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Stillborn (MLT) - Biography


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2000-

Biography

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 thrash 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.

Now in 2007, Stillborn are getting ready to unleash Thy Feeble Soul on the Maltese public. Further song-writing is going on with the aim of another album recording!

December 2007 saw Stillborn triumph in the first RockBAZE battle of the bands, with their flagship song Angel.

(Source: http://www.geocities.com/stillbornmalta/biography.html)