Formed initially by the band’s backbone of resilience Clive Bonavia (drummer) and Julian Cardona (vocals and bassist) in 2000. Together with its acquired guitarist, Manuel Spiteri, the trash metal band was known as Legion, influenced mainly by Slayer, Sepultura and Metallica.
Late in 2001, the three member band decided to change their musical orientation and set forth to enhance their line-up with another guitarist. After several auditions, Mario Cassar joined in, adding a definite depth to song composition and guitar solos. The band changed its name to Beyond Prophecy and in 2002 recruited keyboardist Gilbert Camilleri who with his classically trained background supplied the band with ample melody.
Now the band was complete, or so they thought.
In 2003, the band decided it needed a female vocalist to complete the set. After numerous and endless auditions, no one seemed could fit the position. But when the guys were going to give up they were bestowed with Diane Castillo, whose natural and fine trained gift endowed the band with passion and enthusiasm.
But the devil giveth and the devil taketh as they say. Julian departed and Diane took his position as main vocalist. Elton (a.k.a. Il-Bisont) took Julian’s place as a bassist but lasted only two months. While on the search for a new bassist the band played live at BJ’s Music Marathon on the 26th of April 2003. Sometime later a friend and supporter of the band, Joseph Marmara, filled the vacant position.
Now the band needed a new name to reflect its music and emotions. The name identified was Stillborn. This new line-up made it on Signal’s stage on the 20th December 2003 and won the All-round Battle of the Bands. This gave Stillborn a fine disposition and with their minds set they worked on new material and performed another gig on the 31st January 2004 with Weeping Silence.
The rest of the year 2004 was a tough year for Stillborn. The line-up changed drastically when Manuel (guitarist) and Gilbert (keyboardist) left the band. However they were replaced by the talented Raphael Grech (former guitarist of Weeping Silence) and Robert Camilleri (keyboardist).
With this new set, Stillborn recorded its first track at Wave Studios, Floriana, and soon after Jean Paul Galea was recruited instead of Joseph on the bass.
Now the band is working with full force again on new material and preparing to perform another gig in the near future. In fact, on the 5th. of March, Stillborn performed live at Signals for Forsaken's re-mastered album.
2005 and 2006 were transitional years for the band as they continued to gain popularity on the islands. A number of shows were performed with great success. The debut album was also recorded and mixed.
2006 brought another change in the line-up as Robert and Jean-Paul departed (good luck Guys!) and Jade and Chris came in to fill the vacant keyboards and bass places. Incessant rehearsals continued during late 2006 and early 2007 to regain the tightness required by the band.
Now in 2007, Stillborn have unleashed Thy Feeble Soul on the Maltese public to critical acclaim. With this album we have not only satisfied our numerous hard-core fans, but also impressed new listeners to our music. We have been amazed by the large amount of albums sold at the 3rd Marsaxlokk Rock Festival right after our performance. The band was also besieged with a very large number of fans wanting us to sign the CD Sleeve.
Our journey into the great heart of music continues with further gigs in the very near future, as well as new songs for a second album!
October saw us participate for the first time in the Hard Rock Battle of the Bands, in which we were eliminated by a single miserly point. We felt we deserved more, but a couple of silly mistakes (including playing after Fire had given their performance!) made sure we could only finish in ninth position. The rest of the Battle confirmed however that we were in the company of giants, so we are well pleased not only with the result, but also with the exposure we got on the media.
2007 however finished with a bang when on the 30th of December we emerged as winners in the RockBAZE Battle, organized by none other than ESCMalta. This was a great honour to us, and of course, we can thank our lucky Angel for this victory. This song has become really popular with all those who have heard it. The single will be recorded at FreeTime studios, more about that later on.
Next Saturday, 13th June X-Vandals shall be hitting the stage at Remedy for the release of their 2nd CD entitled "Breach The Silence". It will also be the nite who shall feature our new entry, Mark Zlayer as our second guitarist.
Guest bands for the gig are Victims of Creation and Thy Legion. Entrance for the gig is for only 7 Euros and includes 3 live band shows by X-Vandals, Victims of Creation and Thy Legion + FREE CD of Breach The Silence + Free shooter. Yeah you're reading well all of this for only 7 Euros.
Mark that calendar and leave the 13th June free so you'll join us for this particular nite. Spread out the word and bring along your friends too!
SongCast is one of the World's largest distributors of independent music. Our relationships with iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, Emusic and Napster enables us to put your music in front of millions of music purchasing consumers. With SongCast, you can start selling your own music on these major retail sites. We also provide you with customized code to link your MySpace and other websites directly to iTunes. Your fans will easily be able to find and purchase your music online.
Around 4 years ago Knockturn Alley were playing their first shows in the local metal scene and trying to find a way to get more known within the Maltese metal scene. In the past 4 years the band has gone through several line-up changes leaving the current line-up with only 2 original members. However, this has never stopped the band from focusing on their goals and the past 3 years has seen the band releasing a 3-track EP, continuous gigging and even 2 headlining dates in Greece.
The time was right for Knockturn Alley to get their music on disc again, and the band returns with Medusa, the debut full length album. Named after the female monster in Greek mythology, Medusa is a collection of 10 tracks of solid aggressive riffing and catchy melodies.
Coming from Athens as Knockturn Alley's special guests, Greek thrashers The Source will kick off the night. Fresh from releasing their self-titled album on I for an I Media, The Source will perform tracks from their new album which will also be on sale on the night.
Niki Gravino has been nominated for 2 awards in the Bay Music Awards 2008.
These are: 1. Best Solo Artist 2. Best Song - Sting if you have to. Niki Gravino and the Vile Bodies are very grateful for your support and will be ever more grateful if you continue to do so.
Please show us your support by voting for Niki Gravino
- Best Solo artist by sending an sms 'NIKI GRAVINO' on 00356 5061 5303
- Best Song (Sting if you have to) by sending an sms 'NIKI GRAVINO' on 00356 50615305.
Fri 14th Nov @ REMEDY - PV Long awaited gig with Metal head brothers Angelcrypt! New material from our freshly recorded material! Be there by 9.30………..Horns up!