Malek Jamshid cover

Released 10 years ago

Malek Jamshid

Kourosh Yaghmaei · 2016

44 min · 9 tracks · blues

Psychedelic rock and blues-infused melodies intertwine with rich Persian instrumentation, creating an atmospheric exploration of identity and journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Key To Miaei (When Do You Come?) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting vocals and intricate musical arrangement, drawing listeners into Yaghmaei's world.
  • →
    Panahandeh (Refugee) — The poignant lyrics and emotional delivery reflect the struggles of displacement, making it a standout commentary on contemporary issues faced by many.
  • →
    Malek Jamshid (King Jamshid) — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of myth and identity, combining storytelling with a vibrant musical backdrop that showcases Yaghmaei's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's fusion of Persian music with modern rock elements creates a distinctive sound that rewards multiple listens.

What we noticed

  • Several songs utilize extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation, creating an atmospheric feel throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • vibrant soundscapes to explore
  • engaging narrative through tracks
  • immersive experience for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Malek Jamshid' was released in 2016, Kourosh Yaghmaei had already established himself as a pioneering figure in Iranian rock music since the 1970s. This album marked his return after a long hiatus, showcasing his evolving sound while maintaining ties to his cultural roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Googoosh· Ebi· Hayedeh

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Panahandeh (Refugee)

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to collective experience, emphasizing the plight of those seeking safety.

    This structural shift broadens the scope from individual emotions to societal realities, inviting listeners to engage with larger themes of belonging.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Key To Miaei (When Do You Come?) 3:20
  • 2 Harfaye Abi (The Blue Words) 5:41
  • 3 Ghatar (Train) 5:44
  • 4 Chamedoon (Suitcase) 3:09
  • 5 Poshte Oun Dar (Behind That Door) 3:48
  • 6 Panahandeh (Refugee) 4:58
  • 7 Nowruz (Iranian New Year) 4:43
  • 8 Safar (Journey) 5:41
  • 9 Malek Jamshid (King Jamshid) 7:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata