The latest studio album by Gozitan Metal band Ascendor has just been released – Circle of Violence – is their fourth studio album since their maiden release in 2013.

The Gozitan metalheads are back with an 8-track album, this follows a general decision to focus on new writing material and which sees their style shift more towards their original roots of 80s Thrash Metal.

The album is now being released in its entirety after the band had previously released 3 tracks off the album as singles, including the title track.

The band explained that each song on the record focuses on “specific monstrous beings,” namely werewolves, vampires, zombies, demons as well as Frankenstein, with the title track focusing on the worst monster of all; “mankind itself.”

The lyrics take a metaphorical stance in tackling the subjects of war, abuse, oppression, depression, political corruption, human and drug trafficking and other adverse phenomena which ultimately result in the creation of the Circle of Violence.

Due to the worldwide uncertainty brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the quintet has said that so far they have not made any plans to host an album launch gig which would also see them return to the stage.

The band added that it has decided instead to make the physical edition of the album available through it’s Bandcamp page in addition to also being available for online streaming on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and other major online music stores.

The album was recorded by guitarist Andy Fava at Devilocks’ Crypt, while mixing and mastering duties were trusted to the ever-reliable Steve Lombardo at Hell Next Door Studio. The artwork was designed by Indonesian artist Ali Maskuri (aka: No Legion).

Ascendor is the only metal band currently active in Gozo. The five-piece was formed in July 2011 by drummer Paul Formosa after jamming with guitarists Andy Fava and Joe Costa, from which all three perceived the apparent chemistry present both in the style of playing as well as in the writing of original material.

After establishing a solid foundation, the band went on to complete their line up with Steve Muscat on Vocals and Blasio Muscat on bass.

Ascendor have participated in numerous local gigs and festivals while also making it to the final of the 2013 Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands.

Ascendor is (from left-to-right as per the attached band photo): Blasio Muscat – Bass, Andy Fava – Guitars, Steve Muscat – Vocals, Joe Costa – Guitars and Paul Formosa – Drums (Photo by Modern Tribe Photography)

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