the week between the 27th october – 31st october will be a celebration of a band that i’ve been kinda obsessed with since discovering them a few months ago. formed by two anonymous brothers in san francisco, usa, back in 2008 (also recording in beirut, lebanon), mamaleek have been creating some of the most intense metal music, often jazzy, ambient, prog-rock or psychedelic rock influenced. 8 albums in, the obscure band have become one of the most expansive, daring bands out there, continuously refining yet expanding their sound, exploring new sonic landscapes through different genres and energies. excited to delve into their incredible discography! next up, their 2009 sophomore album fever dream.

released: 2009

genre: black metal / jazz / experimental

from: san francisco, usa

label: furusiyya recordings

a few thoughts: mamaleek’s second album continues their abrasive and often hellish sound, but this time it’s balanced with more of an underlying jazz influence throughout. i mean, there’s a full charlie parker cover, “anthropology”, which is a pretty wild cut on the album, with a rhythmic and bubbly melody, as the vocals start piercing through along with a cacophony of sounds that makes for an intense and upbeat listen. “stars begin to fall” is such an incredible track, with jazzy guitar leads, rhythmic basslines and an atmospheric sound that crashes into intense and wild guitar leads, with an overlapping upbeat jazzy composition that contrasts the manic energy of it. the manic, rumbling energy of “go into the wilderness” is a chilling moment on the album, with a powerful melody and the screeching vocals adding to the intensity of the track, as it breaks down beautifully into a moody, reflective guitar-led composition, with gorgeous guitar melodies that add a calming feeling after the storm of the track. the choral vocals on “poor rosy” are almost angelic. the chilling vocal sample of the lady screaming on “winter has a grave, and i’m in it” is incredibly unsettling, yet flows into this beautiful and reassuring groove on “every hour in a day”. it’s a bit of a cleanser from the intensity of the album, though it does make way for the energetic, riveting piece “i saw the beam in my sister’s eye”. the subtle bluesy tone on the track is incredible too. “lay this body down” has this somber and slow-paced energy to it that is just incredible. the string melodies on the track are incredible. the track then goes into a japanese film sample, thena cacophony of manic, crazy and abrasive sounds that pummel down intensely, before an unsettling beat concludes the hellish soundscape. it’s a fitting way to close a desperate and unflinching album, and is another strong addition to their discography.

the album: