Sphynx

Melechesh | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 27, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: The End Records
• ASIN: B00011CU7Y
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,330 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Mercury and Mercury

2. Secrets of Sumerian Sphynxology

3. Annunaki's Golden Thrones

4. Apkallu Counsel

5. Tablets of Fate

6. Triangular Tattvic Fire

7. The Arrival Ritual

8. Incendium Between Mirage and Time

9. Purifier of the Stars

10. Caravans to Ur

11. Babylon Fell [*]

Editorial Reviews

Originating from the unlikely 'Holy' places (Jerusalem and Bethlehem), and inspired by the forbidden arts, Melechesh smash geographical and musical boundaries in the name of rampant Mesopotamian Metal, thrashing black metal synergies with mystic Mediterra --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Meopotamian Metal Madness, March 16, 2004

By 

"organgrinderlv" (Sin City, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sphynx (Audio CD)

Melechesh as you may know features a heavily Assyrian / Meopotamian / Babylonian theme, and as such draw frequent thematic comparisons to Nile. While Nile are quickly becoming gods of death metal, Melechesh remain more obscure black metal. However, the comparisons are legitimate for more esoteric reasons. Both feature an approach to song structure and aesthetic that stays bound to varying degrees to the musical (or at least percieved) traditions of the heritage they are invoking. Both feature some members from the general area of the ancient world they hail (Nile's first drummer was from Oman and Melechesh's guitarist and bassist are from Israel). Both include rhytmic and lyrical references to the cultures they invoke as well.

Melechesh does this with synccopated backbeats with a decidedly modern metal flare, some interestingly middle-eastern-sounding guitar work without the pitch bends that creates a slightly off-kilter rhythmic speed-picking that suits the aesthetic well, and melodies and harmonies of the evocative natural harmonic minor scale and mixolyidan modes as well as perfect 4th and 5th harmonies. These spices of music are made more 'metal palpable' with the usual dose of typical Slayer-beats, blast beats, more traditional riffs and solo work, and a more mid-paced feel that the band's previous efforts.

For those of you who don't know, this features USBM legend Absu's Proscriptor on drums and vocals. His drumwork here is relaxed and appropriate, but not as polyrhythmic or insane as Nile's. In fact, only songs 2, 6, and 8 feature much in the way of decipherable 'middle-eastern' drum synccopation, and in these songs it is effective, but simple. Track 1 is interesting in it's chaotic structure; definitely the most death-metal influenced track on the CD. This mix of rhythmic approaches fits the overall music well, but then again it is not a blistering powerhouse of technicality.

This is not traditional black metal at all, in fact it sounds more heavy metal or thrash except for the screaming rasping black metal vocals. However, this is definitely worh listening to for metal fans looking for something unique.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best all around metal albums ever..., November 3, 2005

By 

Pauly Paranthropus (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sphynx (Audio CD)

I never get tired of the precision and passion of Melechesh's attack. Many metal bands have utilized middle eastern melodies and rhythms in their music, but these guys are truly the real deal. Nothing really more needs to be said about this album except that I don't think Melechesh have achieved the recognition they deserve. I'm sure if they lived Stateside or in England, they could increase their exposure but living in Israel may complicate matters in regards to their touring.

That said, get this album if you like true metal. Even Djinn, their last album is excellent as well. Just wait until their next release, I'll bet it's going to be a monster.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime, October 20, 2005

By 

F. Okholm (Denmark) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sphynx (Audio CD)

Proscriptor is the King. If you're a drummer, you have to listen to some of his work. Get this and some Absu, one of his other projects. I swear, sometimes his drums are enough to kick in that feeling of transportation only the best music gives you.
Of course, on this album, most of the time he is playing along to very adventurous and playful riffing. Melechesh has the speed and vocals of black metal, but still come off as thrashy, or just 'brilliant'.
The lyrics are about the true creators of earth and man and all that:

"Rites of ill winds, burning the awareness path
Rites of Dingir never to be for mankind
In the maze of the dome it shall be sealed
The secrets of sphynxology will never be revealed

Nebiru ground of the olden rise
Dunes of the formers cipher the cries
Lies!"

Great.

My favorite here is probably Annunaki's Golden Thrones, because of 'that riff part'. You will know when you hear it.