Dälek (US), ZAHN

Dälek has spent over two decades redefining the edges of hip-hop — merging noise, shoegaze, and political fire into a sound entirely their own. Known for their dense atmospheres, heavy beats, and uncompromising lyricism, MC Dälek (lyrics and production) and Mike Mare (production/multi-instrumentalist) have built a legacy rooted in experimentation, truth, and raw emotion. In 2026, Dälek returns to the core of their artistry with a new album — a project that finds them going back to the essence. Stripped to their rawest form, the record channels the grit and immediacy of their earliest recordings while pushing forward sonically. Built around the MPC 3000, processed guitars, and the tangible chemistry between Dälek and Mare, this new material is a study in purpose and precision. Every sound, texture, and rhythm serves the composition — no excess, no filler, only intent. Crafted together in the studio, the duo’s interplay drives the creative process: their layers of distortion, drones, and rhythm sculpt the landscape while Dälek's voice cuts through with clarity and weight. The result is a body of work that’s both minimalist and massive — a return to foundation without nostalgia, where hip hop’s raw energy meets avant-garde sound design. As they enter this new chapter, Dälek continues to embody what they always have: unfiltered honesty, sonic depth, and revolutionary spirit — proving once again that the essence of their music lies not in complexity, but in conviction.