Doomed Confessionary: Max, Massimo, Alberto & Mariuz (Malota)
Photo credits: Dario Perissutti
Malota is a psychedelic stoner/rock’n’roll band from Venice, Italy. Founded in 2014, Malota consists of Max D’Ospina (bass, vocals), Alberto Montagner (guitar), Massimo Battistella (guitar, backing vocals) and Roberto “Mariuz” Mariuzzo (drums, backing vocals).
They are currently gearing up to release their sophomore studio album »Scapegoat« on October 10th, 2025 via Go Down Records. With its title evoking the imagery of a sacrificial lamb, this concept symbolizes the degradation permeating our world, the anguish born from hatred and fanaticism, and the profound fear of isolation. In this new chapter, the band takes a distinct sonic turn. Rhythms are described as slowing to a menacing crawl, melodies become darker and more foreboding, and the vocals carve out a raw, visceral space filled with screams and despair. The rock influences prominent in their earlier work are set aside in favor of a metallic, gritty, and monolithic sound, characterized by tension and an unyielding, uncompromising edge.
With »Scapegoat«, Malota delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships and the pervasive anxiety of facing an uncertain future. The album reflects on the violence of conflicts, both past and present, channeling a profound sense of unease and disillusionment with contemporary society.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Max: Malota formed in 2014 as a power trio, born from an idea by Alberto Montagner, Max D’Ospina, and Roberto “Mariuz” Mariuzzo. In 2015, they self-released their debut self-titled EP. In 2017, Massimo Battistella joined as second guitarist. With him, the band recorded their first full-length »Космонавт« (2018), the EP »The Uninvited Guest« (2021), and »Scapegoat«, which will be released on October 10 this year via Go Down Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Massimo: I think I speak for the whole band when I say that recording The Uninvited Guest during the pandemic, between two lockdowns and personal struggles, was a true test of our determination and cohesion.
Alberto: Finding a sound meeting everyone’s expectations, considering how different our backgrounds are, was tough. But I think it also turned out to be one of our greatest strengths in creating a sound that’s distinctive, unique, and instantly recognizable.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Massimo: Definitely our new album – we worked on every detail together, involving friends who genuinely supported us and believed in the project.
Max: I agree with Massimo and would add that I’m very proud of our DIY approach: from designing the album and merchandise artwork, to writing, filming, and editing our own videos.
Alberto: Having the chance to write music for myself and according to my own taste, without worrying too much about pleasing as many people as possible, free from clichés, trends, and stereotypes of any specific genre.
What was your biggest regret?
Massimo: Probably the fact that we couldn’t properly promote »Космонавт«, which ended up flying under the radar. A real shame, in our opinion.
Alberto: Not learning to play right-handed guitar from the start (I’m left-handed).
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Max: Every live show is its own story. In the end, they’re either good or not-so-good. If we manage to deliver a decent performance, I’m satisfied.
Massimo: I fondly remember opening for Gozu in 2019 – the vibe with them that night was really special.
Alberto: I really enjoy playing live in small clubs, where the connection with the audience is more intimate and the atmosphere heats up quickly.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Massimo: Thinking of recent years, I’d say Messa – fellow Venetians – have truly made an impact.
Max: As someone who mostly listens to black metal, I’d say Deathspell Omega brought innovation and technicality to a genre that was becoming self-referential. Their versatility in extreme music really stands out. And when it comes to post-hardcore/sludge, I have eternal devotion to Neurosis.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Max: Lately I’ve been listening a lot to Baroness, Leviathan, Idles, Amenra, Yob and Fine Before You Came. But my heavy rotation always includes Darkthrone, Mayhem, and of course Deathspell Omega and Neurosis.
Massimo: Leaving aside the classics I never get tired of (I’m a huge fan of Melvins, Nirvana, Soundgarden…), this year I’ve listened a lot to »Hrudja« by Massimo Silverio.
Mariuz: My heavy rotation is almost always the same – Black Sabbath, Slipknot, High On Fire, Mastodon… but I also listen to a lot of music outside our genre, and I draw inspiration from that too.
Alberto: I like listening to music in all directions, but if we’re talking heavy music, in the past year I’ve worn out records by Neurosis, Cult Of Luna, Isis, and Baroness. I’ve also been listening to a lot of hardcore punk with thrash influences.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Massimo: Definitely staying in tune!
Max: Always give your best live performance – as if you’re playing for thousands, even if there are only ten people there. Out of respect for yourself, for the audience, and because you never know who might be listening.
Mariuz: Play in service of the song, not for yourself.
Alberto: Have fun, and always keep a spark of anarchy in your musical attitude.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Massimo: If »Lady (Hear Me Tonight)« by Mojo comes on, I just can’t help but dance.
Max: Lately I’ve been really into the Italian rap-trap band P38.
Mariuz: I know and enjoy singing a lot of Italian pop songs.
Alberto: First-person shooter video games, pizza, Monster Energy drink, growing plants.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Veneto?
Massimo: Veneto has always been fertile ground for rock music – even the more uncompromising kind – since before the ’90s. Some bands even found a solid following. Recently, we’ve seen great new scenes emerge: bands, venues, collectives, labels. And the young people we meet at shows have a real hunger to play. We’re optimistic.
Alberto: Things haven’t really changed that much – there are always new bands full of enthusiasm, others who find the motivation to keep going, and there’s always something new worth checking out. The only real difference is that nowadays, if you don’t have label support, it’s harder to get real satisfaction than it used to be.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Max: Right now we’ve got a few shows lined up in Veneto, Lombardy, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, but the real action will start when the album drops. Stay tuned for updates!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Massimo: Playing Scapegoat live as much as possible – especially abroad.
Max: Building on what Massimo said, personally I’d love to hit some stages in Eastern Europe.
Alberto: Right now we need to focus on taking this new record on the road – then we’ll see.
How can people best support your band?
Massimo: Comin’ to our concerts, comin’ to our concerts, comin’ to our concerts. Did I already say “comin’ to our concerts”?
Max: Listen to us, spread the word to your friends, acquaintances, and family, recommend us to venues and festivals… and of course, buy our music!
Alberto: Come to our shows.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Massimo & Max: Free Palestine!
Alberto: Follow your own attitude – play for yourself, and the rest will happen if it’s meant to.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well