Portugal has a long history of turning darkness and melancholy into heavy music, and MALEDICTUS are leaning straight into that tradition. The Lisbon band will release its debut album Lazarvs on November 13 through Fireflash/Edel, with nine tracks built around aggressive riffs, atmosphere, melody and a theme of death giving way to renewal.
There is history behind the new name: four members previously played in Seventh Storm, whose 2022 debut was itself titled Maledictus. Guitarist Ben Stockwell describes Lazarvs as a spiritual follow-up to that earlier work, while vocalist Rez brings a new voice and lyrical identity to the band.
Official Press Release
MALEDICTUS — “Lazarvs” — Out November 13, 2026 — Fireflash / Edel
The band is available for interviews by Zoom, Phone/WhatsApp and Mail.
MALEDICTUS is a Portuguese metal band formed in Lisbon. Bringing together experienced musicians with a shared vision, the band creates dark, powerful and atmospheric heavy music. With a foundation of aggressive riffs, haunting melodies and emotional vocals, the band blends modern heavy metal with darker, more melodic influences.
The group was formed by musicians seeking to explore a heavier and more expressive sound, combining technical musicianship with compelling songwriting and a cinematic atmosphere. Their music strikes a balance between intensity and melody, moving between crushing guitar passages, dynamic rhythms, and dramatic vocal performances.
“Our music reflects who we are and how we process life and our own emotions. Music is life manifested through an artist’s soul. We all process life with a sense of dark melancholy,” comments guitarist Ben Stockwell.
Their debut album, Lazarvs, is set to be released Friday, November 13. The album title draws on the biblical story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John and the idea of death, renewal and a second coming.
“We wanted it to have that poetic twist of a second coming,” says Stockwell, referencing the members’ past in SEVENTH STORM, who released their debut album Maledictus in 2022. Two years later, four members left to form MALEDICTUS. “The core of the music-writing team from Seventh Storm stayed the same, so the sound of Maledictus might sound somewhat familiar. However, Peter Crushes brought a new style of rhythm section and melodies, which have contributed to the band’s unique sound. Lazarvs is a spiritual follow-up to our previous work.”
With Rez on vocals, the band says the lyrical themes focus on life’s darkest moments: “Death brings an opportunity for renewal, as do our most difficult struggles, which require part of us to die in order to be overcome.”
Tracklist:
1. Exordium
2. Crypt Of Dreams
3. Silentium
4. Shadows
5. Leviathan
6. Siren’s Lullaby
7. Madam Death
8. Black Halo
9. Maledictus
Pre-order / pre-save: save-it.cc/fireflash/lazarvs
CD, vinyl & merch bundles: ff-maledictus.bandcamp.com/album/lazarvs
MALEDICTUS:
Rez — vocals
Ben Stockwell — guitar
Butch Cid — bass
Peter Crushes — drums