Artist: Melechesh
Title: Enki
Genre: Black Metal
Release Date: 27th February 2015
Label: Nuclear Blast
Album Review
MELECHESH was formed in 1993 in Jerusalem, mostly a brainchild of Ashmedi. Their first album has got them into trouble with the authorities who suspected them of ‘cult activities’, though the charges were dropped they’ve relocated to Germany. Many lines up later and five albums behind them ‘Enki’ has entered its existence in February already. What they’re about is that they inject Middle East and Mediterranean influences into Black Metal. The interesting bit is that there are guest appearances of Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, ex-SEPULTURA) on ‘Lost Tribes’ and Sakis Tolis (ROTTING CHRIST) on ‘Enki Divine Nature Awoken’.
From the get go, it’s brutal onslaught that won’t nearly enough let you breathe, shredding and blast beats at insane, breakneck speed, this is not just Black Metal but a heap of Thrash thrown besides. Just as well, it fits ‘Enki’ the oldest of deities, God of mischief and Earth and Water who stood in contrast to his misanthropic half-brother Enlil - just to be brief on its occult foundations, throw creep-vocal incantations into the bag; this is a mass for him. A very turbulent mass at that... Certainly unique, but the measures of the fusion of all the elements making it are somewhat too on the overdone side. You have no time to reflect on the music, it’s like you’re a punching bag for the most of the relentless world-calibre boxers. The onslaught doesn’t let any instrument or vocals stand out, they just get pushed off that express train. Perhaps some of the over-zealous creative energy can be more controlled, it’s not in doubt that they’re really good, just a shame to shower it under.
Tracklist
01. Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged - 6:32
02. The Pendulum Speaks - 4:18
03. Lost Tribes - 6:17
04. Multiple Truths - 5:07
05. Enki Divine Nature Awoken - 8:38
06. Metatron and Man - 6:32
07. The Palm The Eye and Lapis Lazuli - 4:08
08. Doorways to Irkala - 8:00
09. The Outsiders - 12:48
Line-up
Ashmedi - vocals / guitar
Scorpios - bass/backing vocals
Moloch - guitar
Lord Curse - drums
Websites
http://www.melechesh.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/melechesh
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7.5
Sound: 8
Total: 7.75 / 10
