the week between the 27th october – 31st october 2025 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 jazzier, more melodic 2015 album via dolorosa.

released: may 26, 2015

genre: black metal / experimental / jazz

from: san francisco, usa

label: the flenser

a few thoughts: mamaleek’s 2015 album via dolorosa, feels more intimate and light compared to their other releases. there’s more of an emphasis on jazz-leaning compositions, with lighter guitar and piano melodies that capture this gentle beauty, that’s still eerie and unsettling in mamaleek’s usual way. the art rock guitar leads on “nothing but loss” are fantastic, as the second half of the track also delves into this meditative and continuous singular bass loop that is just entrancing. the lightness and jazzy undertones of “pain as providence” make it a standout track for me, with its collage of piano, guitar and bass melodies that contrast the shrieking vocals throughout. the gorgeous “this garden’s agony (1st instrumental)” makes way for the stunning “already there”, a moving piece of music that starts with subdued guitar and synth leads, before the drums and piano leads shift the energy to something more alluring and beautiful. it’s one of their lighter and more melodic tracks, and one of my favourites of theirs. the jazzy guitar leads on “ain’t no thief” are incredible too – the whole track is just gorgeous, as the melodies complement the hazy and harsh vocals throughout. the bluesy, disorienting energy of “what’s left” is another fantastic moment on the album, with gorgeous keys to close out that track. “tiberieum (2nd intrumental)” is a light, jazzy and meditative track that is just stunning from start to finish. “ain’t got no fight” is incredible too, with stunning guitar arpeggios and leads that complement the slow-paced drumming. the track then transitions into some experimental hip-hop beat. “xριστός latmiya” closes the album out with quiet and subdued guitar leads, while a thumping drum hits throughout. via dolorosa is mamaleek’s jazziest and softest albums to date, a truly meditative piece of music. that is amongst my favourites of theirs.

the album: