Malta’s biggest Death Metal export, BEHEADED, reveals the music video for the track “Il-Kittieb”, the first single off the band’s seventh studio album written entirely in Maltese, “Għadam”. Due out July 25th via Agonia Records, the record explores the island’s native folklore, beliefs and works of local horror author, Anton Grasso.
“Għadam” is an album that marks a significant evolution in the band’s journey making it the first Death Metal album ever written in Maltese, tying Maltese horror, literature and Death Metal into a cohesive concept. The album incorporates musical influences rooted in the island’s heritage, blending the band’s signature ferocity with elements of traditional religious and folklore music, creating a unique fusion that pays homage to the band’s cultural origins. With “Għadam”, BEHEADED not only pushes the boundaries of their sound but also cements their legacy as pioneers of Maltese Death Metal.
“Għadam” is based and inspired by the books of Maltese horror author Anton Grasso including the title itself. The work comprises nine songs that all use the title of a book by the author, which are then interpreted in a story, theme or subject different from what one finds in the book. It is also worth mentioning that on “Għadam”, one finds passages, phrases, subjects from classic works of local poetry, as well as excerpts taken from prayers and religious references.
Pre-order here.
The idea behind the choice for “Għadam” to be a work written entirely in Maltese is that it pays homage and explores the local cultural heritage in the context of everything related to horror, fear, superstitions, the occult, the macabre, folklore and how these exist hand in hand with faith and devotion.
The album was recorded and mixed at MK2 Recording Studios (Italy) by Davide Billia (Antropofagus, Coffin Birth) with analog synth engineering done by Nicolò Brambilla at Echoes Studio (Italy) The song “Irmied” was recorded at Railway Studios (Malta) by Peter Borg and performed by Simone Brigo on a traditional hand made harp guitar courtesy of Josef Camilleri (Cross Guitar Work). Għadam was mastered by Wojtek Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Poland). A photo shot by Raffaele Montepaone graces the cover artwork.
Live dates:
August
29 – Gothoom Festival – Slovakia
October
16 – USA TBA
17 – USA TBA
18 – Mutilated Fest – Brooklyn, NY
Lineup:
Frank Calleja – vocals
Simone Brigo – guitars
Fabio Marasco – guitars
David Cachia – bass
Davide Billia – drums
“Għadam” tracklist:
1. Għadam
2. Xtrajt l-infern
3. B’niket inħabbru l-mewt
4. Iħirsa
5. Il-Kittieb
6. Ix-xjaten ta’ moħħi
7. Iljieli bla qamar
8. Jidħaq il-lejl
9.Irmied
Watch the cinematic music video which perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes, directed by Raul Noise, below:
