-->
Search this site:

 

Melechesh - Enki

Label: Nuclear Blast
Format: CD download
Released: 2015
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 8/ 10


Hard to believe, but Ashmedi has been weaving his Middle Eastern flavored sonic tapestry (utilizing authentic instrumentation) for more than two decades now. Although the locations may have changed, the focus has remained constant, creating a unique brand of aggressive, albeit tuneful, black metal, with rhythms and mythos alien to most Westerners. The fact he's a fun-loving, insightful human being is all the more reason to support/be a fan.

 

Melechesh utilized studios in Germany, Greece and the USA to perfect their latest master work. Opening with a swirling whirlwind of his traditional rhythms, ‘Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged’ lays the foundation for what's to follow: 9 vicious slices of black metal (never forsaking tonality), with a couple of guests. Max Cavalera adds vocals to first single ‘Lost Tribes’, Rotting Christ's singer Sakis Tolis can be heard on the grooving title track, while ex-Anthrax/current Volbeat guitarist Rob Caggiano appears on three songs. To untrained ears, ‘The Pendulum Speaks’ sounds like the stereotypical Middle Eastern sounds galloping at hyperspeed. It's much more creative than that. Hats off to drummer Lord Curse who lays down wicked patterns in the blur around him, including plenty of ride cymbal during ‘The Palm, The Eye And Lapis Lazuli’. ‘Multiple Truths’ (which they debuted on the 70,000 Tons cruise) is a more restrained (by comparison) mid-tempo creation, but the lyrics seep from his mouth. In contrast, ‘Metatron And Man’ is pure speed, from word go. Hypnotically slow, percussion and distant strings, ala Black Sabbath's ‘Planet Caravan’, mark the entire 8:14 instrumental ‘Doorway To Irkala’. Vocals on ‘The Outsiders’ finale are clean/discernible. Enter a new spiritual void!

 
© 2020 MetalAsylum.net