Album
Type: Full Length
Date
Released: 27/02/2015
Label:
Nuclear Blast Records
‘Enki’
CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged 6:32
2. The Pendulum Speaks 4:18
3. Lost Tribes 6:17
4. Multiple Truths 5:07
5. Enki Divine Nature Awoken 8:38
6. Metatron and Man 6:32
7. The Palm The Eye and Lapis Lazuli 4:08
8. Doorways to Irkala 8:00
9. The Outsiders 12:48
Melechesch
are:
Ashmedi | vocals & guitar
Scorpios | bass
Scorpios | bass
Moloch | guitar
Lord Curse| drums
Lord Curse| drums
Review
Album
number six from these Assyrian authors of Mesopotamian metal. There are middle
eastern inflections aplenty in this stellar production. ‘Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged’ sets a
furious pace with spoken word sections and rhythmical ride work over the blast
beats. The track settles into more palatable tempos. The vocals take on the
traditional black metal screech for most of the track after the swirling intro.
This is superior stuff. Much like Winterfylleth make a virtue and feature of
Englishness, Melechesh use their heritage and conjure up perfectly desert
sounds, and the swirling nature of sand storms and so on. This is black metal,
but with more weighty riffs and some real heft to some of the passages- it goes
far beyond fast picked noise.
‘The Pendulum Speaks’ has a lovely guitar
interplay opening with more imaginative cymbal work abounding too- great sound.
It is closer to a “traditional song structure” clocking in at four and a bit
minutes. ‘Lost Tribes’ follows
with all the drama that the title implies. The band is positively rocking on
this one- heads will bang, that's for sure. The riffs are full of twists and
turns, but they still manage to be easy to follow too. There are some
Maiden-esque passages here and there along with much weightier fare. This is a
ripper of a track and very, very metal. It is refreshing to hear a unique band
with their own take on a sub-genre. I have not heard Melechesh before, but I
guarantee that I will be listening to this a lot over the next year. Their back
catalogue will most likely get explored too. The riffs are very heavy, the
musicianship is advanced and the whole productions screams quality. The time
changes come thick and fast on this one, add in some nifty lead breaks in the
latter third and you have a complete metal package.
‘Multiple Truths’ starts with a purposeful
groove instead of relying on blasting extremity. The band mixes sub-genres well
throughout the record. It is undoubtedly black metal, but there are many
elements of thrash, trad and death metal present here too.
‘Enki Divine Nature Awoken’ follows with an
Eastern intro (very well mixed) that is then taken over by a tension building
section before returning before the track gets going with odd time signatures.
The vocals use some good production tricks (the high/low double track etc) to
add texture, while the track progresses with layering of guitars and some
memorable riffing. My knowledge of Sumerian mythology is negligible, so I rely
on Wikipedia to tell me that Enki is one of the Sumerian gods- of water and
other things. Enki was later known as Ea. Is this anything to do with the “Ea”
of “Ea- Lord of The Depths” from
Burzum's fist record? Quite possibly, but that requires more internet research
than I have time for at the moment. That said, I like my history and mythology,
so will delve into that later. Again- this is a plus point for me as the record
has depth to its content and rather unique selling point. Excellent!
‘Metatron and Man’ features some speedy riffing
sections and blasting which makes for more traditionally recognisable black
metal. There are some great changes here and a lovely frantic riff section
before the two minute mark (good use of hi-hat syncopation!). The blasting does
not stay in place for long and does not overwhelm the record either- it is
measured and never needlessly extreme. Again, the strong riffs shine through on
this- something that not all black metal bands can claim.
‘The Palm The Eye and Lapis Lazuli’. Reviewing
this is becoming a history/mythology research project at this point! Well, this
one takes in precious stone amongst other things and is most definitely
something to explore further. I think the subject matter here warrants a
physical purchase of this record to get the full benefit- CD or vinyl... but I
hope it has a lyric sheet. This track is fantastic- great riffs and leads,
lovely drumming. A stand out.
‘Doorways to Irkala’ is eight minutes of middle
eastern atmosphere. I don't know what instruments are on there (beyond
percussion!) but it is totally in keeping with the rest of the record and sets
the stage perfectly for the close to thirteen minutes of ‘The Outsiders’ which closes out this
impressively self assured record. The track starts with a mid paced groove and
bass slides but then takes you on a real journey. The music builds up towards
the verses through a couple of changes. The pace is steady for much of the
track as the band makes use of dynamics, different percussive approaches and
riff changes to progress the track, while keeping a central theme. Things
change in the final third as things ultimately release in a cathartic blast of
manic energy. Things slow right down for the brief outro. With that the record
is over.
I
have to say, this is one of the most impressive and unusual albums I have heard
in while. Black metal with a twist and this is essential listening for those
that like the genre and are open to bands who are not from Norway. Expect a
year end list appearance from this one. A superb album of depth and power.
Words by: Richard Maw
You
can pick a copy of ‘Enki’ here
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