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, an eclectic fundraiser ep titled those who pass between fleeting words, with proceeds going to the palestine children’s relief fund (pcrf).

released: december 1st, 2023

genre: black metal / experimental / jazz

from: san francisco, usa

label: the flenser

a few thoughts: those who pass between fleeting words is a 6-track project featuring gentle, soulful and lush moments, such as on the opener “nabila’s anthem”. the drum programming on this sounds like a hip-hop beat, as it descends into abrasive guitars and vocals near the end. the subdued and quiet energy on “lonely woman” is gorgeous and meditative, as the growling vocals add a heaviness to the otherwise light and melodic composition. “in the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed are kings” has this rumbling, eerie melody and energy that is lavish and lush and beautiful throughout. “out of time” is a groovy, guitar-led hip-hop instrumental of sorts, with soulful vocal chops and strings that sound grandiose and lush. “ghosts” closes the album out with a jittery, colourful and upbeat track that is a bit all over the place but also speaks to their penchant to experiment with new sounds and create quirky and enveloping compositions. a good ep for a great cause.

the album: