Album Review – Saħħar / Migja ta Mohh Mignun (2026)

Behold the scorching new offering by this Maltese one-man Black Metal project, chronicling the descent and transformation of a man consumed by insatiable thirst for forbidden knowledge.

A concept prose based on a Maltese legend formally penned by Agostino Levanzin (which in turn is rooted in actual events from the 16th century), chronicling the descent and transformation of a man consumed by insatiable thirst for forbidden knowledge, Miġja ta Moħħ Miġnun (or “Journey of a Mad Mind”) is the seventh studio opus by Pieta, Malta-based one-man Black Metal institution Saħħar. Presenting elements from an amalgamation of styles added to its Raw Black Metal essence, the new album by the lone wolf Marton Saliba marks a significant step forward in his artistic evolution, further refining a sound rooted in isolation, heritage and a deeply personal vision. Emerging from a scene far removed from the genre’s traditional strongholds, Saħħar continues to carve out a distinct identity within the contemporary Black Metal landscape.

L-Għatxan, or “thirst” in Maltese, starts in a ritualistic way before Marton consumes our souls with his Black Metal riffage and stone crushing drums, whereas Għerf Minsi, or “forgotten wisdom,” is even more infuriated and grim, with Marton barking and screaming with tons of anger and hatred in his blackened heart. It-Tarf tal-Kożmu u ta’ Ruħi, or “the edge of the cosmos and of my soul,” carries a beautiful name for a doom-laden Black Metal extravaganza by our Maltese warrior, with his roars piercing our minds mercilessly; and  he puts the pedal to the metal armed with his unstoppable blast beats in Fil-Palazz Sejjaħtilhom (“to the palace I called them”), a lecture in extreme music. His Doom Metal vein arises in Il-Miġja sa Sqallija (“the coming to Sicily”), as dark and sinister as it can be, while Ftakar fija!, or “remember me!,” continues with the same vibe as its predecessor, albeit a bit too sluggish and repetitive at times. L-Antikrist il-Ġdid (“the new antichrist”) alternates between cryptic, spine chilling moments and absolute darkness and chaos, putting a grim ending to the album, but if you go for the physical release you’ll get the scorching bonus tracks Id-Dinja Taħt Pajjżi (“the world under countries”) and L-Imlejka (“the angel”), both visceral and dense, therefore absolutely worth the investment in the CD version.

In a nuthsell, Migja ta Mohh Mignun expands on the project’s established sonic framework, blending harsh intensity with subtle melodic layers and a pervasive sense of decay. The result is a work that feels both immersive and unsettling, enveloping the listener in a bleak, almost otherworldly atmosphere, being therefore highly recommended for fans of renowned acts the likes of Dark Funeral, Gorgoroth, Mortuary Drape, and Dimmu Borgir. You can get more information about Marton and his Saħħar on Facebook and on Instagram, stream his discography on Spotify, and of course purchase Migja ta Mohh Mignun from BandCamp, from Time To Kill Records, or by clicking HERE. Marton and his Saħħar will certainly take you on a one-way descent into the deepest corners of an insane mind in their new album, and you better be prepared because once that descent starts, there’s no return.

Best moments of the album: Għerf Minsi, Fil-Palazz Sejjaħtilhom and L-Antikrist il-Ġdid.

Worst moments of the album: Ftakar fija!.

Released in 2026 Time To Kill Records

Track listing
1. L-Għatxan 2:47
2. Għerf Minsi 5:19
3. It-Tarf tal-Kożmu u ta’ Ruħi 5:44
4. Fil-Palazz Sejjaħtilhom 6:58
5. Il-Miġja sa Sqallija 6:40
6. Ftakar fija! 6:24
7. L-Antikrist il-Ġdid 6:52

CD bonus tracks
8. Id-Dinja Taħt Pajjżi 5:01
9. L-Imlejka 6:21

Band members
Marton Saliba – vocals, all instruments

Guest musicians
David Cutajar – guitars (live)
Kyle Anthony Cortis – guitars (live)
Gordon O’Reilly – bass (live)

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