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Melechesh is one of several black /
death metal bands during the last few years who have made themselves known for
introducing Middle East influenced lyrics and music into their sound. Among
these we can find a couple of American bands like Nile and Absu. The drummer
of Melechesh is nowadays no other than Proscriptor of Absu. Melechesh still
stand out from the rest though. They hail from Israel which isn't that
strange either now that we have heard of bands like Orphaned Land, Salem and
Nail Within, but they have gone further with their concept than any of the
other bands I've mentioned. I was very impressed with the debut album
"Djinn" from these guys and I am even more impressed this time. The music is
still a mix of black and thrash metal with unusual unique song structures and
oriental rhythms that remind me a of the first three Therion releases but more
elaborate. The lyrics are also exclusively based on Mesopotamian / Sumerian
magic mythology. Catchy riffs, a dark and mysterious atmosphere, powerful and
impressive musicianship makes this one of the best black metal releases of the
year so far. The only thing that I have to object to is that the album might
be slightly overproduced, making it sound a little sterile and not as vivid as
it could have been. Apart from this, "Sphynx" is one of the most
professional album releases ever to come out of Osmose Productions. It was
recorded and mixed by the King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque at Los Angered
Studios outside Gothenburg, Sweden and mastered by Attie Bauw at Bauwhaus
Studio in Amsterdam, Holland (Judas Priest, Scorpions, Rush etc.). The cover
art is illustrated by Ron Woodall who works for George Lucas' Industrial
Light And Magic and has done graphic design for movies such as Star Wars,
Dragonheart, Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbour just to mention a few. Intense,
fast-paced and unique is my final judgment on this release. One thing is for
sure, there is no other band like
Melechesh.
| Tracklist |
1. Of Mercury And Mercury |
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2. Secrets Of Sumerian Sphynxology 3. Annunaki’s Golden Thrones |
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4. Apkallu Counsel 5. Tablets Of Fate 6. Triangular |
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Tattvic Fire 7. The Arrival Ritual 8. Incendium Between Mirage |
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And Time 9. Purifier Of The Stars 10. Caravans To Ur |
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: 63.08
| Buy other Melechesh albums |
