Melechesh - Enki (2015) [320] V01dV

Melechesh is a Middle Eastern black metal band that originates from Jerusalem. Ashmedi started the band as a solo project in 1993. In the following year, guitarist Moloch and drummer Lord Curse were added to the line-up. The band’s goal was to create a type of black metal incorporating extensive Middle Eastern influences mainly based on Mesopotamian/Sumerian and occult themes (both musically and lyrically); the band invented the title “Mesopotamian metal” to best describe their type of metal.

The band’s release in 1995 of the official demo As Jerusalem Burns… and 7” EP The Siege of Lachish attracted attention from both underground metal fans and local authorities. Melechesh were accused of “Dark Cult activities” by the law enforcement authorities of the city of Jerusalem, especially by a frontpage newspaper article which twisted some facts. The charges were eventually dropped.

In 1996, The band released their debut album As Jerusalem Burns…Al´Intisar on an American black metal record label; then newly recruited bassist Al´Hazred completed the line-up. This marked the band as the first signed Non -Israeli band from the Middle East. And also First international signed metal band from Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Due to various personal, professional, and demographic reasons the band members had to relocate. 1998 armed with a new promo CD “Mesopotamian Metal” and after a farewell gig in Jerusalem, Israel, Melechesh relocated to France and the Netherlands .

Mesopotamian black/thrash pioneers MELECHESH will release their new album, "Enki", on February 10 (one day earlier internationally) via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2010's "The Epigenesis"

Almost all of the music and lyrics was again written and produced by MELECHESH mainman Ashmedi.

MELECHESH spent one month in its rehearsal room in Hinzweiler, Germany preparing the material before entering the recording studio in Athens, Greece. The band wanted a Mediterranean place to capture the essence of the band’s origins.

"Enki" features 12-string electric guitars aside from the 6-string played on the entire album, for a heavier and subtly richer harmonic sound. The band also tuned their instruments to the pitch-perfect 432 Hz frequency rather than the standardized 440 Hz one for a deeper sonic experience within the human psyche and in accordance to vibrations of the universe. "Enki" also features esteemed friends of the MELECHESH society guest vocalists Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA) and Sakis Tolis (ROTTING CHRIST) as well as guest lead by Rob Caggiano (VOLBEAT, ANTHRAX).

With so many nationalities in the band, MELECHESH have become more comfortable at being labelled as an act from planet earth or just Jerusalem without adhering to any man-made virtual borders. To the band, this is metaphorical rebellion.



Band Members

Melechesh Ashmedi Vocals, Guitars, Sitar, Keyboards, Piano, Percussion
Lord Curse Drums, Percussion
Moloch Guitars, Saz, Bindir, Bouzouki, Percussion, Vocals (backing)
Scorpios Bass, Vocals (backing)



Discography

As Jerusalem Burns… Al’Intisar (1996)
Djinn (2001)
Sphynx (2003)
Emissaries (2006)
The Epigenesis (2010)
Enki (2015)



Enki (2015)



01. Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged
02. The Pendulum Speaks
03. Lost Tribes
04. Multiple Truths
05. Enki - Divine Nature Awoken
06. Metatron And Man
07. The Palm The Eye And Lapis Lazuli
08. Doorways To Irkala
09. The Outsiders