Madina Lake

Madina Lake

Madina Lake is an alternative rock band from Chicago, United States. The group forms in 2005 and is active from 2004 to the present, with the line-up of Nathan Leone, Matthew Leone, Mateo Camargo and Dan Torelli.

Origins and early formation

The band begins with twin brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone, who are former members of The Blank Theory. Their start-up money comes from a prize won on Fear Factor Twins, which provides $50,000 for the first demo. Camargo and Torelli, who are former members of the Chicago rock band Reforma, complete the four-piece line-up.

Albums, label history and style

Madina Lake signs to Roadrunner Records after releasing the EP The Disappearance of Adalia. Its debut album, From Them, Through Us, to You, is released in 2007 through Roadrunner. The follow-up album, Attics to Eden, appears in 2009. In 2011, the band leaves Roadrunner and signs with Sony, releasing World War III as its third studio album and first release for the new label.

Concepts and themes

The band builds much of its work around a fictional town imagined by Matthew Leone. This setting is placed high in the American mountains, cut off from human contact, and described as remaining in a 1950s-style era. The music deals with politics, culture and the media's fixation on celebrity. The songs and artwork also connect to the mystery of Adalia, which is presented as part of the band's wider concept story. World War III completes a trilogy based on the Leone brothers' tales of this metaphorical universe.

Related release information

The group records an EP titled The Dresden Codex and issues the songs "They're Coming For Me" and "Hey Superstar!".