EP REVIEW: Sentinels of Shamash – Melechesh
Mesopotamian metallers MELECHESH have retained firm admiration over the course of their 33 year history. A fusion of black and thrash, and an interwoven thematic focus on Sumerian and Mesopotamian mythology, the band have carved a unique position in the scene, with their studio output has delivering utter gems in 2006s Emissaries and 2010’s The Epigenesis. It’s been a staggering 11 years since we last received new MELECHESH material and 2015’s Enki feels a lifetime ago. But now, Sentinels of Shamash arrives as the band awaken from their long slumber.
With three tracks spanning just over 21 minutes, Sentinels of Shamash is more of a snarl than a fully-fledged ferocious reawakening. That’s not to say the EP is bad. Far from it in fact. Across its three tracks, MELECHESH provide a rip-roaring good time, with plenty of highs throughout. Opener The Seventh Verdict ignites the EP with a wicked Sumerian licking riff, a stark reminder that the past 11 years haven’t dulled the band’s sharpness. Across the near six and a half minute runtime, the track twists and turns in a cacophony of devilishly cool riffs and a wicked beat, while band leader Ashmedi delivers his slick snarls through the mix effortlessly, benefitting from a stellar production job. The conclusion, in particular, excels from this as the band medley a ferocious rolling beat with dizzying riffs that builds in suspense before rolling to a gentle halt. It’s hair-raising stuff.
The other two tracks on offer here are just as good. In Shadows, In Light – arguably the pick of the bunch – harkens back to Emissaries with an incredible opening riff that bounces with the same groove and hooks as Ladders To Sumeria, before displaying MELECHESH at their very best. Dispatching an abundance of blackened thrashing riffs, the track flies in top gear – propelled by a ferocious percussion – before unfolding into a passage of play that sees that band embrace their Middle Eastern mysticism. The musical influences and their heritage are so cleverly interwoven here into a sound that is truly uniquely MELECHESH, and when they are flying full throttle – as they do so often here – it’s simply sensational to experience.
Raptors of Anzu – the last song on offer on Sentinels of Shamash – may fall slightly short compared to the previous two tracks, but it’s still a solid offering nonetheless. A rolling thunder of full-throttle riffing and blastbeats carry the weight of the track, allowing Ashmedi to delivery his sermon-esque delivery with thunderous effect. There’s plenty of wicked riffs, but the song truly comes to life in its closing salvo. Here, delicious riffage intertwines with oriental percussion that ensnares itself in your eardrums, begging you to hit the repeat button. A slick closure to the EP.
Arguably, the most frustrating aspect to Sentinels of Shamash is the fact this is just a bitesize offering from MELECHESH. The three tracks presented here absolutely rip, but it just leaves us yearning for more. One would expect new material to follow in due course, but for now, tuck in and enjoy this delicious appetiser of magical Mesopotamian metal, one that only fuels anticipation for the next full-length record, whenever that may be.
Rating: 8/10
Sentinels Of Shamash is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music.
For more information on MELECHESH like their official page on Facebook.
