“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.
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.
BEHEADED comments: “Għadam, the band’s seventh album, is a dark narrative unfolding across the nocturne-esque Maltese landscape. It delves into the island’s folklore, where superstition and fervent religious devotion create a chilling atmosphere. This journey into the abyss is led by the authoritative voice of Anton Grasso’s works, the infamous Maltese horror writer, whose stories serve as a guiding light through the gloom. While retaining the essence of their signature sound, Beheaded infuses Għadam with the haunting sonorities of traditional religious harmonies and funeral marches, creating a sonic tapestry that is both brutal and profoundly unsettling.”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.
