Album Review: Unknown by Amanah (1998)
Alright, let’s get into this. Unknown by Amanah dropped in '98 under Marcopolo International Enterprises—a label you probably never heard of unless you’re some kinda music nerd. This album ain’t perfect, but damn if it doesn’t have its moments. It’s raw, unfiltered, and honestly? Kinda messy. But that’s what makes it stick.
First up, track three—"Shadows in the Rain." Holy crap, this tune hits like a punch to the gut. The beat is slow-burning, almost hypnotic, but then Amanah’s voice cuts through like a knife. She ain’t singing; she’s spilling her guts. You can feel every word like it’s your own messed-up life story. And that bassline? Forget about it. It’s so deep it feels like it’s gonna swallow you whole. I remember this track ‘cause it’s one of those songs where you stop whatever dumb thing you’re doing and just listen. No distractions. Just her and the chaos she creates.
Then there’s "Falling Forward," which is wild for totally different reasons. If “Shadows” is a quiet storm, this one’s an all-out assault. The drums are relentless, and the guitar riff sounds like someone lit it on fire. Amanah screams her way through the chorus like she’s trying to outrun something—or maybe catch it. It’s chaotic as hell, but that’s why it works. When she belts out “I’m not afraid anymore,” you wanna believe her. Even if she might be lying.
This album ain’t for everyone. Some tracks drag, others feel unfinished, and yeah, there are production flaws everywhere. But screw it—that’s part of the charm. Unknown doesn’t try to polish anything over. It’s real, ugly even, and that honesty is rare as hell in today’s cookie-cutter music scene.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this record feels like finding a mixtape from another dimension. Like, who was this woman? What happened to her after '98? Did Marcopolo International Enterprises even exist outside of some guy’s basement office? Honestly, I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure—this album sticks with you. Not because it’s flawless, but because it fights back.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if it messes with your head.
