Melechesh
Melechesh | |
|---|---|
| File:Melechesh-2006.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Jerusalem |
| Years active | 1993 - present |
| Members | Ashmedi Moloch Al' Hazred Xul |
Melechesh is a black metal band that originated from Jerusalem, Israel . 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 bands' 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 black metal.
Biography
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 front page news paper article which twisted some facts. The charge was 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.
Due to variuous personal and professional reasons, the band members were forced to relocate to France and the Netherlands in 1998. Lord Curse remained in Jerusalem and later moved to USA to continue with his Art studies, thus requiring the band to recruit a new drummer. Absu drummer Proscriptor soon filled the vacant position. From that point on, Melechesh have released two full length albums: Djinn (2001), dealing with mesopotamian mythology, and Sphynx (2003), dealing with Mesopotamian / Sumerian mythology while always keeping the dark and near eastern occult themes close to their hearts. Recently the band recorded their 4th album Emissaries which is set for a worldwide release sometime in fall 2006. Meanwhile, Xul has replaced Proscriptor as the band's full time drummer.
Misconceptions about the band: At times Melechesh is mistakenly considered an Israeli band, a confusion due to the fact that the band started their career in Jerusalem (and Bethlehem) however, none of band members are Israeli or have the Israeli nationality. Currently the band consists of four nationalities: Armenian (Ashmedi), Assyrian (Moloch), Dutch (Xul) and Ukrainian (Al' Hazred). Furthermore, some people think Melechesh have Egyptian mythological themes, while in their 13 year career, Melechesh never sung about any Egyptian theme.
Pronunciation
The ch in Melechesh is pronounced like the Scottish ch as in the word LOCH or Dutch G(Kh). Another accepted and common pronunciation is MeleKesh.
Band members
Current members
- Ashmedi - vocals, lead & rhythm guitars (also 12 string acoustic and electric guitar, synths and Eastern percussions)
- Moloch - lead & rhythm guitars (also Near Eastern Buzuq)
- Al´ Hazred - bass
- Xul - drums & percussion
Former members
- Lord Curse - Drums
- Proscriptor - Drums, vocals, lyrics
Discography
Albums
- As Jerusalam Burns (Demo, 1995)
- The Siege of Lachish (EP, 1995)
- As Jerusalem Burns...Al´Intisar (1996) (Re-issued in 2005)
- Djinn (2001)
- Sphynx (2003)
- The Ziggurat Scrolls (EP, 2004)
- Emissaries (2006) Release Date - October 30, 2006