to mark the date. This night could not have happened without the help and support of the band's friend Mark Manicolo from Team Jalen kickboxing club. Organisation was up to REJECTS.COM , who organised a night which will forever be annexed in the story of Maltese metal history. It was a milestone for the band and on Ray Micallef's idea, the band asked Albert Bell to join the band permanently as their guitarist, marking the beginning of a new chapter, with the band immersed into writing new music and playing live around the island. Two appearances at the Farsons Beer Festival led to the release of the DVD 'Who We Are', in 2018 with the support and patience of Alan Zammit, one of the band's videographers. During the Covid-19 period, apathy was haunting X-Vandals, but with the perseverance of Ray Micallef, the band came out of that period with determination to start working steadily on the next album. 2023 marks the band's 40th anniversary and the release of the 5th X-Vandals album. Band Members James Spiteri Bass James Spiteri Albert Bell Vocals, Bass, Guitars Albert Bell Stefan 'Rusty' Curmi Vocals Stefan 'Rusty' Curmi Ray "il-bahri" Xkembri Vocals, Guitars Ray "il-bahri" Xkembri Ray "Hamiemu" Micallef Drums Ray "Hamiemu" Micallef Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

Bound to Prevail facebook.com/boundtoprevailofficial < Back Band Members Keith Fenech Guitars Keith Fenech Alan Briffa Vocals Alan Briffa Kevin Mifsud Bass Kevin Mifsud Jean Vella Guitars Jean Vella Mark Farrugia Sant'Angelo Drums Mark Farrugia Sant'Angelo Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

Many, particularly those of a certain generation, recall The Greenfields singing about "Il-Banda Ta’ Indri." This song, released by the trio in 1975 on Electro Records as a single, featured "A Song Of Love" on the B-side. But how many of us truly know the story behind "Il-Banda Ta’ Indri" and who Indri was? Born in Valletta on January 7, 1818, Andrea Borg, better known as Master Indri, was a remarkable figure in Maltese musical history, despite facing the significant challenge of losing his sight at the tender age of two. The son of Salvatore Borg and Antonia née Bonello, Indri was struck blind following an accident, a tragedy that could have easily hindered his potential. However, instead of succumbing to his disability, Indri developed an extraordinary aptitude for music, which not only defined his life but also left an indelible mark on Malta’s cultural heritage. From a young age, it was evident that Indri possessed an exceptional musical talent. Even as a child, he could distinguish between different instruments being played during church services, demonstrating an innate understanding of music. Recognising his son’s potential, Indri's parents arranged for him to study under one of Valletta’s most esteemed conductors, Maestro Rull, who was also the Maestro di Cappella at the Co-Cathedral of St. John. Under Maestro Rull’s guidance, Indri first learned to play the flute, known then as the 'flejguta', and later, the clarinet, which became his favoured instrument. His passion for music extended beyond just learning to play; he became proficient in numerous instruments, including the guitar, and eventually took up the role of conductor and music teacher. Remarkably, Indri’s blindness did not prevent him from composing music. He devised an ingenious method akin to the Braille system, using wax balls of different sizes attached to raised staff lines, which allowed him to compose without ever having seen a musical score. He would create melodies by feeling the staff lines with his fingers and placing the wax balls to represent musical notes. Once he had finished composing, he would dictate the music to someone who would transcribe it onto paper. Indri’s compositions were varied and prolific. He wrote hymns, marches, dances, and sonatas, and his first hymn, dedicated to St. Dominic, was performed in 1860. Other notable hymns were dedicated to St. Philip, St. Publius, St. Andrew, and Our Lady of Liesse, with the verses often penned by prominent literary figures of the time such as Zammit Brighella, Professor Cesare Vassallo, and Antonio Crescimanno. In 1854, Indri also dictated a comprehensive treatise on music in Maltese, spanning 150 pages, which discussed harmony, scoring, and counterpoint, serving as a commentary on an 1854 work by another author. In addition to his contributions as a composer, Indri was a skilled organ repairer and restorer. Among his notable projects was the restoration of the organ at the Mdina Cathedral and the meticulous dismantling and reassembly of the 1037 pipes of the organ at St. Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta, a task that took him two years to complete. Indri Borg also made a significant impact on Malta’s band music scene. According to historian Pietru Pawl Castagna, Indri founded the first musical band in Malta around 1860, which later became known as "Il-Banda ta’ Indri." This band, comprising about sixty musicians, many of whom played string instruments, performed at various significant events, including weddings and village festivals. Indri’s reputation as a bandleader grew, and he was instrumental in the development of several other bands across Malta, including the St. Philip Band in Żebbuġ and the L'Isle Adam Band in Rabat. Despite his numerous achievements, Indri’s life was marked by hardship. He remained poor throughout his life, a stark contrast to the fame and recognition his musical talents brought him. He passed away in poverty at St. Vincent de Paul Elderly Hospital in Luqa on March 15, 1903, at the age of 84. Yet, his legacy endures, particularly in the realm of Maltese band music, where he is remembered as a pioneer who overcame his blindness to contribute significantly to his country’s cultural heritage. Indri Borg’s life and work offer an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His ability to transcend his disability and make enduring contributions to Maltese music underscores the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Today, his name is synonymous with some of the earliest organised bands in Malta, and his innovative methods of composition continue to be a testament to his genius. Bibliography Castagna, Pietru Pawl. Storja ta' Malta. Dun Salv. Storia del Zebbug e sua Parrocchia, 1881. Faure, G. Storja ta' Malta u Ghawdex, Volume IV. Ganado, Herbert. Rajt Malta tinbidel. Miceli, Joe. Il-Banda ta' Indri. Scerri, Victor. Master Indri Borg: Il-Banda ta' Indri jew il-Genju ta' Indri. Schiavone, Michael. Dictionary of Maltese Biographies, Vol I. Bejn Kliem u Storja, miklem, 14 June 2018.

Damaged & Co. unveil video for ‘Reflections’ via Wormholedeath. Damaged & Co proudly unveil the official music video for their intensely emotional track "Reflections." This powerful single stands out from their critically acclaimed debut album, Life’s Grand Delusion, released via Wormholedeath. "Reflections" dives into themes of existential dread, isolation, and the search for meaning, offering a powerful and emotional exploration of deep and intense feelings. The song’s masterful buildup culminates in an explosive finale, marking it a shining gem in the melodic metal landscape. The band would like to thank Matthew Mercieca at Madgiant Media for his unpecabble services and actors Kate Kristal and Rocio Bongiovanni for their sterling performance. Damaged & Co. are currently working on new songs, some of which will be unveiled during their upcoming gigs. Watch the official video for "Reflections" here: https://youtu.be/7s3-3xT_lGs Stream Life’s Grand Delusion here: orcd.co/lgdalbum Follow DAMAGED & CO on their social media channels and explore their musical universe: linktr.ee/DamagedandCo www.facebook.com/Damagedandco www.instagram.com/damagedandco www.threads.net/@damagedandco www.tiktok.com/@damagedandco www.youtube.com/@DamagedandCo https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eFPVyywxPZeake2ATbQrk?si=mm1HKr8qS0aO1mXnnH59uw

Tash Sultana, born on June 15, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, has become a distinctive and powerful voice in the global music scene. As a gender-fluid, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music producer, Sultana is often described as a "one-person band," a fitting label for an artist who creates, performs, and produces all of their music single-handedly. With roots stretching back to Malta through their father's side, Sultana’s journey from busking on the streets of Melbourne to international acclaim is a story of relentless passion, raw talent, and a refusal to conform. Early Life and Maltese Heritage An Australian of Maltese ancestry on their father's side, Sultana was born and raised in Melbourne, where their musical journey began early. At the age of three, they received a guitar from their grandfather—a gift that would become a cornerstone in their life and career. This early introduction to music set the stage for Sultana’s deep and lifelong connection to the guitar, which has remained central to their artistry. By the age of 13, Sultana was already performing at open mic nights across Victoria, sometimes as many as six times a week. Their early exposure to Melbourne's vibrant live music scene, combined with their innate musical talent, helped Sultana hone their craft at a young age. Despite these early successes, Sultana struggled to find regular work due to their refusal to conform to social norms, leading them to busking on the streets of Melbourne—a