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 8th studio album and first release since the untimely passing of a member of their band, eric alan livingston (who played the keyboards, saxophone, violin, bells/percussion) and thus a meditation on grief, vida blue.

released: august 9th, 2024

genre: death metal / experimental

from: san francisco, usa

label: the flenser

a few thoughts: at time of writing, vida blue is mamaleek’s most recent album. the band have continued to take the melodic, lighter and more percussion-heavy sound that they’ve been refining recently to new heights. “tegucigalpa” has swirling synths and wind instrumentation that complements the harsh and funky energy of their music. “vileness slim” is a stunning track that combines atmospheric synths, creating a trip-hop-like groove, as the singer’s harsh vocals contrast the beautiful soundscape of the track. it’s a beautiful yet gloomy track speaking on the a dystopian world where gentrification has destroyed creativity and artists are being destroyed by the continuous pressures of capitalism and rich folks who like to steal and own culture. “vida blue” is a wildly eclectic, chaotic and jazzy piece of music, with sun ra-esque at moments that at times feel all over the place, but ultimately with a gloomy energy throughout. the desert rock guitar leads and frantic energy of “ancient souls, no longer sorrowful” makes it a clear standout on the album for me, as it transitions into this stunning piano piece. a beautiful, captivating moment on the album. the light, jazzy energy of the synths and light guitar leads on “momentary laughter concealed from my eyes” are gorgeous, and acts as a good breather and middle point on the album. “black pudding served at the horn of the alter” is another groovy, psychedelic moment, as the lead vocalist pretty much sings in his own voice (no harsh, screamy vocals), which is a welcome change of pace and energy, with a groovy, eerie composition, with colourful guitar leads, drum programming that is just captivating. it’s an animated and soulful track. “hatful of rain” is a colourful track with gruelling vocals, with an emphatic chorus and crashing drums and energy that make this feel incredibly cathartic. “legion of bottom deck dealers” is a 10-minute journey into emphatic and wailing guitar leads, dynamic drumming and a reflective, subdued vocal performance. the wildly eclectic percussion-led moments are gorgeous, and some of the chords and guitar-led melodies are incredible. the saxophone and wind instruments that complement the captivating guitar leads and chords makes it an immersive listening experience. the keys and guitars on “hidden exit on a greyhound” sounds pink floyd-esque, this expansive, reflective and stunning piece of music is a perfect way to close out a deeply personal and beautiful album. vida blue is probably their lightest and most personal album to date, tackling grief, the state of art and creativity, as well as the general state of the world at the moment. it’s one of their most melodic, jazzy, soulful and sonically lush projects to date.

the album: