Melechesh

Melechesh is a black metal band that originated in 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.

Name

The name Melechesh consists of two Hebrew words, ??? (melech, king) and ?? (esh, fire), a combination which has been originated by the band. The ch is pronounced like the Scottish ch as in the word LOCH or Dutch G(Kh). Another accepted and common pronunciation is MeleKesh.

History

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.

Due to various 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 the USA to continue with his Art studies, thus requiring the band to recruit a new drummer. Absu mainman and 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 fourth album Emissaries which is available in Europe (Osmose Productions) and by The End Records in the United States and Canada . Meanwhile, Xul has replaced Proscriptor as the band?s fulltime drummer. Additionally, Proscriptor, while no longer in the band, plans to re-release The Siege of Lachish on his label, Tarot Productions, also in 2007.On the 2nd of May 2009,the band played for the first time in Dubai at the Sandstorm Festival playing alongside Bilocate and Kaoteon.

Origins

The band started their career in Jerusalem (and Bethlehem) and operated from there between 1993?1997; however, they have resided mainly in Amsterdam throughout most of their career. Currently the band is made up of three ethnicities, none of them of Israeli (whether Jewish or Arab) origin: Armenian/Assyrian (Ashmedi), Palestinian (Moloch), Dutch (Xul)

Band members

Current members
Ashmedi ? main vocals, lead & rhythm guitars, 12-string acoustic guitar, keyboards and percussion
Moloch ? lead & rhythm guitars, buzuq
Xul ? drums & percussion

Former members
Lord Curse ? drums (on As Jerusalem Burns)
Proscriptor ? drums & percussion, vocals, lyrics (On Djinn and Sphynx)
Al? Hazred ? bass, additional vocals (1996-2006)

Discography

As Jerusalem Burns... (Demo, 1995)
The Siege of Lachish (EP, 1995)
As Jerusalem Burns...Al?Intisar (1996)
Djinn (2001)
Sphynx (2003,2004 in North America)
The Ziggurat Scrolls (EP, 2004)
Emissaries (2006/2007 in North America)