decision that would prove pivotal in their career. The Breakthrough: "Jungle" and Notion In 2016, Sultana’s career took a meteoric turn with the release of their single "Jungle." A video of the track shared on social media quickly went viral, amassing over one million views within five days and catapulting Sultana into the spotlight. The song’s raw energy and Sultana’s unique, layered performance style resonated deeply with listeners, and "Jungle" was voted into third place in Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown of 2016. This success was a precursor to the release of their EP Notion , which showcased Sultana’s remarkable range as a multi-instrumentalist and their ability to weave complex sonic tapestries. Notion  was released in September 2016 through Sultana’s own independent label, Lonely Lands Records. The EP’s success was immediate, reaching number 8 on the ARIA Album Chart and leading to a sold-out world tour in early 2017. During this period, Sultana continued to perform at major festivals, including the Woodford Folk Festival and St Jerome's Laneway Festival, further cementing their status as a rising star in the global music scene. A True One-Person Band Sultana's reputation as a "one-person band" is not just a moniker; it is a testament to their incredible skill set. Sultana plays a wide array of instruments, including guitar, keyboard, bass, percussion, trumpet, saxophone, flute, mandolin, oud, harmonica, and more. Their performances often involve live looping, where they layer these instruments to create rich, multi-faceted soundscapes in real-time. Their guitar playing, characterized by percussive finger-tapping and intricate melodies, has become a signature element of their music. Sultana’s vocal abilities are equally impressive, with a reported range stretching across five octaves. This versatility allows them to experiment with different vocal styles, from delicate falsettos to powerful, soulful expressions, adding another layer of depth to their already complex compositions. International Acclaim and Flow State The release of Sultana's debut album Flow State  in 2018 marked another significant milestone in their career. The album quickly became Gold certified, with singles like "Mystik" and "Murder to the Mind" achieving Platinum and Gold status. Flow State  showcased Sultana’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, drawing from rock, reggae, blues, and electronic influences to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The album’s success propelled Sultana onto the international stage, with performances at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo. In 2019 alone, Sultana sold over 500,000 concert tickets worldwide, further solidifying their status as a global phenomenon. Their live performances, characterized by their incredible musicianship and dynamic stage presence, have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Terra Firma and Continued Evolution Sultana’s second album, Terra Firma , released in 2021, continued to build on the success of Flow State . The album was written and recorded over nearly two years, with Sultana leading the entire process—recording, engineering, performing, arranging, and producing every track. For the first time, however, Sultana brought in collaborators like Matt Corby, Dann Hume, Jerome Farah, and Josh Cashman to co-write some of the tracks. Terra Firma  was praised for its raw and reflective songwriting, as well as its ambitious musical arrangements, showcasing Sultana’s continued growth as an artist. A New Era in 2023 As 2023 unfolds, Sultana continues to push the boundaries of their music. With the release of new singles like "James Dean" and "Bitter Lovers," Sultana has ushered in a new era of creativity, one that promises to further expand their already extensive catalog. Their ability to continuously evolve while staying true to their unique artistic vision is a testament to their enduring appeal and immense talent. Legacy and Impact Since breaking into the Australian music scene more than a decade ago, Tash Sultana has been nothing short of a musical force. Their journey from busking on Melbourne’s Bourke Street to selling out arenas around the world is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. With billions of streams, numerous awards, and countless sold-out shows, Sultana has established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential artists of their generation. Tash Sultana’s story is not just one of musical success; it is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the impact that can have on the world. From their Maltese roots to the global stage, Sultana continues to inspire and connect with audiences around the world, one note at a time.