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 fiery 2014 ep he never spoke a mumblin’ word.

released: july 14, 2014

genre: black metal / experimental

from: san francisco, usa

label: the flenser

a few thoughts: mamaleek’s first release on the flenser, one of the best experimental / noise labels active today, is a meditative and surreal listening experience. the 4-track ep is a stunning body of work, capturing the angst and unsettling energy of their music perfectly. “he never spoke a mumblin’ word” is a cathartic opening track with heavy guitar leads and abrasive melodies that are complemented by lighter guitar leads and synths that add colour to an already dark and dystopian track. the drumming builds and the sounds converge into this incredibly dynamic and immersive listen. “poor mourner’s got a home” is a 10-minute masterpiece – with west-asian influenced singing and a gloomy ambient energy brought by subtle guitar leads and the sound of waves crashing. it’s a quiet opening 3 minutes, before springing into life with heavy drumming and guitar leads, as well as piercing vocals that sound desperate and hopeless. i love their use of drum programming at times to create this punchier, heavier sound that pierces through the vocals, guitar and synth melodies throughout. “almost done toiling here” has these distorted, wailing guitars heavy drumming that creates this overwhelming, overpowering sound, before drifting into more melodic composition. “my ship is on the ocean” is another abrasive and menacing track, closing the album out with cascading guitar wails and heavy drumming, before closing on this meditative ambient, acoustic guitar piece with beautiful, enchanting vocals. it’s a poignant and reflective way to close this fiery ep out. he never spoke a mumblin’ word is an excellent ep that is a colourful addition to their already excellent discography.

the album: