Meltem's music is soaring, persistent, patient, and slow-boiling. While its foundations hark back to the psychedelic rock of the 70s and the stoner-doom of the turn of the century, it is also an invitation to sail the Mare Nostrum that both titles and inspires their debut album, from the Iberian Peninsula to Anatolia and beyond. Thus, Middle Eastern rhythmic and harmonic patterns meld into the rock waves in journeys back and forth, between calm and storm, between beautiful melodic weightlessness and raw, leaden riffs. Just as the Mediterranean has been and will be witness to some of the greatest manifestations of human beauty and cruelty, the warm summer breeze that sways this album also hides the threat of an explosive cyclone.

Formed in 2019 and with a demo recorded in 2021 under their belt, after several lineup changes, this Barcelona band takes a firm and thoughtful step with an album of hypnotic exuberance captured by the renowned engineer and producer Javi Félez at Moontower Studios in Terrassa. The chemistry of its three members – Dani on guitar, Pep (Warchetype, Cuzo, Mothercrow, Sitrama) on drums and vocals, and David on bass – was complemented on this occasion by the oriental touch of the exceptional percussionist Omar Kattan.

Recording & master: Moontower Studios, Javi Félez
Design & cover: Ramón Aused
Photo: Helena Torrent
Labels: Nafra Records, Quebranta Records, Nooirax Producciones, Discos Macarras
Format: LP, Digital
Release date: 28th of June 2024