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- The Art of Herding Cats – Bringing together bands in Malta’s 1980’s
Be it saints or sinners the Maltese are divisive by nature. It might be the fruit of years of colonisation but we air our opinion on everything and assume a parochial stance. It seems that fifty shades of grey is not our favourite topic.........the shading part I mean..........and tendency is that we shade in black or white. We are either in favour or against. Only few were those who tried and succeeded in making us pull the rope in the same direction and they should be hailed as true national heroes. Don’t get me wrong, we do come together when disaster strikes or to aid in charity ventures, but that’s about it. When it comes to bringing together bands and supposedly like minded people in the early 1980’s the sense I get is that it was an attempt at herding cats. Yet some ventures had much more success than others. One of the first attempts I encountered was the forming of the Rock Appreciation Society (R.A.S. ......not to be confused with the band) in August 1981. This was an initiative taken by Mr. A Farrugia and Mr B Hili, amongst others, who headed this society as co-chairmans. Their aim was to “help various kinds of rockers from Punk to Ska to Reggae to Heavy Metal, to get together to exchange ideas, addresses, posters and photos.” They tried to start with a bang by organising “Rock Summer ‘81”. This event took place at the Orpheum Theatre in Gzira on Friday 7 August 1981. It was promoted as the first such event for the local rock groups, with the aim to promote and encourage local talent. The announcement mentioned that 12 groups were to take part but no names were mentioned. From correspondence in local press one takes the impression that due to problems with the sound system the event, though well attended, failed to reach a high standard of organisation. Only three, of the twelve promised bands performed on the day, namely Mirage, Valdacry and Fusion. A battle of words raged through the local news papers on the merits and demerits of R.A.S and the organisation of this event. R.A.S. was a voluntary organisation and depended for funds on membership donations. Eric Montfort, in his article entitled Rock On Summer ’81 (Times of Malta, September 14, 1981) gave a detailed description of the event, that I am reproducing hereunder: Just over a month ago, a long awaited organization finally materialized, The Rock Appreciation Society, a concept for four years, initiated by Vincent Saliba finally came into being at a Press Conference held at a band club at Gzira. The following Friday the first activity – Rock On Summer ’81 was held at the Orpheum, Gzira. Heavy metalists Valdacry headlined the show, which was a pure gig; people listening to the music, jumping and going out for a beer and returning when they heard a couple of striking notes. Anyway, Valdacry had a terrific start with “Fool for the last time”, a fire engine’s siren preluding a grating guitar, and a good melody which was spoiled by the biggest stigma in local concerts – the poor sound system. The group comprises Benny Hili (vocals), Charlie (Spider) rhythm guitar, brothers Joe and Charlie on drums and bass and Twanny (Pistol) on lead guitar. Furthermore, there was a lack of feedback which dimmed Benny’s voice to a minimum. The band also seemed to indulge in long tracks, this present day and age is a fast-moving era employing catchy economic sounds and this should be understood by the group if they are into other aspirations. Let’s hope that this materializes before the group turns to the more elaborate Spanish guitar and boogie. With more practice, this gap might close and Valdacry would surmount the huge impediments that they’ve faced, for theirs and everyone’s satisfaction. Mirage were a richer (not only in apparatus but also in music) outfit and looked less nervous. Long complex sounds influenced by Camel and Rush could easily be inferred. Incidentally, this group consists of Denis Vella (joy-boards percussion), John Vella (bass, lead guitar, percussion, guitar, synths: the latter weren’t used), Robert Longo (lead, bass guitar, percussion) and Joe Zammit (percussion). This group is opting for a drum-kit in the future. Three of the five numbers incorporated lyrics, which were down to earth and included a love song – “Don’t get me wrong” an obscure on-the-road feeling about loneliness. “Are you ready for Fusion” shouted the very polite voice of Ray Mifsud Bonici, apparently taking over from Noel Mallia who seemed a bit hoarse after his two introductions (or short sermons about rock?). Well, Fusion appeared. This