Marasme - Fel

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Marasme is a metal band that combines doom, sludge, post-hardcore and black metal into a highly convincing sound.  The band formed in 2008 and their latest release, “Fel,” is their fourth full length album; they have also released an EP, a split, and a live album.

“Fel,” is such a convincing album because it works on so many levels.  It’s extreme but also highly emotional.  The edges that incase the music are rough as hell, with jagged edges that cut to the bone.  But the lines inside are colored with a subtle approach to melody and just a shit ton of memorable moments.


The production is fantastic; it feels very warm in places which helps bring out the melodic and post elements to the forefront just when they are needed to.  But it isn’t so pristine that the more destructive elements don’t get time to shine as well.  This album exists in many worlds and all them are presented equally and with strong dynamics to that approach. 


The opening song, “Espurna,” showcases exactly what I am talking about.  Much like the album as a whole, the song sent my ears through a gauntlet of tortuous whiplash but then it settles into a steady groove that balances aggressiveness with post-metal subtleties.  Around the halfway mark, catchy as hell riffs (far catchier than most music of this nature usually) hit like a ton of bricks before the song settles into a dismal yet dreamy passage, highlighted by the blackened-sludge vocals.   It’s a hell of an opening song but the album only gets better from here. 


“Metzina,” opens with the icy grip of sorrow, the vocals clawing desperately for life.  The bass/guitar are thick yet also heavy on the atmosphere—they create a massive, full sound that sounds absolutely insane with a good pair of headphones.   The drum work is stellar, complimenting the other instruments at just the right moment even while forging a path all its own.   If the previous track showcased what the band is capable of, this song showcases how much of their sound is all their own, despite the mix of well-trodden genres.


 Around the 4:27 mark, the band rushes through like lightning, the vocals screaming into the night before the band hits the zenith of emotive prowess, sorrowful laced riffs cascading like a meteor shower through the backdrop of forever night.   At the 6:18 mark, the song turns what I can only describe as ‘tragically beautiful.”  


The final song, “Larva,” is my favorite song on the album and one of THE best songs I’ve heard in the second half of 2025.  Everything about it represents the emotional power of this band and how effectively they weld the power of extremes.   The melodic parts where the double bass pours on the intensity are fantastic.  The whole song is an emotional rollercoaster, never letting up for a second. 


Marasme’s “Fel,” is one of the more impressive albums I’ve heard lately because there is so much feeling, care, and soul put into the music.  These aspects emanate in waves and really hit me hard.  It’s also highly catchy in places for music of this type and that only adds to the replay value.  


Rating:  Excellent















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