Release Date: June 28th 2024. Record Label: Discos Macarras. Formats: DD/Vinyl
Mare Nostrum: Tracklisting
1.Tretze 12:09
2.Cúrcuna 07:47
3.Mandrágora 14:45
4.Oasi 06:49
Members
David Giménez - Bass, Guitars
Pep Caravantes - Drums, Darbuka, Vocals
Daniel Pozuelo - Guitars, Effects
Review
Mare Nostrum is the debut album from Psychedelic Doomsters Meltem is quite an outlandish record in many ways. As the band delves into different musical cultures and merges into a modern Doomedelic Soundscape that borders upon Psychedelic and Progressive based energy. There’s some epic sounding Middle Eastern Chants with a sullen Doom/Stoner based guitar which are almost trance inducing at times.
With an ethereal 1970s Prog Rock sound appearing within the opening two tracks of Tretze and Cúrcuna that allows Meltem to have a multi-layered, progressive and cultural way of thinking with deeply philosophical and personal lyrics. The grooves can be dominated by Sludge Metal rhythms courtesy of the excellent work provided by David Giménez and Pep Pozuelo on Bass and Drums respectively. Though, each member including Daniel Pozuelo each play multiple different instruments on this record which gives the whole sound a world-weary attitude which is quite reminiscent of YOB in many ways.
The later stages of the record does opt for a more “METALLIC”, heavier and forceful style of music which allows Meltem to play the heaviest moments on the whole album especially within the epic sounding third track Mandrágora. The sound becomes quite direct and with a further reliance on riff-centric instrumental passages but still retaining that sublime experimental cultural energy that appeared within the dynamic first half of the record.
Meltem employs a wide array of different musical techniques and laying down genres you don’t expect to hear along the way such as Ambient, Folk and Post-Rock which allows the band to be delightfully eccentric and downright original at the same time.
Mare Nostrum is a refreshing change of pace for the Psychedelic Doom Metal scene and perhaps allows Meltem the perfect opportunity to become more widely known within the underground scene.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Meltem for the promo.
Mare Nostrum is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Discos Macarras.
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