group has now been going on strong for six months and includes Audrey on keyboards, Eugene (bass guitar), Tony (guitar) and Lawrence on drums. A group full of enthusiasm and commitment, the members are deep into jazz-rock and the full use of the possible instruments and sounds that they can deploy. However, as might be expected, the sounds are too complex and many a time were lost in the aula. Indeed jazz-rock requires a lot of attention and a gig like the Orpheum’s would certainly not befit Fusion and even Mirage. After all would the audience be there to appreciate the music or simply to be stimulated and react accordingly? I doubt how many teenagers were sure of what was gong on when Mirage and Fusion were playing, which brings me to the Rock Appreciation Society and what it stands for. Briefly, this society is aimed at instilling a sense of feeling, acquaintance and knowledge for rock, be it symphonic, ska, blues, punk and all other forms and labels. It is there to shun the rotten conservative 60’s idea that Rock Music is a blasphemy. Mentioning abuses in sex and language, one must point out that these always cropped up during this century, be it in films or in the back rooms of some Chicago swing club. It may be that Lydon and others gave us a full cornucopia of swearwords lately, but then one must not forget Dylan’s relish for God and Lennon’s doing away with drugs. Rock itself is an art which borrows from many other fields of music – African, Jazz etc. Indeed, this is rock’s enhancing characteristic. One must feel disappointed at the lack of sponsors which reflects the lack of interest shown by many local firms – only (a local record shop) gave a helping hand and one must not forget Philip Pace’s and Araxis had work on the Alp lights system. It is also noteworthy that Andrew Farrugia and Benny Hili deposited LM450 to cover the use of the hall and the sound systems as well as other factors and costs. The three groups were tired, battered, hungry and worn out, but at least it was their own show in which they did all the dirty work involved in the preparation. Their very own fumbles could best be forgiven if the society would be unified enough to promote other groups like Flash, as well as getting adequate sound system. A 2000W, 16 channel PA would be enough for Maltese groups. Applications for membership should be sent to PO Box 2, Gzira. I have found some more info on the Rock Appreciation Society in the printed press during 1982 but sadly that was about it. Thus came to a close the short episode of trying to bring supposedly like-minded people together.............a most noble cause turned out to be a failed exercise in the art of herding cats. But something good might have grown out of this first attempt. The second and more successful chapter of this venture was written by Rokarja, a private-public partnership, set up mainly to represent and organise concerts for bands that were based at Tigne.............’nuff said for today, will be for my next rant. PS. Opinions expressed in my rants are completely personal and might not reflect the opinion of melodija.eu. References: Times of Malta, August 4, 1981. Page 13. Times of Malta, September 7, 1981. Page 7. Times of Malta, October 8, 1981. Page 9. Valdacry photo property of Charles Fenech
- ex-Dead Impaled singer joins Delirium
Local Gothic Metal band Delirium announced new singer today in a post their band page on social media: Band Announcement A few days ago we asked you what Delirium was searching for. As some of you may know, we were searching for a vocalist for a short while, and now, we are very happy to announce that we have found DELIRIUM'S NEW VOCALIST! We would like you all to meet Cezar! Cezar is a half-Maltese, half-Romanian who has lived in Malta for the past 13 years and also goes by the nickname 'Hybrid'. He discovered heavy metal at the age of 16, and in 2018 decided to pursue his passion for vocals. He was previously the vocalist in the band Dead Impaled, which unfortunately came to a halt in mid-2022. He is heavily influenced by Dark Funeral, Septicflesh, Arch Enemy, and Semblant. Cezar highly believes in pushing oneself to improve one's skills every single day. Delirium will be gracing your news feed once again with some exciting posts in the coming weeks. Credits to Matea Blazhevska for photography
- Return of the Oblique
Album Launch ‘Out Of Darkness’ 25th February 2023 When Oblique Visions returned to the stage during Rock City Metal City Festival in March 2022 it was apparent that this was the comeback every Maltese metalhead was waiting for. This return was capped by the release of the band’s second album on the 25th February at The Garage. Aptly titled ‘Out Of Darkness’ the album comes after a gap of 28 years since their debut full length album ‘Seas Of Serenity’ in 1995. Since then the line-up changed numerous times, now, stabilized once Jeffrey Bugeja returned from living abroad for some years. He rejoined original members Brian 'Fusa' Sammut on bass and drummer Conrad ‘Twister’ Attard who kept the band going throughout these years. This line up was completed with the addition of Conrad Borg (ex-Martyrium and Sceptocrypt, amongst others) on singing duties and Italian born Frank Pizzo on guitar. ‘Out Of Darkness’ is the labor of this association plus the collaboration on three songs of yet another original member who, lives abroad and record as Tatius Wolff, which is the alternative metal solo project of Stephan 'Wolff' Borg inspired by Type O Negative, Tool, Deftones and Nine Inch Nails. Back to the event at The Garage. The night was opened by Hemplifier with one of the heaviest, sludge sound we have had in recent years. The band consists of seasoned musicians Dino Mifsud Lepre (Victims Of Creation and numerous other bands, too many to mention) on drums, Justin 'Bazaz' Borg on bass (who apart from Lady Lizard is also a member of a large number of bands) and Emanuel Portelli on guitar and vocals. From the three members Emanuel probably plays with the same number of bands Dino’s and Bazaz’s bands added together, having recently joined Tryst Arcane and Pilgrimage. But back to Hemplifier, formed officially in 2020 (the band has been jamming for some years prior), released their debut single ‘Weedcraft’ on 17th November 2021 and are on the verge of releasing their debut album, from which most of their setlist for the night was taken from. This was the band’s first gig for 2023. Coincidentally Dino Mifsud Lepre was in Victims Of Creation when they supported Oblique Visions back on the day when ‘Seas Of Serenity’ was released in 1995. After the heavy slow set from Hemplifier and a few minutes change-over, Oblique Visions took the stage and with the first few notes the audience knew that this was to be a continuation of preeminence and a glimpse of the magnitude the album is. The band opened with the title track, ‘Out Of Darkness’ and continued with yet another album track ‘Tears Of A Sad Man, before playing the band’s trademark ‘ Oblique Visions’ from ‘Fallen’, the demo the band released in 1994 to the delight of the die-hard fans that returned to see the band after many years of wait. The next two songs (‘XIII’ and ‘Back To Earth’) were again taken from the band’s latest opus before revealing their first surprise guest for the night. The band this time visited the ‘Seas Of Serenity’ with ‘Seasons’ to which Viper Soup Complex singer Annmarie Spiteri joined Conrad for a superb duet. Lights were dimmed for the next song while the band left the stage only to leave Frank and Annmarie who were joined by Jenny Wheeler on cello to perform ‘Crepuscolo’ a relatively quite piece of music Frank wrote to his wife and performed originally on their wedding day. This was followed by three songs from their 1995 debut album, ‘Deranged’, ‘Destroying Angels’ and ‘Dethroned’, much to the delight of the band’s seasoned fans and new ones. Unfortunately, during ‘Dethroned’ Frank’s guitar decided to play up but the band played the song again as an encore, just after the last song from the new album for the night ‘The Loss’ Comments congratulating both bands for their show stated to pop on social media pages especially on the event page from attendees and other musicians present on the night. Proficient singer Leo Stivala (Forsaken) posted, “I always liked this band and yesterday they did not disappoint. They give Doom Death a different (I dare say progressive) touch with up-tempo and some really interesting breaks. Veru well done guys” Indeed, although the new tracks that form this album are a trip to the old school stuff Oblique Visions were known for in the 90’s, they feature a progressive sound probably, thanks mainly to the guitar riffs of Frank Pizzo, who during a recent interview he admitted that his first love was progressive metal. Frank collaborated on three other songs on the album apart from ‘Crepuscolo’, namely ‘The Loss’, ‘XIII’ and ‘Out Of Darkness’. Brian 'Fusa' Sammut cooperated on all songs except ‘Crepuscolo’. Other credits go to Jeffrey Bugeja (‘Back to Earth’, ‘Husk’ and the title track) and Conrad Borg for ‘Tears Of A Sad Man’. Next stop announced for Hemplifier is in Tolmin, Slovenia at the Tolminator festival in July, whilst Oblique Visions are working on some local dates, so best keep a look out for any news!
- Locals sign to Electric Valley Records
In a short statement on social media on 2nd March 2023 Electric Valley Records announced that local band Hemplifier are now part of its roster "We are proud to announce that heavy riffers Hemplifier have just signed with EVR for their debut album." "HEMPLIFIER is a Stoner/Doom band consisting of Emanuel Portelli (Thy Legion, Victims of Creation, Pilgrimage, Animamortua), Bażaż (Lady Lizard, R.A.S.) & Dino Mifsud Lepre (Victims of Creation, Pilgrimage) formed in 2019. All three members are experienced and have been playing in numerous other bands in the past, and present apart from Hemplifier. “Some of us have been in the scene from the ‘90s. The trio's target was to jam, get high, compose the heaviest riffs possible, have a good time & send seismic waves to the planet while aboard their spacecraft! We worship Amps & Vintage Gear! Our lyrical themes are that of sci-fi, aliens, the supernatural, occult, voodoo, weed, giants & a touch of local folklore & myth." Stay Doomed”, explained the band.
- Local band announced for Lordi gig
We are proud to announce Damaged & Co. as support act for the Lordi concert. See Lordi Live for the first time in Malta at Aria Complex on 31st March 2023 Tickets from www.showshappening.com/nng Damaged & Co. are an Alternative Metal band, who released their debut full length album "Life's Grand Delusion" on 11th February 2023. Watch their latest single 'Truth' here.
- Krishna signs with Kewn Records
Welcome Krishna We are proud to announce our second signing for 2023, Post-metal duo Krishna! Krishna is an instrumental heavy music duo from Malta consisting of Timothy Garrett on guitar and Alan Darmanin on drums. The band will be launching their sophomore record, 'Headless', on Saturday the 25th at March at Palazzo de la Salle. From all the staff at Melodija all the best to both parties.
- Pyramid Suns Call It A Day
Around 4pm on 27th February the following statement was posted on the band’s page on Facebook: “With heavy hearts we regret to inform that Pyramid Suns have called it a day. After much consideration, we have decided to dissolve the band due to the busy schedules of each member, including their various projects in design, work, music, and life in general. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of passion and energy needed to produce and contribute as a group. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to every person who has supported us throughout our 8-year journey. To our loyal fans, the enthusiastic crowds, and the promoters who booked us for gigs and believed in us, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind our music. Although we are saddened by this decision, we hope that our music will continue to brighten your days, provide a source of reflection, or simply bring joy. Our current album, "Reflections," and our first EP are available on streaming platforms such as Spotify for your continued enjoyment. 😀🤘 Once again, thank you for your love and support. We are forever grateful. 🔺☀️” The band made an impact on the music scene from day one and from the messages and posts that followed this was a hard blow. Luke Briffa, who joined the band on drums around May 2020 posted the following: “Was a great pleasure to join Pyramid Suns for the band's last run, record a full-length album, play its launch together with some festivals. A great adventure indeed! Unfortunately, the band called it a day, but its music will live on. It's been a pleasure!” Pyramid Suns released their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and their follow up full length album ‘Reflections’ (on Kewn Records) on 28th June 2022. Both releases can be listened to on digital platforms. From all the staff at Melodija we wish all the luck to Joel, Keith, Kyle and Luke for their future endeavors and adventures.
- Summer of ’98…………..with apologies to Bryan Adams
“Oh, when I look back now That summer seemed to last forever And if I had the choice Yeah, I'd always wanna be there Those were the best days of my life” – Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams I do not recall the summer of 1969 as I was not born yet but I have very fond memories of the summer of 1998 because it was magical. In 1997 the government set up the Ta’ Qali National Park Committee, coordinated by Massimo Ellul, with the intention of bringing to Malta famous acts and artists to serve as an attraction for tourists who wanted to enjoy some good bands and spend a few days in Malta. These big names would be an attraction to Maltese punters too and serve as a good showpiece for Maltese supporting acts. During the summer of 1997 the National Park Committee organised concerts by Fish, Bonnie Tyler and the Spicey Girls but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come in 1998. During a press conference in March 1998, the Ta’ Qali National Park Committee announced the following celebrated names were performing in Malta: Iron Maiden – 30 May 1998 Deep Purple – 6 June 1998 Demis Roussos – 18 July 1998 Alannah Myles – 8 August 1998 Status Quo – 22 August 1998 Fish – 5 September 1998 Needless to say, to me personally Iron Maiden and Deep Purple were the largest attraction, though I only skipped the Demis Roussos concert and Fish. It was not the first visit by Iron Maiden to the Maltese Islands as they have performed at the Thunder Discotheque in Victoria, Gozo on 14 January 1996, supported by Lord Adder. In May 1998 Iron Maiden were on their Virtual XI World Tour. On the appointed day some 5,500 metal heads turned up at Ta’ Qali to witness one of the greatest live metal bands ever. The tour had started on 22nd April 1998 in Norwich, England and ended on 12 December 1998 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ta’ Qali w as the 25th date of the tour. Incidentally this was also the last tour with Blaze Bayley on vocals, as the legendary Bruce Dickinson was back in the Maiden fold a year later. Keeping in mind the logistical problems encountered before the concert in Gozo, the National Park Committee went out of their way to see that this would be a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the sound was not of the best quality when Angel Dust hit the stage, but it improved greatly when it was time for veterans Acid to entertain the crowd. The crowd went berserk when Maiden finally hit the stage and the frenzy reached fever pitch when the band’s mascot, Eddie, made his obligatory appearance during Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden’s line up for their Ta’ Qali concert consisted of Blaze Bayley on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Dave Murray and Janick Gers on guitars and Nico McBrain on drums. The set list was as follows: Futureal The Angel And The Gambler Man On The Edge Lightning Strikes Twice Heaven Can Wait The Clansman When Two Worlds Collide Lord Of The Flies 2 Minutes To Midnight The Educated Fool Sign Of The Cross Hallowed Be Your Name Afraid To Shoot Strangers The Evil That Men Do The Clairvoyant fear of the dark Iron Maiden Encores The Number Of The Beast The Trooper Sanctuary Voiceless, but with a huge grin on our faces we left the venue to return on June 6th. Deep Purple were on their Abandon Tour, in support of their sixteenth studio album. Being a keyboardist I made a bee line for the front to watch the legendary Jon Lord (1941-2012) in action and the wizard did not disappoint. Apart from the absence of virtuoso guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple turned up for their Malta concert with the rest of the original line up.........Ian Gilan, bassist Richard Glover, drummer Ian Paice and as I mentioned before Jon Lord on keys. Blackmore was replaced by ex-Kansas guitarist Steve Morse. Purple were supported by Winter Moods and Purple Haze. The set list was as follows: Hush (Joe South cover) Bloodsucker Strange Kind of Woman Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic Pictures of Home Fingers to the Bone Almost Human Woman from Tokyo Watching the Sky Seventh Heaven Guitar solo Smoke on the Water Evil Louie Keyboard solo Lazy Perfect Strangers Speed King Encores: Black Night Highway Star The Alannah Myles and Status Quo concerts were great, but for me faded in comparism with experiencing Iron Maiden and Depp Purple up close and personal. The latter event was supposed to become Malta’s Woodstock but it ended marred in controversy as regards to the participation of the Maltese bands. Six bands pulled out because of what they claimed to be unfair treatment. The event started at 4.30pm instead of 10am, as originally planned, with Jane Eyre, Fire and Filletti & Friends hitting the stage before Status Quo. Well 25 years have passed since that summer and many great bands have left their mark on the local scene...........too many to mention in fact. But that summer keeps coming back to haunt my memories. It could be that it was the first experience for me, and many of my contemporaries to witness so many acts in such a short space of time..........pity that the whole Ta’ Qali National Park experience fizzled out so fast. The only thing that I am sure of is when I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever, and if I had the choice, yeah, I'd always wanna be there, those were the best days of my life................back in the summer of ’98.
- The Areola Treat - Red Town Baby
The Areola Treat Red Town Baby KWN009 / Dig / 4th March 2023 (Single) Tell A Lie - 10th February 2023 (Single) Into My Shadow - 24th February 2023 (EP) Red Town Baby - 4th March 2023 For Press requests please contact Nicholas Bonello via kewnrecords@gmail.com The Areola Treat The Areola Treat are an alternative rock band from Valletta, Malta. The band formed around 2006, and have since then launched an EP and 3 albums, in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014 respectively. They are back with a whole lot of new music set for release in 2023 in the form of 7 singles as well as an EP and Double Album. Red Town Baby will be available on all major streaming platforms on launch day with no physical release. 'Tell A Lie' uses fast-paced steady drum beats and distorted guitars blending perfectly with vocals inspired by Siouxsie Sioux and Diamanda Galas. Tell A Lie is a short, compelling and antagonistic Alternative Rock anthem that would not be out of place on your favorite workout playlist or energy booster. 'Into My Shadow' is a solid return to glam rock, inspired by artists like The New York Dolls, Bowie and The Spiders From Mars. A rock and roll mood, with distorted guitars, claps, solid running drums and female vocals inspired by The Saints’ front-man Chris Bailey. A song about a love affair turned sour in which the author regrets the union and feels overwhelmed, attempting to escape the clutches of her paranoid-obsessive and verbally-abusive lover. A glam-punk alternative anthem. 'Covered In Blood' melds sluggish guitars and drum beats, grungy, dirty, distorted guitars and vocals inspired by Diamanda Galas and Robert Smith. A short and contemplative indie rock song. The lyrics discuss the ambivalence of touch, and the melody that comes with the distant memory of a past lover’s embrace, as the memory now resurfaces amid bittersweet feelings. The band will be releasing the EP on the 4th of March 2023, at an event at Tigullio, St.Julians Malta. The first part of 3 brand new releases this year, the Areola Treat shall be celebrating the past and present with music from their EPs; the self-titled “The Areola Treat” (2008), “Radio On” (2013) and of course their latest release, “Red Town Baby”. KWN009 / Dig / 4th March 2023 Track Listing: 01. Jailbait 02. Into My Shadow 03. Tell A Lie 04. Covered In Blood 05. Can't Stand To Lose 06. White Lane Fast Train 07. Speak No Evil 08. Meet Me In Shanghai
- VANDALS ON VINYL
While doing research for this site I have encountered a 7” release from 1998 called ‘Last Call for the Lost Scenes Vol. 2’. It was released in December of that year on Tian An Men 89, a record label which, according to discogs website, operated mainly out of France, although it is noted that it also operated out of other countries, two of which are Uganda and Abkhazia. It specialized in limited-edition vinyl releases from bands coming from Asia, The Middle East, Latin America and even the former Soviet Union and was created in 1993 for the purpose of releasing music from parts of the world where there was no possibility for the bands to release their music (discogs label profile). So, what does Malta has to do with all this? Well, this release featured a song called ‘Baptism in Fire’, a song which the Vandals (now X-Vandals) recorded and released as part of the track list on ‘Rise Of Evil’ demo in 1991. Released on cassette only, this demo featured five tracks, three recorded live (side A) with Albert Bell on bass while the other two (side B), which were recorded in the band’s rehearsal garage, featured James Spiteri on bass and Al Crusher on guitars on ‘Depths Of Sin’ while Jason Zammit played guitars on ‘Transmission Fading’. But did the band have any knowledge that one of their songs recorded 7 years earlier was released as part of this 7” split in 1998? We asked this question to current band members James Spiteri, Ray Schembri, Raymond Micallef, Stefan Curmi and Albert Bell, although the latter had already left the band when the cassette was released. Albert Bell played bass from 1989 till 1991, a few months before the demo’s release and joined back in 2019, this time on guitars. Bell, a vivid record collector, replied, “I left Vandals in 1991 and was not involved in the band at all after that. I did however come across that release eventually on metal archives or somewhere like that. It's quite cool to see "Baptism in Fire" (a Vandals track to which I contributed a lot both musically and lyrically) gather some attention and help give Vandals more exposure. It was a regular feature in our live sets and was pretty intense capturing the band's energy and vitality at the time. Great memories!” It turns out that the other band members were not aware of this release until I brought the matter up to their attention. Ray Schembri consented that at that time they used to do a lot of tape trading, like every upcoming band in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He also recollected such activity with someone in France, although he cannot remember with whom. Who knows, maybe one of these traded cassettes ended up in the hands of Tian An Men 89 record label owner Lük Haas and the rest is history. “The (garage) tracks on the demo were recorded and produced by Marcel Scalpello, Beheaded’s singer at the time and who later moved to the UK. We were all trading tapes and posting to record labels, including Marcel, so who knows” commented Ray Micallef. Marcel Scalpello has also produced and engineered Forsaken’s 1991 demo ‘Requiem’. If asked (by the record label), would the band have given permission? “Most definitely”, reacted bassist James, “which upcoming band would miss an opportunity like this, even if on a limited release”. And according to James the band would probably all agree that the song they would have submitted would have been in fact ‘Baptism in Fire’. Albert added, “I cannot recall the quality of that live version (need to check that out haha!), but I would guess that the band might have preferred a studio version”, Albert added. “Who knows, it might have even changed the prospect of the band”, continued James. Vandals went on a hiatus around 1994, making a comeback in the early 2000’s. “Had the offer been made at the time...who knows? In any case, we're really enjoying ourselves now and it is not worth crying over spilt milk and dwell too much on issues of what could have been” sustained Albert, “ I say only this - those Vandals tracks and shows from way back were phenomenal and if any Maltese metal band from that time deserved international attention it had to be Vandals. End of! Haha!” Meanwhile a few copies of the ‘Last Call for the Lost Scenes Vol. 2’ 7” vinyl are up for grabs on the internet, and apart from Vandals’ ‘Baptism in Fire’ it also features Paraguayan band Kaos’ song ‘Titeres Rebeldes’ on side A plus ‘Red Wine’ by Inflate(Moldova), Juanito El Punk by El Bosque (Costa Rica) and an untitled song by Pink Daemon from Brunei Darussalam. Noel Mifsud 22nd February 2023 The music from this EP can be listened to here: https://youtu.be/hqjvIcFrZTU
- THE POST COVID GENERATION
Whether you like it or not covid changed many lives, the way we live life and even the way we think. This happened globally in every sector and the music scene, the business, was no exception. Things started to get back to ‘normality’ about a year ago and during these last few months we witnessed an influx of ideas aimed by both business powers and artists to recuperate some of their losses: the release of numerous live albums, reissuing the early catalogue and compilations of unreleased material on a global scale, and let’s admit, nobody can blame them, financially everyone suffered and for the artist until he’s able to tour in full scale this might be the only way to recuperate. Unfortunately for other entities it was the last nail in the coffin: venues closed their doors for ever, small festivals were postponed, some cancelled, ultimately some throwing the towel to ever be organized again while entities manufacturing media and merchandise are trying to recover by raising prices…all this affected the bands, and the fans making the latter more conscious about how much one can afford when attending to gigs, etc. Two years without attending a performance or not able to visit a record shop was hard on many but not all is gloom and doom. And this is were we change our picture towards the local market. Locally, just as things developed abroad, we had artists who have released music just as covid reared its ugly head with no way to advertise their material, many album launches were cancelled or postponed to an uncertain date. I, personally, had to start recording my radio programs from home suspending interviewing artists live in a studio. I had to adapt to make some interviews online, but again, artists had nothing coming out for vending, but all those that I spoke to all said that being at home with nothing to do meant that they could compose and write more then ever before. Let us be honest it was either that or lose one’s mind. Although during the covid years some bands managed to put up an event one way or another, the first major event locally was a six-day seated event in Valletta in March 2022 titled Metal City/Rock City, with 18 bands (three on each day). From the first note it was evident how much all this was missed. But what amazed me and a lot whom I spoke to, was the numerous attendances of a new generation of teens that two years before were still in school. We are used to notice a few new metalheads or other concert goers during one gig or another, but never this amount at one go. Four of these teens performed on the second night to the amazement of all attendees. It was the first time Malta heard Morsrot, a crushing old school death metal young band whose members, like many others, were coming out of two years of online schooling, deprived of two important years in a teen’s live. Later in the year (July 7th) the band released a demo entitled Carnal Enslavement and played numerous gigs. During the same festival we also witnessed the debut of a new band The Drowning Sorrow, made up of seasoned musicians, and the return of one of the best bands in the 90’s, Oblique Visions, amongst others. But back to teen bands. On the 17th September newcomers Delirium released their debut album ‘State Of Delirium’ to a packed attendance at The Garage (where else!!). The band was back on stage with their gothic metal genre on the 9th December, part of a 4-band lineup event titled The Advent Of Chaos. Alongside Delirium were veteran bands R.A.S. and X-Vandals plus the debutants Luciferi Regnum, another band whose members are recent school leavers. Although young, Luciferi Regnum managed to mix extreme gothic metal with melodic black metal to perfection as can be heard on their debut single ‘Banshee’. During the last few months of 2022, a new song was aired in the veins of a black doom genre. The artist appeared first on stage behind Morsrot’s drum kit back in March and since progressed to fill the drumming stool with Chaotic Remains and released a black metal album with his project Saint Vermin on which he plays all instruments and does vocal duties. The album was released on 20th January 2023 on Pesttanz Klangschmiede. His name is Zain Gauci and since then he is also part of yet another band, Halcyon, which still has to make their debut. On the 8th September, another black metal EP was released on digital platforms. ‘Xifer Id-Dinja’ is the debut from an artist that goes by the name of TY and whose project is called Kalvarju. During the months after the pandemic we assisted the release of a good number of other debuts, from maybe not so young artists including Nokturnal Void’s ‘Odiiu’ (17th November) and Shaun Attard’s Zabbeth’s self-titled worship album (7th august 2022). Shaun Attard also gave us ‘Teratogenesis’ under his other project Psychopath on 13th February 2020 just days before the first case of covid-19 was reported in Malta. Also, to be noted Niket’s self-titled debut released 2nd October 2021 whilst in the coming days local thrashers Mur.Doc 104 are set to release their debut EP titled ‘Uprising’. One last small mention goes to Grotium, another band whose members are in their youth, who although playing a few gigs, were relatively quiet during 2022, only because they’re recording their debut album and Hemplifier (not so much in their youth anymore) who have released their debut single ‘Weedcraft’ on 17th November 2021 and are on the verge of releasing their debut album. And all this is just from the metal scene, (we will talk about the other genres later on down the road, so stay tuned). I trust, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that the post covid generation is going to make our lives wonderful and believe me when I say the future’s so bright, we’ve got to wear shades. Noel Mifsud (St. Valentine’s Day 2023)